Pathology Assistant

Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre; Canada; On-site; CAD 61,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Canada seeks a Pathologists’ Assistant to perform gross examination and sample preparation for pathology diagnoses. You will photograph specimens, assist in autopsies where allowed, and support quality and accreditation initiatives.

The role requires Master of Science and certification eligibility, with experience in gross dissection and anatomy. This is a temporary backfill backfilled position with a May 2028 end date and a competitive hourly wage.

Qualifications

• Master of Science, Pathologists’ Assistant with eligibility for/certification required.
• MLT with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and active CMLTO certification an asset.
• Membership in a relevant professional organization preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform gross examination of path specimens for diagnosis by pathologists.
• Review and correct transcribed gross descriptions in LIS.
• Photograph gross specimens.
• Load tissue processors.
• Assist in setup and performance of post-mortem examinations under supervision.
• Teach and present to new staff, residents and students.
• Coordinate tissue specimen submission for processing.
• Manage temporary storage, retention and disposal of tissue specimens.
• Support RVH strategic initiatives and accreditation requirements.
• Develop and maintain procedure manuals, reports and data.
• Follow RVH policies and procedures.

Skills

Gross examination

Photography of specimens

LIS proficiency

MS Office

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Master of Science, Pathologists’ Assistant

MLT with BSc in Biology

CMLTO certification asset

CCCPA certification encouraged

Tools

Meditech

Job description

Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre -> Pathology & Laboratory -> Lab Surgical Pathology

Regular / Temporary

Temporary

Full / Part Time

Full-Time

Temporary End Date (Anticipated)

14 May 2028

Union

OPSEU

Requisition Close Date

12 October 2026

Salary Plan / Job Grade

$44.49 - $56.11 ( OP_08 )

Job Posting Reason

Temporary Backfill

RESPONSIBILITIES

• performing gross examination including complex cancer resections, dictation and sectioning of pathologic specimens for the examination and diagnosis by Pathologists as per protocol.
• reviewing and correcting transcribed gross descriptions in Laboratory Information System (LIS).
• photographing gross specimens.
• loading tissue processors
• assisting in setup and performance of post-mortem examinations under the supervision of a pathologist.
• teaching and providing presentations to new staff, pathology residents and rotating medical students.
• interacting with the surgical services and clinics regarding tissue specimen submissions for processing.
• coordinating the temporary storage, retention and disposal of tissue specimens.
• participating in initiatives related to the RVH Strategic Plan, Laboratory Quality Management System and Accreditation Canada - Diagnostics requirements.
• assisting in the development and maintenance of procedure manuals, reports, and data.
• ensuring all RVH policies and procedures are followed.
• performing other administrative, operational, budgetary, supervisory, teaching, and other duties as may be assigned.

RELATED DUTIES

• Upholding the College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario (CMLTO) Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, if applicable.
• Upholding the Regulated Health Professions Act, if applicable.
• The above responsibilities are not to be considered all-inclusive; may be assigned other related duties in the interest of efficient operations of RVH or effective patient care.

SKILLS/ABILITES

• Demonstrated ability in examining, describing, dissecting and photography of small and complex large surgical specimens of all tissue types.
• Experience with frozen section microtomy, staining and bone decalcification an asset.
• Demonstrated proficiency with keyboarding, Laboratory Information Systems (Meditech preferred), MS Office, internet use and other computer software.
• Voice recognition software experience an asset.
• Demonstrated excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively and professionally with staff, physicians, volunteers, patient families, and visitors.
• Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize and perform tasks in a cost-effective manner.
• Ability to perform duties independently and as a team member, with high degree of motivation and independent judgment.
• Knowledge of Accreditation Canada - Diagnostics requirements an asset.
• Demonstrated commitment to excellent attendance and schedule flexibility.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuing education and performing mandatory reviews.
• Demonstrated strong critical thinking and problem-solving ability.

EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS

• Master of Science, Pathologists’ Assistant or equivalent with eligibility for/current active Certification by the Canadian Certification Council of Pathologists’ Assistants required; American Association of Pathologists’ Assistants (AAPA) registration and/or equivalent certification preferred.
• Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT) with a Bachelor of Science in Biology or equivalent, with active certification by the College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario (CMLTO) an asset and and/or eligibility for/active certification by the Canadian Certification Council of Pathologists’ Assistants (CCCPA) considered
• Membership and participation in a relevant professional organization.
• Extensive knowledge of medical and technical terminology, gross anatomy, microscopic anatomy, microbiology, and pathology required.
• Minimum of 3 years' experience in an acute care setting, in gross dissection with knowledge of human anatomy and gross pathology in normal and disease states (cancer specimen experience preferred)
• Experience in assisting with/performing autopsies preferred.

Equity & Inclusion

RVH is committed to recruitment and selection practices anchored in principles of equity and inclusion that contribute to an anti-oppressive, respectful, and culturally safe workplace.

We invite applications from individuals who belong to groups that have been historically marginalized on the grounds identified by the Ontario Human Right Code, including but not limited to race, disability, age, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, family or marital status, and status as a First Nation, Métis, or Inuk person.

RVH does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants.

To learn about how RVH is taking steps to create and sustain an equitable, inclusive, accessible and culturally-safe environment, please visit: https://www.rvh.on.ca/about-rvh/equity-inclusion/

Accommodations

RVH is dedicated to ensuring every applicant has a fair and equitable opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities throughout our recruitment and selection process. We are continuously working to create an accessible, barrier-free process, and recognize each applicant’s needs are different.

We encourage applicants with a disability or circumstance that could be supported with an accommodation to contact People Recruitment at [e-mail].

RVH does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants.