Pathology Lab Assistant

Cayuga Health, A Member of Centralus Health; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Centralus Health Mission in Ithaca is seeking a Pathology Lab Assistant to provide clerical and non-technical support to the anatomic pathology department. Responsibilities include specimen accessioning, reference testing coordination, inventory and record maintenance, temperature documentation, and general departmental organization.

This role supports efficient workflow, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance, and may assist with postmortem examinations.

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills and ability to prioritize workload.
• Attention to detail and problem-solving abilities are essential.
• Ability to prioritize workload and manage multiple tasks in a clinical setting.

Responsibilities

• Ensure accurate registration, specimen identification, accessioning and specimen integrity throughout processing.
• Review specimens for acceptability and follow-up on issues.
• Coordinate reference/testing with outside labs and offices.
• Receive, file, and retrieve slides and related materials; maintain retention systems.
• Maintain documentation including temperature logs and inventory records; report discrepancies.
• Monitor departmental inventory and supplies; resolve ordering issues.
• Prepare cases for pathologists and conferences as requested.
• Maintain clean, organized, compliant workspaces and assist with maintenance.

Skills

Strong communication

Attention to detail

Problem-solving ability

Prioritize workload

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Centralus Health Mission

Our mission is to deliver high-quality care; empower our teams to success and improve the wellbeing of the communities we serve.

Centralus Health Mission

Our mission is to deliver high-quality care; empower our teams to success and improve the wellbeing of the communities we serve.

The Pathology Lab Assistant provides clerical and non‑technical support to the anatomic pathology department. Responsibilities include specimen accessioning, reference testing coordination, inventory and record maintenance, temperature documentation, and general departmental organization. This role supports efficient workflow, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance, and may assist with postmortem examinations.

Essential Job Functions

• Ensure accurate registration, specimen identification, accessioning and specimen integrity throughout processing.
• Review specimens for acceptability, identify issues requiring follow‑up, and ensure timely resolution.
• Coordinate reference and send‑out testing, including documentation, tracking, and communication with outside laboratories and provider offices.
• Receive, match, distribute, file, and retrieve slides, blocks, and related materials; maintain specimen retention systems per policy.
• Maintain accurate documentation, including temperature logs, specimen tracking records, and inventory records; investigate and report discrepancies.
• Monitor and maintain departmental inventory, including ordering, stocking, and ensuring availability of supplies for routine operations, reference testing, and procedures. Resolve ordering issues and participate in inventory management initiatives.
• Prepare cases and materials for pathologists, multidisciplinary conferences, and clinical activities as requested.
• Maintain clean, organized, and compliant workspaces; assist with general pathology maintenance and instrument/equipment upkeep.
• Comply with all laboratory, hospital, corporate compliance, infection prevention, safety, Joint Commission, New York State, and HIPAA requirements.
• Maintain compliance with Employee Health and Occupational Medicine policies (i.e., PPD testing and Influenza vaccination).

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain slide, block, and specimen retention and retrieval systems in accordance with departmental policy.
• Appropriately discard specimens and biohazardous materials according to laboratory policy.
• Support quality improvement activities, including validation of new processes and reagents, and policy/procedure review.
• Assist with postmortem examinations, as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Important Note: (*) indicates an essential function of the job as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Essential functions are the core duties that are fundamental to the position and must be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Success Factors

• Communicates professionally and respectfully with patients, providers, and colleagues.
• Upholds patient and employee confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
• Adheres strictly to safety protocols, including proper handling of hazardous chemicals such as formalin and xylene.
• Maintains professional, respectful, and customer-focused interactions with patients, providers, and colleagues.
• Consistently follows all applicable policies, procedures, regulatory standards, and quality control requirements.

Required

Education / Experience Qualifications

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

Preferred

• 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.

I certify that the information contained in this application is correct and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any falsification or omission of information may disqualify me from further consideration for employment or, if hired, may result in termination. In consideration for my employment, I agree to abide by the rules and regulations of the company, which rules may be changed, withdrawn, added, or interpreted at any time, at the company's sole option and without prior notice to me.

I understand that any hiring decision is contingent upon my successful completion of all of the Company's lawful pre-employment/post-offer checks, which may include a background check, drug screen, employment references, and licensing review. If I am made a conditional offer of employment, I agree to execute any consent forms necessary for the Company to conduct its lawful pre-employment/post-offer checks. Such checks will not be conducted until allowed under applicable federal, state, and local law. I understand if I have a criminal background, it will not automatically disqualify me from employment unless otherwise required by law. I agree to execute any consent forms necessary for the Company to conduct its lawful pre-employment checks.

I also understand that the Company is a drug and alcohol-free workplace and has a drug and alcohol testing program consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. I understand that after a conditional offer of employment, I must submit to and pass a pre-employment drug test as a condition of employment.

Job Posted by ApplicantPro