- Joining our team comes with several benefits, including:
- Competitive hourly rate
- Free parking SIGN ON BONUS A Brief Overview o This position is part of an established career ladder. Appropriate title and pay will be assigned based on Education and Experience The Pathologists' Assistant II supports high-volume surgical pathology services in an academic medical center, performing gross examination and dissection of specimens from biopsies to complex resections. This position will be responsible for preparing tissue for microscopic evaluation, conducting frozen sections, and processing samples for ancillary studies such as cytogenetics, immunofluorescence, and research. The Pathologists' Assistant II ensures accurate documentation, maintains quality standards, and collaborates with Pathologists for timely diagnoses. Additional duties include training and mentoring residents and staff, serving as an educational liaison, and maintaining laboratory equipment in compliance with safety protocols.
Performs macroscopic dissection and description of surgical specimens ranging from biopsies to large complex resections in a large academic hospital receiving over 100,000 surgical pathology cases annually. Prepares tissue samples for microscopic examination, including sectioning and identifying gross abnormalities in surgical specimens; procures and processes tissue for ancillary studies to include electron microscopy, Lymphoma Protocol, Cytogenetics, Immunofluorescence, Microbiology, and Research.
Performs frozen sections for intraoperative consultation and initial diagnostic testing; documents and labels specimens accurately, ensuring proper chain of custody; maintains quality and productivity standards; collaborates with Pathologists and laboratory staff to ensure timely and accurate reporting of results. Stays current with advancements in pathology techniques and technologies. Assesses resident grossing and serves as a direct educator in surgical pathology.
Actively participantes in departmental projects. Collaborates with the laboratory Supervisor to ensure laboratory compliance with all regulatory agencies by established standards. Provides training and assesses competency of students and new team members, as assigned, and encourages efficient and high-quality work; acts as a resource for other technical team members.
Collaborates with residents and residency program to create educational conferences. Collaborates with Pathologists to read, edit and finalize grossing manuals to ensure proper year-to-year changes. Develops and implements strategy for improving quality metrics and documents progress improvement; participates and assists in quality control and assurance activities, including the maintenance of laboratory records and teaching.
Additional Responsibilities Maintains and operates laboratory equipment, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. Fosters a collaborative environment that promotes teamwork and effective communication; cultivates a positive workplace attitude and helpful, collaborative approach to problem solving. Takes responsibility for self-development and completes all assigned mandatory assignments within allowed timelines.
Performs other duties as assigned. Complies with all policies and standards. For specific duties and responsibilities, refer to documentation provided by the department during orientation.
Must abide by all requirements to safely and securely maintain Protected Health Information (PHI) for our patients. Annual training, the UH Code of Conduct and UH policies and procedures are in place to address appropriate use of PHI in the workplace. Education Master's Degree Of Science in Pathologists' Assistant (Required) or Bachelor's Degree From an accredited training program for Pathologists' Assistant (Required) or Bachelor's Degree In biological science (prior to 2005) Work Experience 1+ years of experience as a Pathologists' Assistant AND has met established productivity standards set forth by department.
(Required) and less than 1 year of experience teaching, mentoring, or training in a Pathology environment (Required) Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Able to teach, train, and mentor others in Pathology; acts as a resource (Required proficiency) Good knowledge of human anatomy (Required proficiency) Good knowledge of microsurgical techniques (Required proficiency) Good understanding of pathologic disease processes (Required proficiency) Good understanding of safety and infection control (Required proficiency) Able to obtain/prepare tissue for evaluation (Required proficiency) Able to provide timely and quality assistance to pathologists (Required proficiency) Able to use and maintain pathology equipment appropriately (Required proficiency) Good decision-making skills and utilizes good judgment (Required proficiency) Able to prepare and maintain records (Required proficiency) Good written and verbal communication skills, (Required proficiency) Good computer skills (Required proficiency) Good organizational and problem-solving skills (Required proficiency) Able to prioritize, problem solve, and manage time well (Required proficiency) Licenses and Certifications Pathologist Assistant (PA-ASCP) (Required) Physical Demands Standing Frequently Walking Frequently Sitting Rarely Lifting Frequently up to 50 lbs Carrying Frequently up to 50 lbs Pushing Frequently up to 50 lbs Pulling Frequently up to 50 lbs Climbing Occasionally up to 50 lbs Balancing Occasionally Stooping Frequently Kneeling Frequently Crouching Frequently Crawling Occasionally Reaching Frequently Handling Frequently Grasping Frequently Feeling Constantly Talking Constantly Hearing Constantly Repetitive Motions Constantly Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination Constantly Travel Requirements 5%