Pathologists Assistant Float I-Full Time Days

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare • Lake Forest, IL

11d • Onsite

About The Position

The Pathologists’ Assistant Float I is a full-time role working 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, in 8-hour day shifts. It is a float position, with primary support at Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital and McHenry Hospital.

Working in collaboration with a pathologist, the Pathologists’ Assistant performs gross descriptions and sampling of biopsy and selected complex surgical tissue specimens according to established procedures to support diagnosis. The role also assists with resident training and supports basic laboratory operations. The position follows Northwestern Medicine’s mission, values, Code of Ethics, Corporate Compliance Program, applicable policies, and regulatory and accreditation standards.

Requirements

• Master of Science Pathologists’ Assistant degree.
• Pathologists’ Assistant certification (ASCP), eligibility for certification, or an Illinois-licensed MD/DO with current or completed enrollment in anatomical pathology.

Responsibilities

• Perform duties as scheduled by the pathologist.
• Conduct gross examinations and dissections of surgical biopsies and large, complicated specimens.
• Maintain specimen integrity and accurate, legible identification throughout technical and clerical processes.
• Complete high-quality, high-volume work in a timely manner and identify opportunities to improve efficiency.
• Assist with intra-operative consultations.
• Cut, stain, and coverslip cryostat sections for timely review.
• Document turnaround-time tracking information.
• Prepare specimens for imaging, photograph specimens, maintain imaging equipment and files, and organize radiology files and photography.
• Prepare materials and participate in conferences with residents, pathologists, and clinical staff.
• Exercise independent judgment in technical responsibilities and prioritize workload, adapting to STAT requests and changes in work volume.
• Use laboratory equipment proficiently and safely within established turnaround times.
• Clean and disinfect equipment and workspaces, perform and document routine maintenance according to SOPs, and report equipment or instrument malfunctions.
• Assist the manager and/or pathologist with developing and implementing new or special procedures and techniques.
• Assist with maintaining procedure manuals in accordance with practice guidelines and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in quality and process improvement efforts; identify improvements, make recommendations, and implement and monitor changes as requested.
• Maintain a clean and safe work area; follow laboratory safety procedures and Universal Precautions; participate in developing surgical pathology safety protocols; and perform minor spill cleanup according to SOPs when needed.
• Participate in cost-containment initiatives, use supplies and reagents efficiently, and operate instrumentation properly.
• Provide backup assistance for basic laboratory operations.
• Maintain consistent, legible documentation and manuals and electronic records for data retrieval; may create Standard Operating Procedures.
• Investigate, escalate, and document discrepancies or unresolved issues appropriately.
• Foster laboratory teamwork through effective communication and adapt to change and stressful situations.
• Take initiative for personal development by attending teleconferences, educational sessions, required meetings, and other activities.

Benefits

• The employer describes a wide range of benefits intended to support employees’ physical, emotional, and financial well-being and provide protection for unexpected life events; details are available through the employer’s benefits information page.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Loan forgiveness.
• 401(k) matching.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level