Automated specimen processing systems and methods of aligning and transporting specimen-bearing microscope slides

Systems and methods that enable automated processing of specimens carried on microscope slides are described herein. Aspects of the technology are directed, for example, to automated specimen processing systems and methods of aligning and transporting specimen-bearing microscope slides in automated processing systems. The system can include, for example, an ejector assembly having a slide staging device configured to receive a slide. The ejector assembly can include, for example, a slide alignment device configured to engage the slide at a plurality of contact points for moving the slide from a misaligned position to an aligned position on the standby platform. The slide alignment device can include a first aligning member and a second aligning member positioned opposite the first aligning member on the standby platform. The first and second aligning members can be movable between an open position for receiving a slide and a closed position for aligning the slide.