Pathologist Assistant

Pathologists’ Assistant – Surgical Pathology

Location: Suffolk County, New York

Position Type: Full-Time

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Pathologists’ Assistant to join a hospital-based pathology team in Suffolk County, NY. This individual will work closely with pathologists, laboratory leadership, residents, and other clinical professionals to support the examination and processing of surgical pathology specimens.

The Pathologists’ Assistant will primarily be responsible for gross examination and dissection of anatomic pathology specimens , preparation of tissue for histologic and specialized testing, frozen sections, specimen documentation, and supporting the overall workflow of the surgical pathology laboratory.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform gross examination, description, and dissection of surgical pathology specimens in accordance with established protocols.
• Accurately document specimen characteristics including measurements, weight, color, orientation, and other relevant findings.
• Select and prepare appropriate tissue sections for histologic processing.
• Prepare and assist with frozen sections and other intraoperative pathology procedures.
• Obtain tissue for additional studies including flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, and other specialized testing as required.
• Review clinical information and apply relevant details during specimen examination and processing.
• Reconcile specimen containers, requisitions, accession information, blocks, and associated documentation to ensure accuracy.
• Photograph gross specimens and other pathology materials when appropriate.
• Communicate specimen findings and relevant information with attending pathologists.
• Support tumor triage and other specialized specimen-processing procedures.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant grossing workstation and laboratory environment.
• Assist with equipment maintenance, instrument sterilization, supply management, and proper disposal of laboratory materials.
• Participate in quality assurance and quality improvement initiatives.
• Support compliance with applicable laboratory and accreditation standards.
• Assist with pathology conferences and educational activities as needed.
• Provide training and guidance to pathology residents, fellows, or other laboratory personnel on gross examination, dissection, dictation, frozen section procedures, and laboratory workflow.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduate of a NAACLS-accredited Pathologists’ Assistant program , OR a bachelor’s degree in clinical laboratory science, medical technology, biology, or a related scientific field with appropriate surgical pathology experience.
• Previous hands-on experience with gross dissection of surgical specimens and frozen sections .
• Current New York State Pathologists’ Assistant license or eligibility to obtain required licensure.
• Strong knowledge of anatomic and surgical pathology laboratory procedures.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with pathologists and laboratory staff.

Preferred Qualifications

• ASCP Pathologists’ Assistant (PA) certification .
• Experience working in a hospital or high-volume surgical pathology environment.
• Experience working with and/or training pathology residents and fellows.
• 2+ years of surgical pathology experience preferred.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a hands-on Pathologists’ Assistant who is comfortable managing a variety of surgical pathology specimens, has strong grossing and frozen section experience, and can operate independently in a fast-paced clinical laboratory environment. Candidates with experience supporting residents or fellows are especially encouraged to apply.

Interested in learning more? Apply directly or reach out for a confidential conversation regarding the opportunity.