Pathologists' Assistant/On-Call/UKHC

University of Kentucky; Lexington, Northern (KY, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kentucky is seeking a Pathologists’ Assistant to assist pathologists in examining and diagnosing patient specimens in a hospital setting. You will gross complex surgical specimens, decide when to consult a pathologist, and support tissue processing and accessioning as needed.

Ideal candidates hold an MS from an accredited PA program with PA certification and have 2+ years of related experience, preferably in an academic medical center.

Qualifications

• MS from an accredited PA program with PA certification.
• Two or more years related grossing experience preferred.
• Academic medical center exposure preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform gross examination and description of surgical specimens.
• Dissect, section, and prepare tissue for histology.
• Assist pathologists with review and consultations as needed.
• Maintain safety compliance and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with clinical staff to ensure efficient workflow.

Skills

Grossing

Frozen sections

Surgical pathology

Radiography

Team collaboration

Education

MS from PA program

PA certification

Tools

PACS

Laboratory software

Job description

Required License/Registration/Certification

None

Physical Requirements

Standing for long periods of time; lifting of specimens and objects; exposure to chemicals, blood, tissue, and body fluids; must wear personal protective equipment for long periods of time.

Shift

As needed in an on-call capacity.

Job Summary

As a Pathologists’ Assistant, you will play a crucial role in assisting pathologists with the examination and diagnosis of patient specimens. You will work closely with medical professionals in a hospital setting to ensure accurate specimen collection, processing, and laboratory procedures. You will work independently to gross complex surgical specimens, determine the need to consult with a pathologist, make technical grossing decisions, troubleshoot and resolve specimen receiving issues. Will also be expected to be proficient in surgical pathology prosecution and may on occasion need to accession specimens or assist with other duties within the lab.

Skills / Knowledge / Responsibilities

• Performs gross examination of surgical specimens, including dissection, description and tissue sectioning for histological preparation.
• Receives specimens from the operating rooms and performs appropriate examination including frozen sectioning, specimen photography, research tissue procurement, and radiography.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols and adheres to regulatory requirements
• Skill in the use of computers and related software applications
• Collaborate with other members of the healthcare team to ensure efficient workflow

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Grossing skills, team player, excellent customer service, interpersonal skills, and frozen section experience.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

Preferred Education/Experience

MS from accredited PA program, PA certification and 2 or more years related experience preferred. Previous paid grossing experience in academic medical center working closely with residents also preferred.

Deadline to Apply

Deadline to Apply 09/14/2026

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.