Autopsy & Surgical Pathology Assistant

Duke Health; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke Health in Durham, NC seeks a Pathologist Assistant to support autopsy and surgical pathology under the supervision of a pathologist in a state-of-the-art laboratory. You will assist with tissue preparation, specimen coordination, record-keeping, and participation in specialized procedures.

The role emphasizes training interns, maintaining precise records, and collaborating across pathology services to ensure accurate, timely diagnoses and educational excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited Pathologist Assistant program.
• Certification by the American Association of Pathologist Assistants within 12 months of hire.
• Ability to obtain and prepare tissue for evaluation and assist pathologists in a timely and quality manner.

Responsibilities

• Select and identify tissue for microscopic study; determine proper fixative solutions in which tissue will be maintained.
• Triage specimen received from surgery; dictate gross findings on selected specimen using appropriate terminology; refer tissue sections for microscopic review by Pathologist or Resident.
• Maintain records of surgical pathology specimen dissections and dictation; assist in the compilation of reports for surgical pathology; label and store gross tissue specimen.
• Perform specialized procedures such as frozen sections and decalcification; maintain and coordinate specimen and records for specialized procedures using appropriate protocols; submit requests for special histologic procedures and stains when appropriate.
• Photograph specimen samples for instruction and documentation; perform photomicroscopy on cases considered for interdepartmental conferences or for teaching purposes; maintain complete and accurate records of all gross and microscopic photographs.
• Assist pathologist with eviscerations, gross anatomic dissection, and in obtaining appropriate sections for microscopic examination; assist in training techniques and procedures to staff interns and residents.
• Remove organs, portions of bone, or other samples of tissues for any specialized study or research; collect materials for toxicological, viral and bacteriological assays; maintain records; file x-rays; monitor and order supplies.
• Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

Skills

Anatomy knowledge

Macrosurgical techniques

Laboratory skills

Safety & infection control

Record keeping & software

Education

Bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited Pathologist Assistant program

Job description

Duke Health in Durham, NC seeks a Pathologist Assistant to support autopsy and surgical pathology under the supervision of a pathologist in a state-of-the-art laboratory. You will assist with tissue preparation, specimen coordination, record-keeping, and participation in specialized procedures.

The role emphasizes training interns, maintaining precise records, and collaborating across pathology services to ensure accurate, timely diagnoses and educational excellence.