Pathologists’ Assistant - Medical Examiner's Office

Wayne State University; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Wayne State University in Detroit seeks a Pathologists’ Assistant to support autopsy and surgical pathology services under supervision. The role involves describing specimens, performing pro-sections, collecting appropriate samples for microscopic evaluation, and assisting with gross dissection and report preparation.

Requirements include a Bachelor’s degree, eligibility for ASCP Pathologists’ Assistant certification within 2 years, and 1–3 years pathology experience; autopsy experience

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; graduate from accredited Pathologists’ Assistant program or BS with physiology/anatomy and 3+ years pathology experience.
• Must be eligible for ASCP Pathologists’ Assistant certification and complete within 2 years of hire; continuing education required.
• ASCP certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist autopsy and surgical pathology under supervision of Pathologist.
• Describe and examine autopsy specimens and perform pro-section.
• Maintain toxicology sample integrity and prepare for shipment.
• Assist in gross dissection and tissue preparation; use cryostat and staining as needed.
• Enter data into electronic database and support QA programs.
• Train medical students and Pathologists’ Assistant students; train autopsy technicians.

Skills

Pathology experience

Autopsy assistance

Education

Bachelor’s degree

ASCP certification eligibility

Job description

Pathologists’ Assistant - Medical Examiner's Office

Job Purpose: Assists and provides technical assistance in the performance of autopsy and surgical pathology services under general supervision of Pathologist. Describes and examines autopsy specimens, performs autopsy pro-section, obtains appropriate specimens for microscopic evaluation, and describes findings. Assists Pathologists in the preparation, grossing, and dissection of autopsy specimens. Reports to Administrative Manager.

Essential Functions

• Performs complex procedures including preparation for medical laboratory tests for diagnosis.
• Performs postmortem procedure with organ block dissection and histology tissue preparation.
• Ensures integrity of toxicology samples, including packaging and preparation for shipment.
• Performs evisceration, toxicology sample collection, photography, and radiography.
• Reviews pertinent information and data for presentation to attending pathologist.
• Provides training to rotating medical students and Pathologists’ Assistant students.
• Provides training of new techniques to autopsy technicians.
• Communicates ideas and suggestions for the improvement of autopsy protocols in accordance with Lean Principles.
• Conducts training seminars, instructing pathologists’ assistant students in the techniques and protocols of autopsy and gross autopsy/forensic pathology.
• Demonstrates gross pathology protocols and procedures to new trainees.
• Assists with sections/specimens utilizing cryostat, stains, and coverslip slides; maintains frozen section equipment.
• Identifies special techniques and procedures to be utilized in the completion of the examination, for example, bacterial and viral cultures.
• Completes and ensures integrity of information entered into electronic database.
• Assists in family‑physician communications if required.
• Evaluates and maintains autopsy room equipment needs and supply needs.
• Enters data from analysis of medical tests or clinical results into computer for storage.
• Establishes or monitors quality assurance programs or activities to ensure the accuracy of laboratory results.
• Sets up, cleans, and maintains laboratory equipment.
• Assists in cataloging autopsy photographs.
• Conducts medical research under direction of pathologists, microbiologists, or biochemists.
• Conducts medical research under direction of forensic pathologist or anthropologist.
• Analyzes or collects samples of biological material for chemical content or reaction.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Transfers and handles body from morgue to autopsy table.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree. Must have graduated from an accredited Bachelor’s or Master’s Pathologists’ Assistant program, or have a Bachelor’s degree in Sciences with background in physiology and anatomy and a minimum of 3 years of experience in Pathology.
• Must be eligible for certification as a Pathologist’s Assistant by the American Society for Clinical Pathology and complete certification within 2 years of hire. Must maintain certification by completing continuing education requirements.
• Certification as a Pathologists’ Assistant by the American Society for Clinical Pathology is preferred.
• Experience: Minimum 1 year of professional experience in Pathology including previous experience assisting with gross description and dissection of surgical tissue (3 years preferred). Experience assisting with autopsies is preferred.

Compensation

• Annual Salary. Compensation dependent upon the candidate’s education, skills, and experience. Salary minimum and hire maximum: TBD.

Employment Type

• Regular Employee
• Full Time
• Staff/Administrative

Working Conditions

• Number of openings: 1

Background Check Requirements

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If offered employment, the university will inform the applicant if a background check is required.

Benefits & Other Information

The university welcomes applications from persons with disabilities and veterans. Wayne State is an equal opportunity employer.