Pathologists' Assistant

About the role

Perform anatomic pathology services under the direction and supervision of a licensed, board-eligible pathologist. Perform a variety of pathology tasks including gross examination and dissection of surgical pathology specimens and performance of postmortem examinations. May perform all the surgical and autopsy functions of a pathologist leading up to, but not including the diagnosis.

Core duties and responsibilities

• Prepare, gross description, and dissection of human tissue surgical specimens.
• Preparation of human postmortem examinations.
• Specimen accessioning.
• Obtain clinical history.
• Describe gross features of surgical specimens.
• Prepare tissues for processing for light microscopy.
• Obtain samples for studies such as but not limited to flow cytometry, image analysis, research, cytogenetics, cultures, electron microscopy, immunofluorescence.
• Perform special procedures including review of x-ray imaging, frozen sections, tumor triage.
• Photograph gross specimens and microscopic slides.
• Consult with attending pathologist to identify special techniques to be utilized during the examination, including cultures, toxicology, coronary artery perfusion, enucleation, etc.
• Cook up any requests for special specimen sampling such as organ transplantation, research.
• Perform postmortem examinations including external exam, in-situ organ inspection, evisceration, organ dissection and dictation of findings.
• Prepare tissues for processing for light microscopy and special studies.
• Photograph the body, organs, microscopic slides and other pertinent materials.
• Absorb any requests for accreditation inspections (CAP, Joint Commission).
• May instruct, teach, or train in anatomy and physiology, gross pathology, photography, and gross dissection skills for surgical specimens as well as autopsy techniques.
• May train pathology residents/fellows, pathologists’ assistant students and other pathology lab personnel as needed.

Physical requirements

• Able to stand and/or sit for long periods of time.
• Visual activity must be unimpaired.
• Color differential is required.
• Equipment operation requires manual dexterity.
• Able to lift or pull 25 pounds.

Skills and abilities

• Able to concentrate for organizing tasks, reading, and matching identification numbers, and following complex procedures.
• Able to follow complex procedures with minimal guidance.
• Have knowledge of basic theory behind laboratory instrument operation.

Additional job description

This position may work in the Ruby or Children's Gross Room as well as the Gross Room opening at the new lab location at the Innovation Center in July 2026. May also perform autopsies.