Pathology Lab Assistant

Cayuga Medical Center; Ithaca (MI); On-site; USD 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Cayuga Health is seeking a Laboratory Technician at Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca, NY. The role focuses on accurate specimen registration, processing, and coordination of testing in a clinical lab setting.

You will support pathologists and clinical activities, maintain records and inventories, and ensure compliance with HIPAA and safety regulations. Evening onsite shifts are available with competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Strong communication skills, attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and ability to prioritize workload.

Responsibilities

• Ensure accurate specimen registration, identification, accessioning, and processing while maintaining specimen integrity.
• Coordinate reference and send-out testing, maintain specimen tracking systems, and manage slide, block, and specimen retrieval, retention, and disposal according to policy.
• Maintain accurate records, including inventory, temperature logs, and tracking documentation, while investigating and reporting discrepancies.
• Manage laboratory supplies and departmental inventory, support pathologists and clinical activities, and assist with equipment upkeep and general pathology operations.
• Adhere to laboratory, safety, compliance, HIPAA, and regulatory requirements while supporting quality improvement initiatives and other duties.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving ability

Prioritize workload

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Laboratory procedures knowledge

Medical terminology familiarity

Job description

About Cayuga Health

Cayuga Health offers patient-centered, comprehensive health services at Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca; Schuyler Hospital in Montour Falls; and more than 40 medical offices in the Finger Lakes and Central New York. Cayuga Health employs more than 450 providers from 40+ specialties. Additional services include a neo-natal intensive care unit, a home health care agency, an addiction recovery organization, and a skilled nursing facility.

Cayuga Health is a member of Centralus Health, a community-based integrated delivery system. Our mission is to deliver high-quality care, empower our teams to succeed, and improve the wellbeing of the communities we serve.

Our commitment to quality personalized care begins with our exceptional team—over 6500 employees strong. At Cayuga Health, you will work in a collaborative environment that values excellence, integrity, compassion and stewardship. Together, we create an environment where empathy, honesty and a dedication to quality thrive, empowering us to make a positive impact on the lives we touch.

We offer competitive wages, comprehensive benefits, and professional development opportunities to help our employees grow and thrive. Whether you are just starting your career or taking the next step in healthcare, we invite you to join us in shaping the future of care in our communities.

Learn more at www.cayugahealth.org.

• Ensure accurate specimen registration, identification, accessioning, and processing while maintaining specimen integrity and resolving acceptability issues promptly.
• Coordinate reference and send-out testing, maintain specimen tracking systems, and manage slide, block, and specimen retrieval, retention, and disposal according to policy.
• Maintain accurate records, including inventory, temperature logs, and tracking documentation, while investigating and reporting discrepancies.
• Manage laboratory supplies and departmental inventory, support pathologists and clinical activities, and assist with equipment upkeep and general pathology operations.
• Adhere to all laboratory, safety, compliance, HIPAA, and regulatory requirements while supporting quality improvement initiatives, process validations, postmortem examinations, and other assigned duties.

Required Skills and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Strong communication skills, attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and ability to prioritize workload.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Prior laboratory experience
• Familiarity with medical procedures and terminology

Physical Requirements

• Light to moderate physical effort.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Repetitive hand use; occasional prolonged standing, walking, or sitting.
• Exposure to blood, body fluids, tissues, and laboratory chemicals.

Location, Travel and Shift Requirements

• Onsite - Cayuga Medical Center
• Evenings

Pay Range Disclosure

• Standard Rate of $19.20 - $24.36 per hour plus benefits

Centralus and its affiliates are committed to treating all patients, providers, staff and volunteers equitably and with dignity, ensuring the highest levels of safety, care and respect, and striving to recognize and overcome biases and policies that contribute to disparities in healthcare access, equitable care and positive health outcomes for all.

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, supporting the growth and health of our employees and community by embracing the rich diversity, needs and circumstances of all peoples and prioritizing opportunities to build a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable protected characteristics.

If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, a job interview or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact the Centralus Talent Acquisition team at [e-mail].