Pathologist Assistant I

Role Summary

The Pathologist Assistant I assists assigned Pathologists in organizing and performing pathology tasks within a study. Responsibilities include pathology report review, macrodissection/microdissection of tumor areas, and tasks such as marking H&E stained tissue and ordering tests based on tumor site, or microscopic evaluation of CISH. Additional pathology tasks may be assigned as needed.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Supervisor – Pathology Operations in the day-to-day operation of the Pathology/microdissection department.
• Read pathology reports to determine the primary site of the specimen.
• Identify tumor areas (and normal tissue when needed) on stained slides and collect marked areas for molecular analysis using micro and macro techniques.
• Possess or develop ability to assess tumor content and order appropriate testing.
• Maintain a clean workstation and organize slides, data, and tables; respond to requests as needed.
• Identify missing or incorrect information and open discrepancies as necessary.
• Assess CISH stains for gene amplification when applicable.
• Ask a pathologist for guidance when questions about a case arise.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and prioritize/triage specimens appropriately; manage disposal of specimens and chemical waste per procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information concerning patients, physicians, employees, clients, vendors, and the company.
• Perform quality control and quality assurance tests; maintain documentation and logs.
• Report concerns about test quality or safety to a supervisor or safety officer.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of Laboratory Information Systems.
• Assist with related duties and special projects; maintain laboratory procedures and support policy compliance.
• Operate, troubleshoot, and perform preventive maintenance on microdissection equipment; communicate issues to supervision/management.
• Foster a collaborative work environment and may assist in training peers and new hires.

Qualifications

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in a chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science, or medical technology with one of the following: Certified Cytotechnologist (ASCP), Pathologist Assistant (ASCP or AAPA), Histotechnologist (ASCP), or other applicable laboratory certification, or equivalent internal training; OR Medical Doctor (foreign-trained acceptable).
• Required: If using a Bachelor of Science degree that does not fit the above categories, at least 60 semester hours with specified science/mathematics course requirements and completion of an ABHES or CAAHEP-approved clinical laboratory training program (or equivalent). Also required: 0–1 years of experience.
• Preferred: Master’s or PhD in a chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science, or medical technology; relevant qualifications in technical pathology; 3–5 years of experience.

Additional Requirements

• This position may require periodic travel and some evenings, weekends and/or holidays.