Pathologists' Assistant - Certified

POSITION SUMMARY: Under the supervision of a Pathologist or Managing Pathologist Assistant, the role involves accessioning, preparing, and performing dissection and postmortem examinations on human (and research animal) specimens. Provides technical support to the pathology department, including specimen dissection, paperwork, and supplies. Offers logistical support to laboratories, specifically histology, immunohistochemistry, and frozen section services. Maintains cleanliness and infection control in surgical pathology dissection suites, mortuary, and autopsy facilities. Supports the Decedent Affairs Office as needed, assisting physicians with death certificates and related paperwork (autopsy permission, reporting to the New England Organ Bank). Position: Pathologists' Assistant - Certified Department: Pathology Lab Schedule: Full Time ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES: Surgical Pathology Services / Frozen Section Support Assist in dissection of human surgical specimens, including accessioning, description, fixation, and processing. Perform gross descriptions for large specimens like colon and mastectomy samples. Gross small neuro and melanoma specimens. Mentor students and grossing technicians in handling complex and large cases. Perform duties of a Histotechnologist, including organizing, processing, and preparing tissue for microscopic evaluation. Obtain clinical history and tissue type when missing. Maintain autopsy and mortuary manuals for compliance with CAP and Joint Commission standards. Manage daily operations of the dissection suite, including cleaning, inventory, and equipment maintenance. Assist with materials management, including supply delivery and inventory monitoring. Participate in hazardous waste removal and communicate with safety personnel. Understand histologic tissue preparation, cassette processing, slide labeling, and coverslipping. Prepare chemicals and dyes for staining techniques. Set up and operate histologic staining and frozen-section equipment. Label, file slides and blocks, and record statistical data daily. Maintain tissue processors, calibrate equipment, perform preventative maintenance, and document QC. Adhere to universal precautions, chemical hygiene, and safety protocols. Mortuary Services Support Participate as a team member in Decedent Affairs. Handle deceased patients, including transport, storage, accessioning, and documentation. Communicate with families, funeral directors, and authorities regarding body release and autopsies. Prepare deceased for viewing, operate monitoring equipment, and organize body releases. Distribute personal effects and disinfect morgue facilities. Autopsy Assistance Verify autopsy authorization and review patient data. Coordinate with pathologists and other personnel for specimen collection. Perform external and internal examinations, record data, and photograph specimens. Assist in tissue sampling and archiving materials. OTHER DUTIES: Data collection for quality improvement. Support hospital's cultural and safety policies. Perform additional duties as assigned. JOB REQUIREMENTS EDUCATION:

Graduate of an accredited pathology assistant program. ASCP certification required. Must meet CLIA credit requirements. CERTIFICATIONS:

Pathologist Assistant (PA-ASCP) certification required. EXPERIENCE:

1-2 years preferred, including training in human specimen handling, with a background in health sciences or equivalent training including laboratory and science coursework, and clinical laboratory training. KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: Accurate specimen accessioning, description, and processing skills. Excellent communication skills. Basic computer proficiency for data management. Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans

#J-18808-Ljbffr