Pathologist Assistant - Surgical Pathology

Nova Scotia Health Authority; Halifax; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Nova Scotia seeks a Pathologist Assistant to support the pathologist in evaluating tissues and performing autopsies. The ideal candidate will have certification from recognized bodies, an MSc in the relevant field, and experience with laboratory systems. This permanent full-time position offers a chance to work in a dynamic healthcare environment with a competitive salary ranging from $40.15 to $51.37 per hour.

Benefits

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Travel insurance

Defined benefit pension plan

Qualifications

• Certified as a Pathology Assistant by recognized bodies required.
• Experience with laboratory information systems preferred.
• Competencies in other languages, French preferred, are an asset.

Responsibilities

• Assist the pathologist in gross room and autopsy activities.
• Evaluate gross pathologic features for diagnosis.
• Provide expertise to Medical Laboratory Technologists.

Skills

Customer service skills

Leadership skills

Organization skills

Communication skills

Ability to work independently

Education

Graduate of an approved MSc Pathologist Assistant program

Certification as a Pathology Assistant

Tools

Cerner LIS

Dragon

Job description

Job Information

Req ID: 211832
Location: Central Zone, MacKenzie Building - QEII
Department: PLM Surgical Pathology
Type of Employment: Permanent Hourly FT (100%) x 1
NSGEU Healthcare Position
Posting Closing Date: 11-Dec-25

Nova Scotia Health is the largest provider of health services in Nova Scotia, with some specialized services also offered to clients throughout Atlantic Canada. We’re on a mission to achieve excellence in health, healing, and learning through working together, which is reflected in the hospitals, health centres, and community-based programs we operate across the province. Our passionate team of professionals provides a variety of high-quality inpatient and outpatient services including academic, tertiary, and quaternary care, as well as continuing care, primary health care, public health, and mental health and addictions. Join a diverse team of innovators, collaborators, and creative thinkers today.

Nova Scotia Health employs professionals in all corners of our beautiful province. We believe there's a place here for everyone to call home, from vibrant cities with exuberant nightlife to quaint towns with picturesque trails. The work-life balance that comes with a Nova Scotia Health role means you’ll have the time to explore, discover, and participate in that coveted Atlantic lifestyle. Visit us today and check out www.novascotia.com to see why more people from across the globe are moving here.

About the Opportunity

Reporting to the Laboratory Manager, the certified Pathologist Assistant (PA) is a health professional who possesses the knowledge, technical abilities, and problem‑solving skills to perform Gross Room and Autopsy activities following procedures, processes, protocols, and policies under the direction of the pathologist and laboratory management team. The PA assists the pathologist, working in a leadership role, by providing expertise in the initial assessment of surgically removed tissues, evaluating gross pathologic features used to assist in diagnosis. The PA provides expertise and support to Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLT) who are performing grossing. The PA may support the pathologist by performing autopsy prosection; procuring appropriate tissues and organs, dissecting tissues and submitting the required tissue for pathological diagnosis.

About You

We would love to hear from you if you have the following:

• Certified as a Pathology Assistant by the Canadian Certification Council of Pathologists’ Assistants (CCCPA) or by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP BOC) required or meets the requirements to achieve certification
• Graduate of an approved MSc Pathologist Assistant program preferred
• Experience with Cerner LIS preferred
• Experience with Dragon, an asset
• Previous background in anatomy, physiology, histology, pathology and medical terminology
• Must have demonstrated customer service skills; leadership skills; excellent organization and technical skills; as well as good decision‑making skills
• Ability to work both independently/unsupervised and in a team‑oriented environment
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally
• Competencies in other languages an asset, French preferred

Please ensure your resume is up to date and includes all relevant education, experience, training, and certifications.

Hours

• Permanent, Full‑Time / 100% / 75 hours bi‑weekly
• Shift work required and weekends & holidays
• Travel may be required

Compensation and Benefits

Hourly rate: $40.15 - $51.37

Successful candidates may be eligible for our benefits package which includes health, dental, travel, long‑term disability, and life insurance coverage as well as a defined benefit pension plan.

Once You've Applied

Thank you for your interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

This is a Healthcare bargaining unit position. Preference is given to bargaining unit employees for unionized positions. Employees are encouraged to view their seniority hours and dates in their SuccessFactors online profile. Successful applicants changing unions, bargaining units, or employment status, are advised to seek clarification regarding their seniority, benefits, and vacation entitlement and/or usage, prior to accepting the position.

Nova Scotia Health is committed to being a workforce that is free of discrimination, values diversity, and is representative, at all job levels, of the people we serve. We encourage all qualified applicants who self‑identify as Indigenous, Black/African Nova Scotian, Persons of Colour, Foreign Nationals/Newcomers, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ to apply and self‑identify.

Click here to apply as an internal applicant.