Pathologists Assistant Float I-Part Time Days

Northwestern Medicine; Lake Forest (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 56,000; Part time

Job summary

Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital is seeking a Pathologists’ Assistant Float I for a part-time 20-hour-per-week position. The role primarily supports Lake Forest Hospital and may float to other NM facilities, including Woodstock Hospital.

Working with a pathologist, you will perform gross descriptions and sampling of surgical specimens, assist with intra-operative consultations, manage specimen labeling, and help maintain equipment and safety standards in accordance with NM policies.

Qualifications

• 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

Responsibilities

• Performs all duties as scheduled by pathologist.
• Performs gross examination and dissection of biopsies and large specimens; ensures specimen integrity and proper labeling.
• Assists with intra-operative consultations; prepares cryostat sections and tracks turn‑around times.
• Prepares specimens for imaging and photography; maintains imaging equipment and files.
• Prepares materials and participates in conferences with residents, pathologists, and clinical staff.
• Uses independent judgment to prioritize workload and adapt to changes, including STAT requests.
• Operates and maintains equipment safely, reporting malfunctions per SOP.
• Assists in developing new procedures and maintaining manuals per guidelines.
• Supports quality and process improvement and implements approved changes.
• Maintains a clean and safe work area and follows safety procedures.
• Participates in cost containment initiatives and efficient use of supplies.
• Provides backup assistance in basic laboratory operations.
• Records documentation consistently and may create SOPs.
• Fosters teamwork and handles change with composure.
• Takes initiative for personal development through educational sessions.

Education

Master of Science

Pathologists’ Assistant degree

Pathologists’ Assistant Certification (ASCP) or eligible for certification or Illinois licensed MD/DO with enrollment in anatomical pathology

Job description

Description

This is a part time position at 20 hours per week located at Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital. As a float role, primary support is for Lake Forest Hospital but will also float to support our other hospitals, such as Woodstock Hospital.

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. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign‑on Bonus Eligibility (if sign‑on bonus offered for position)

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 at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.