Pathologists Assistant Float I-Full Time Days

Northwestern Medicine Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital; Lake Forest (IL); On-site; USD 62,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition reimbursement

Student loan repayment

Professional development

Wellbeing fund

401(k) matching

Job summary

Northwestern Medicine Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital is seeking a Pathologists’ Assistant Float I for a full-time, 40-hour weekly role. Primary coverage is at Lake Forest and McHenry Hospitals, with potential support at Kishwaukee and Delnor hospitals. Schedule is Monday to Friday, 8-hour shifts.

Under supervision of a pathologist, this position handles gross pathology description, biopsy sampling, and assists with resident training while supporting routine laboratory operations.

Qualifications

• Master of Science required.
• Pathologists’ Assistant degree required.
• ASCP certification or eligibility, or Illinois MD/DO withPATH enrollment.

Responsibilities

• Performs duties as scheduled by pathologist.
• Performs gross examination and dissection of biopsies and large specimens; maintains sample integrity and accurate labeling.
• Assists with intra-operative consultations; prepares cryostat sections and documents turnaround times.
• Prepares materials for imaging and photography; maintains imaging equipment and files.
• Participates in conferences with residents, pathologists, and staff; adheres to SOPs and safety policies.
• Prioritizes workload and adapts to changes; maintains housekeeping, safety, and equipment maintenance.
• Records documentation, may develop SOPs, and supports quality improvement initiatives.

Education

Master of Science

Pathologists’ Assistant degree

ASCP certification eligibility

Job description

The salary range for this position is $45.24 - $65.59 (Hourly Rate)

Placement within the salary range is dependent on several factors such as relevant work experience and internal equity. For positions represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range is guided by the rules outlined in the collective bargaining agreement.

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well‑being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section located at jobs.nm.org/benefits to learn more.

Northwestern Medicine is powered by a community of colleagues who are purpose‑driven and committed to our mission to deliver world‑class care. Here, you’ll work alongside some of the best clinical talent in the nation leading the way in medical innovation and breakthrough research with Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

We recognize where you’ve been, and we support where you’re headed. We celebrate diverse perspectives and experiences, which fuel our commitment to equity and culture of service.

Grow your career with comprehensive training and development opportunities, mentorship programs, educational support and student loan repayment.

Create the life you envision for yourself with flexible work options, a Reimbursable Well‑Being Fund and a Total Rewards package that support your physical, mental, emotional, and financial well‑being.

Make a difference through volunteer opportunities we offer in local communities and drive inclusive change through our workforce‑led resource groups.

From discovery to delivery, come help us shape the future of medicine.

Benefits

• $10,000 Tuition Reimbursement per year ($5,700 part-time)
• $10,000 Student Loan Repayment ($5,000 part-time)
• $1,000 Professional Development per year ($500 part-time)
• $250 Wellbeing Fund per year ($125 for part-time)
• Matching 401(k)
• Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage
• Life insurance
• Annual Employee Salary Increase and Incentive Bonus
• Paid time off and Holiday pay

Description

• This is a full time position at 40 hours per week. This role is a float role, with main support being at Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital and McHenry Hospital but also possible support at Kishwaukee hospital and Delnor Hospital. The schedule is Monday to Friday, 8-hour shifts.

The Pathologists’ Assistant Float I reflect the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

In collaboration with the pathologist, the Pathologists’ Assistant Float I is responsible for the gross pathology description and sampling of biopsy and/or other selected complex surgical tissue specimens. The dissection sampling and description is performed in accordance with established procedures to aid the pathologist in establishing the diagnosis. The Pathologists’ Assistant I assist with resident training and provides a variety of activities in support of basic laboratory operations.

Responsibilities

• Performs all duties as scheduled by pathologist.
• Performs gross examination and dissection of surgical biopsies and large complicated specimens. Maintains specimen integrity and accurate legible specimen identification throughout all technical and clerical processes. Produces high-quality, high-volume work in a timely fashion, always finding better/more efficient ways to do things.
• Provides assistance with intra-operative consultations. Cuts, stains, and coverslips cryostat sections for timely review. Documents appropriate turn-around-time tracking information.
• Prepares specimens for imaging and photographs specimens. Maintains imaging equipment and files. Organizes radiology files and photography.
• Prepares materials and participates in conferences with residents, pathologists, and clinical staff.
• Exercises independent judgment in the performance of technical responsibilities. Prioritizes technical workload based on assignment or established priorities, responds effectively to changes in workflow adjusting work to incorporate STAT requests or fluctuations in work volume.
• Practices the proficient and safe use of all equipment necessary for the completion of all duties and responsibilities within defined turn-around times. Cleans, disinfects, performs, and documents routine equipment and workspace maintenance per SOP. Reports equipment or instrument malfunctions appropriately.
• Assists manager and/or pathologist in development and implementing new and special procedures or techniques. May assist in maintaining procedure manuals in accordance with practice guidelines and requirements of regulatory agencies.
• Participates in quality and process improvement efforts. Identifies ways to improve work processes and improve customer satisfaction. Makes recommendations to manager, implements and monitors changes as requested.
• Maintains a clean and safe work area. Follows established laboratory safety procedures in accordance with those regulatory bodies such as OSHA, FDA, EPA, etc. Observes and practices Universal Precautions when handling biohazardous material. Assumes a proactive role in laboratory safety and participates in development of safety protocols in surgical pathology. Performs minor spill cleanup per SOP when necessary.
• Participates in cost containment initiatives. Responsible for efficient use of supplies and reagents and proper operation of instrumentation.
• Provides backup assistance in a variety of activities in support of basic laboratory operations.
• Records all documentation consistently and legibly. May create Standard Operating Procedures. Maintains manuals and electronic records for easy retrieval of data as necessary. Investigates, escalates, and documents any discrepancies or unresolved issues appropriately.
• Fosters department and laboratory teamwork through effective communication. Adapts to change and handles stressful situations effectively.
• Takes initiative for personal development by attending teleconferences, educational sessions, and required meetings, etc.

Qualifications

Required:

• Master of Science
• Pathologists’ Assistant’s degree
• Pathologists’ Assistant Certification (ASCP) or eligible for certification or Illinois licensed MD/DO with current or completed enrollment in anatomical pathology

Equal Opportunity

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case‑by‑case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well‑being while providing protection for unexpected life events.

Click on or copy and paste URL to your browser to view detailed benefits information https://jobs.nm.org/benefits

Please refer to the Benefits Eligibility by Employment Classification to determine benefits eligibility for job postings.

If sign-on bonus is included in a job posting eligibility is as followed: Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign-on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position as a Registered Nurse at NM may be eligible.