Pathologist Assistant

$176,800 - $176,800/Yr

Apetan Consulting - Cambridge, MA

Full-time - Mid Level

Cambridge, MA

Administrative and Support Services

About the position

The Pathologist Assistant plays a crucial role in the surgical pathology department by processing surgical specimens to assist pathologists in making accurate diagnoses. This position involves a variety of technical duties, including specimen intake monitoring, gross description and dissection, and effective communication with histotechnologists and clinical staff. The role also includes maintaining safety and compliance standards, performing quality assurance, and contributing to the education and training of staff and students in the pathology lab.

Responsibilities

• Processes all surgical specimens to assist pathologists in making accurate diagnoses.
• Monitors the intake of surgical specimens from the operating rooms and ambulatory areas.
• Performs gross description and dissection of surgical pathology specimens.
• Submits appropriate diagnostic sections and reviews cases with pathologists as necessary.
• Provides instruction on gross anatomy and proper specimen orientation.
• Assists with frozen sections, including staining and cutting.
• Communicates effectively with histotechnologists to ensure proper embedding and sectioning of tissue.
• Troubleshoots cassette errors and resolves technical issues related to specimens.
• Maintains the Frozen Section Room, including supplies and equipment decontamination.
• Cleans workbench and records daily block counts for reporting to management.
• Loads and activates tissue processors and tracks inventory.
• Monitors and produces the use of reagents and formalin for fixation.
• Triages tissue for different types of fixation and special studies.
• Develops and maintains procedure, safety, and infection control manuals.
• Ensures compliance with safety regulations set by relevant agencies.
• Photographs macroscopic specimens for conferences and teaching purposes.
• Performs quality assurance monitors to ensure safe practices and patient care.
• Contributes to staff competency assessments and reviews surgical case lists.
• Acts as a resource for the education and training of others in the surgical pathology section.
• Troubleshoots and requests reports from the surgical pathology computer system.

Requirements

• Completion of a Pathologist's Assistant Training Program with clinical internship.
• Three years of related experience in pathology assistance.
• Extensive knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and disease states.
• Strong comprehension of medical terminology and surgical techniques.
• Excellent dissection skills with attention to detail.
• Photography skills and knowledge of histology procedures.
• Ability to interact with various laboratory personnel and physicians.
• Ability to stand for long periods and operate specialized equipment.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with quality assurance processes in a laboratory setting.
• Familiarity with digital photography for specimen documentation.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) matching
• Life insurance