Pathologists’ Assistant / Histology – NWH Sur&Sp Care

UT MD Anderson Cancer Center

Houston (TX)

On-site

USD 111,000 - 167,000

Full time

4 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage from day one

Paid time off and holidays

Tuition assistance

Employee wellness programs

Job summary

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is seeking a Pathologist Assistant in the Pathology/Lab Medicine department to support anatomic pathology operations under the supervision of a pathologist.

The role includes tissue grossing and dissection, specimen submission for testing, documentation, training, and quality assurance to maintain high diagnostic and research standards in a collaborative cancer care environment.

Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited Pathologist Assistant Program or equivalent.
Bachelor’s degree in Biological or allied health sciences or related field.

Responsibilities

Perform gross description and dissection of tissues removed during surgery.
Select and submit specimens for histological, microbiological, immunological, and specialized testing.
Review and summarize patient information for pathology evaluation.
Provide patient medical history to pathologists.
Verify documentation for tissue use in research activities.
Direct autopsy technical personnel during laboratory operations.
Function as prosector for postmortem examinations.
Coordinate training of Surgical Pathology fellows, residents, and students.
Maintain patient and procedure data related to workload and quality assurance activities.

Education

Graduation from accredited Pathologist Assistant Program

Bachelor’s Degree Biological or allied health sciences

Job description

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. Within the Pathology/Lab Medicine department, clinical and laboratory professionals support accurate diagnoses, research initiatives, and patient care through advanced pathology services. The Pathologist Assistant plays a critical role in supporting anatomic pathology operations and collaborating with pathologists to ensure high-quality specimen evaluation and documentation.
The Pathologist Assistant provides specialized assistance in anatomic pathology under the direction and supervision of a pathologist. The Pathologist Assistant performs tissue grossing and dissection activities, supports laboratory compliance and quality initiatives, and assists with education and workflow oversight. The Pathologist Assistant also contributes to operational excellence by maintaining accurate records, coordinating training activities, and supporting surgical pathology and autopsy laboratory functions across UT MD Anderson.
The ideal candidate will possess the education, experience, and professional credentials necessary to perform tissue grossing, specimen dissection, pathology laboratory operations, quality assurance activities, workflow coordination, and training responsibilities in a surgical pathology and autopsy laboratory environment. As preferred qualifications were not provided, candidates should meet the stated minimum requirements and demonstrate strong knowledge of pathology laboratory practices, compliance standards, and collaborative healthcare operations.

Shift / Hours: Monday – Friday / 9am – 6pm

Why Us?

At UT MD Anderson, the Pathologist Assistant directly contributes to the institution’s mission by supporting accurate pathological diagnoses, research activities, laboratory quality standards, and patient care outcomes. This role offers opportunities to collaborate with expert pathology professionals, participate in education and training initiatives, and contribute to continuous improvement efforts in a highly specialized healthcare environment while benefiting from comprehensive employee programs that support professional growth and work-life balance.

Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30 hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.

Responsibilities

Anatomic Pathology Services

Perform gross description and dissection of tissues removed during surgery
Select and submit specimens for histological, microbiological, immunological, and specialized testing
Review and summarize relevant patient information for pathology evaluation
Provide patient medical history information to pathologists
Verify proper documentation for tissue use in research activities

Autopsy & Postmortem Operations

Direct autopsy technical personnel during laboratory operations
Function as prosector for postmortem examinations
Review and verify documentation for postmortem examination activities
Assist with oversight of surgical pathology and autopsy laboratory operations

Training & Education

Participate in the education of technical staff regarding tissue grossing techniques
Coordinate training of Surgical Pathology fellows, residents, and students
Support instruction related to tissue grossing procedures and best practices
Contribute to competency development activities within the laboratory

Quality Assurance & Compliance

Maintain patient and procedure data related to workload and quality assurance activities
Ensure compliance with accrediting agency requirements for pathology laboratory operations
Document competency testing activities
Document quality improvement initiatives
Assist with development and maintenance of laboratory procedure manuals

Operations & Workflow Management

Assist section management with oversight of personnel and laboratory operations
Direct workflow issues related to the collection of patient tissue
Collaborate with others to develop patient data and report templates
Maintain accurate operational records and workload data
Perform other duties as assigned

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Required: Ability to provide assistance in the area of anatomical pathology under the direction and supervision of a pathologist
Preferred: Experience supporting tissue grossing, specimen dissection, pathology laboratory operations, quality assurance activities, compliance programs, workflow coordination, and educational initiatives in surgical pathology and autopsy laboratories

EDUCATION

Required: Graduation from accredited Pathologist Assistant Program or
Required: Bachelor’s Degree Biological or allied health sciences.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Required: No experience required if graduated from an accredited Pathologist Assistant Program. or
Required: 3 years Experience performing gross examination and evaluation of human surgical and/or autopsy specimens is required with a Bachelor’s degree.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Required: PA(ASCP) – Pathologists’ Assistant American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP). within 180 Days

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.

This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html

Additional Information