Sr. Pathologists' Assistant

UPMC • Pittsburgh, PA

3h • Onsite

About The Position

Pathologists’ Assistant / Senior Pathologists’ Assistant
Location: Pittsburgh, PA in the UPMC urban pathology labs (Presbyterian, Shadyside, and Magee-Womens Hospitals)
Schedule: Daylight hours with flexible start times between 6:30 AM and 8:30 AM, offering a combination of 8- and 10-hour shifts after initial training completion. Rotating holiday coverage.
Join the supportive and collaborative team at UPMC Presbyterian’s Urban Pathology Labs, serving Presbyterian, Shadyside, and Magee facilities in Pittsburgh. Whether you’re a new graduate or an experienced Pathologists’ Assistant, you’ll thrive in an environment that fosters growth and learning. Work alongside world-renowned pathologists and gain exposure to a fascinating case mix, including rare and complex specimens.
One of the greatest benefits of working in a dynamic urban lab environment is the ability to network and collaborate with peers across the entire UPMC system. UPMC supports a robust Pathologists’ Assistant network through the UPMC Lab Service Center, fostering teamwork and shared initiatives. By joining us, you will be at the forefront of operational excellence and have ample opportunity to advance your career both within and beyond the organization.
Applicants will be placed into the appropriate job title and salary based on their individual experience and education.
UPMC is currently offering a generous sign-on bonus for Pathologists' Assistants!

Requirements

• Senior Pathologist's Assistant: Graduate of a NAACLS accredited, Master's degree pathologist's assistant training program, or Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences or Medical Technology or a related field and 5 years clinical experience in Anatomic or Clinical Pathology is required.
• One year working as a certified Pathologist's Assistant preferred.
• Pathologist's Assistant: Completion of 4-year degree in Biological Sciences or Medical Technology or meets AAPA requirements for college credits defined in the science disciplines from an accredited institution.
• Prefer graduate of a NAACLS accredited, master's degree pathologist's assistant training program, or bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences or Medical Technology or a related field and 5 years clinical experience in Anatomic or Clinical Pathology is required.
• Analytical and technical ability necessary to independently evaluate patient specimens and clinical data to appropriate sample tissue relevant to diagnostic evaluation and recognize organ and tissue anomalies.
• All procedures or job-related tasks involve an inherent potential for mucous membrane or skin contact with blood, body fluids or tissues.
• A potential for spills or splashes of biohazard substances does exist. Exposure to normal laboratory lights and noises and occasional exposure to toxic and carcinogenic chemicals.
• This position requires regular movement throughout the facility, including walking, standing, and lifting materials or equipment weighing up to 50 lbs. This position requires the ability to accurately distinguish colors.
• ASCP required within 12 months of hire.
• Act 34

Responsibilities

• Assist manager or Supervisor with administrative functions as they relate to the Pathologists' Assistant portion of the department including assisting with development of quality assurance monitors, quality control monitors, data gathering and preparations of QA report, input for performance reviews, budget preparation and monitoring, regulatory compliance and continuing education and training.
• Oversee the proper handling, storage and disposition of all surgical and autopsy tissue while adhering to the regulatory and compliance standards regarding biohazard and safety.
• Ensure that tests are prepared properly at all stages from specimen collection through results reporting, and performs additional special handling of the specimens if necessary or requested (i.e. radiography, photography, special fixation, cultures and tissue procurement).
• Competent at operating the Laboratory Information System and Medical Archival Retrieval System relative to the functions of the pathology assistants' team.
• Perform special projects such as research protocols when required.
• Provide independent technical leadership, consulting with the Manager or Supervisor on unusual and complex cases, such as oncology cases where the tumor has spread into other organs, cancers that extend into surrounding structures, autopsies on complicated cases, and initial intraoperative examination and tissue banking for uncommon specimens of interest to research such as wide section melanomas and thoracic biopsies. Provides ongoing training and orientation to the pathology assistant team members.
• Examine and prepare surgical pathology cases for microscopic evaluation by providing gross description, dissection and sections of each case as defined by the Surgical Pathology Manual while maintaining accurate records of all activities.
• Participate in and performs frozen sections, intraoperative consultations, autopsies and prenatal procedures. File and retrieve surgical and autopsy materials and maintains accurate records of all such activities.

What This Job Offers

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