Pathologists' Assistant

University of California - San Francisco; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

UCSF is seeking a Pathologists' Assistant to serve as a technical expert in Surgical Pathology Gross Rooms. You will gross the most complex cancer specimens and also manage simpler resections and biopsies, while teaching trainees and PAs and acting as a role model for professional standards.

You will interact with laboratory directors, site managers, and supervisors, making decisions on when to consult with a pathologist and troubleshooting issues in specimen receiving and processing.

Qualifications

• Graduate from NAACLS accredited pathologists' assistant program.
• Bachelor's Degree required.
• ASCP certified or certification-eligible as pathologists' assistant.
• Certification-eligible candidates must pass the certification exam within one year of hire.
• Demonstrated proficiency in teaching, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Flexibility to orient and work at UCSF Medical Center locations as needed.
• Knowledge of medical terminology, especially pathology.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical grossing expertise for complex cancer specimens (pancreas, breast, bladder, uterus, ovary).
• Act as practitioner, educator and role model for trainees and staff.
• Consult with pathologists as needed and troubleshoot specimen receiving issues.
• Lead and supervise trainees and PAs in grossing and intraoperative evaluation.
• Support Autopsy Service and Histology Laboratory as needed.

Skills

Teaching

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Flexibility

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

ASCP certification

Job description

Under the direction of the directors, serves as a technical expert in UCSF Surgical Pathology Gross Rooms, providing technical assistance and direction to trainees and pathologists' assistants (PAs). The primary role of the incumbent is practitioner, educator and role model for trainees and staff members in grossing the most complex cancer specimens (pancreas, breast, bladder, uterus, ovary, etc.) as well as simple benign resections and biopsies. It is the role of the PA to continuously interact with the laboratory director(s), site managers, supervisors and designees. The incumbent determines the need to consult with a pathologist, makes technical grossing decisions, troubleshoots and resolves specimen receiving issues. The incumbent must have the basic knowledge of the full scope of general PA technical duties in the laboratory when required (lab preparation, receiving, accessioning, performing an intraoperative evaluation including cryostat frozen sectioning and staining, gross sectioning, dictation, photography, etc.). The incumbent must also have a thorough understanding of what and why these sections are essential, and perform duties efficiently (focusing on quality and quantity). As determined, works variable schedules and rotates at other work sites as needed. Provides technical support to the Autopsy Service and Histology Laboratory as needed. Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A graduate from a National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) accredited pathologists' assistant training program
• Bachelor's Degree
• ASCP certified or certification-eligible as pathologists' assistant
• Certification-eligible candidates must pass the certification examination within one year of hire
• Demonstrated proficiency in teaching, communication and interpersonal skills
• Flexibility to orient and work in all UCSF Medical Center locations as needed
• Knowledge of medical terminology, specifically understanding of Pathology
• Ability to organize and prioritize responsibilities and perform well under pressure to meet deadlines
• Excellent data entry, word processing, spelling, grammar, and editing skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's Degree
• Current Fellow member of the American Association of Pathologists' Assistants (AAPA)
• Current Member of the American Society for Clinical Pathology
• Previous leadership experience in a hospital laboratory
• Experience working in the Pathology Department of an academic health center

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

• ASCP certified or certification-eligible as pathologists' assistant
• Certification-eligible candidates must pass the certification examination within one year of hire
• Once achieved, American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certification must be maintained as long as one works in this position

About UCSF

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world\'s leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.

Pride Values

UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence - also known as our PRIDE values.

In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity - both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available here.

Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.