Pathologists' Assistant - Surgical Pathology Lab

Duke Health; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke Health in Durham, NC seeks a Pathologist Assistant to support autopsy and surgical pathology under the supervision of a pathologist in a state-of-the-art laboratory. You will assist with tissue preparation, specimen coordination, record-keeping, and participation in specialized procedures.

The role emphasizes training interns, maintaining precise records, and collaborating across pathology services to ensure accurate, timely diagnoses and educational excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited Pathologist Assistant program.
• Certification by the American Association of Pathologist Assistants within 12 months of hire.
• Ability to obtain and prepare tissue for evaluation and assist pathologists in a timely and quality manner.

Responsibilities

• Select and identify tissue for microscopic study; determine proper fixative solutions in which tissue will be maintained.
• Triage specimen received from surgery; dictate gross findings on selected specimen using appropriate terminology; refer tissue sections for microscopic review by Pathologist or Resident.
• Maintain records of surgical pathology specimen dissections and dictation; assist in the compilation of reports for surgical pathology; label and store gross tissue specimen.
• Perform specialized procedures such as frozen sections and decalcification; maintain and coordinate specimen and records for specialized procedures using appropriate protocols; submit requests for special histologic procedures and stains when appropriate.
• Photograph specimen samples for instruction and documentation; perform photomicroscopy on cases considered for interdepartmental conferences or for teaching purposes; maintain complete and accurate records of all gross and microscopic photographs.
• Assist pathologist with eviscerations, gross anatomic dissection, and in obtaining appropriate sections for microscopic examination; assist in training techniques and procedures to staff interns and residents.
• Remove organs, portions of bone, or other samples of tissues for any specialized study or research; collect materials for toxicological, viral and bacteriological assays; maintain records; file x-rays; monitor and order supplies.
• Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

Skills

Anatomy knowledge

Macrosurgical techniques

Laboratory skills

Safety & infection control

Record keeping & software

Education

Bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited Pathologist Assistant program

Job description

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.

Duke University Health System Clinical Laboratories

Pursue your passion for caring and innovation as a team member in the state-of-the-art Duke Health laboratories. Duke Health laboratories are College of American Pathologists accredited and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments certified. The multidisciplinary team is committed to serving the rare and complex testing needs of Duke Health patients by providing timely and accurate results, educating the next generation of laboratorians, scientists and physicians, and researching and developing the cutting-edge diagnostics of tomorrow.

General Description

Assist in performance of autopsy and surgical pathology services. Work independently when performing professional duties associated with the preparation, performance, and completion of autopsies, and examination and/or preparations of the surgical pathology specimens, with general supervision of pathologist.

Duties and Responsibilities

Select and identify tissue for microscopic study; determine proper fixative solutions in which tissue will be maintained.

Triage specimen received from surgery; dictate gross findings on selected specimen using appropriate terminology; refer tissue sections for microscopic review by Pathologist or Resident.

Maintain records of surgical pathology specimen dissections and dictation; assist in the compilation of reports for surgical pathology; label and store gross tissue specimen.

Perform specialized procedures such as frozen sections and decalcification; maintain and coordinate specimen and records for specialized procedures using appropriate protocols; submit request for special histologic procedures and special stains when appropriate.

Photograph specimen samples as appropriate for use in instruction and documentation. Perform photomicroscopy on cases considered for interdepartmental conferences or for teaching purposes; maintain complete and accurate records of all gross and microscopic photographs.

Assist pathologist with eviscerations, gross anatomic dissection, and in obtaining appropriate sections for microscopic examination; assist in training of techniques and procedures to staff interns and residents.

Remove organs, portions of bone, or other samples of tissues for any specialized study or research; collect special materials for toxicological, viral and bacteriological assays. Maintain records; file x-rays; maintain facilities; label and store gross tissue obtained during autopsy; monitor and order supplies.

Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

Required Qualifications At This Level

Education

Bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited Pathologist Assistant program.

Minimal educational or experience requirements may be modified on a case-by‑case basis at the discretion of the CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment) director if minimal CLIA requirements are met by the employee for the tasks being performed.

Experience

N/A

Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification

Certification by the American Association of Pathologist Assistants within 12 months of hire.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

Basic knowledge of human anatomy, macrosurgical techniques, general laboratory skills.Understanding of safety and infection control requirements of position. Demonstrated ability to obtain and prepare tissue for evaluation, provide assistance to pathologists, in a timely and quality manner. Proficiency in preparing and maintaining records, use of electronic communications tools and software.

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.