Pathology Assistant II-Murtha Cancer Center Research Program

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation For The Advancement Of Military Medicine - San Diego, CA

Full-time

San Diego, CA

Hospitals

About the position

Join the HJF Team as a Pathologists Assistant II, where you will play a crucial role in supporting the Murtha Cancer Center Research Program (MCCRP) at the Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD). In this position, you will be responsible for performing biospecimen collection to aid in the expansion of the MCC biorepository throughout the Military Health System (MHS) Clinical Trials Network. Your duties will include routine surgical gross dissection, as well as the collection, archiving, and transfer of fresh tissue and blood specimens for research purposes. You will work autonomously and conduct complex analyses of surgical pathology specimens, ensuring that all activities align with the requirements of the tissue bank repository. The John P. Murtha Cancer Center, where this position is based, is a state-of-the-art facility that provides comprehensive cancer care through a multidisciplinary approach. It is the only Department of Defense (DoD) Cancer Center of Excellence within the Military Health System, offering patients access to advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies. As a member of the HJF team, you will contribute to the mission of advancing military medicine and supporting the health and well-being of service members and their families. This role requires U.S. Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a T3/Secret Clearance. You will be expected to adhere to legal, professional, and ethical codes, particularly regarding confidentiality, while working in a laboratory setting that may require you to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which includes verification of previous employment, education, and credentials.

Responsibilities

• Performs blood processing and gross dissection of a variety of specimens, prioritizing fresh tissue collection from complex cancer specimens for research samples to support MCCRP research protocols.
• Provides Pathologists' Assistant level support for the Anatomic Pathology Laboratory including performing technical duties as a Pathologists' Assistant while maintaining full compliance with all requirements of the CAP and appropriate regulatory agencies.
• Assists with the collection and entry of all specimen‐related data for the database; assists with clinical data and outcome collection of patient information as required for MCCRP research protocols.
• Participates in MCCRP QA meetings and implements QM initiatives approved by the MCCB Director. Proposes new QA indicators for consideration and assesses their effectiveness.
• Assists pathologists in implementing and monitoring research protocols as they apply to all tissue banking activities.
• Performs other duties such as preparing samples for shipment to offsite research facilities, ordering and maintaining inventory of supplies used for research activities, and maintaining equipment such as freezer and centrifuges.
• May perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor. This may include attendance of and participation in required training for role.

Requirements

• Master's Degree or equivalent.
• Graduate of Pathologists' Assistant Program.
• Minimum of 3-5 years experience required.
• American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certification.
• Knowledge and expertise in working with all types of specimens.
• Knowledge of basic laboratory equipment and supplies.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Adheres to legal, professional, and ethical codes with respect to confidentiality.
• US Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a T3/Secret Clearance.