Responsible for the gross pathology dissection, description, and sampling of biopsies and complex surgical tissue specimens to aid in diagnosis. Additionally, the role involves supporting biobanking duties, assisting in resident teaching, and overseeing basic laboratory operations.
Requirements summary
Requires a Bachelor's degree and graduation from a NAACLS accredited Pathologists' Assistant program or OJT training. Must hold or be eligible for PA (ASCP) certification and possess strong knowledge of dissection techniques and digital photography.
bachelor degreepostgraduate degreeprofessional certificateStaff TrainingQuality ImprovementSOP DevelopmentPatient-Focused CareIntraoperative ConsultationsBiobankingMedical Student TeachingLaboratory Information Systems (LIS)Autopsy ServicesSpecimen SamplingGross Pathology DissectionGross Digital Photography
Job description
Be a part of a world-class academic healthcare system, UChicago Medicine, as a Pathologists’ Assistant in the Anatomic Pathology Lab department.
Here, you will be responsible for the gross pathology dissection, gross description and sampling of biopsies and complex surgical tissue specimens.
Sampling and description is performed in accordance to established procedures to aid pathologists in obtaining the diagnosis.
This department is the Anatomic Pathology Laboratory.
This position is a 100% onsite opportunity.
You will need to be based in the greater Chicagoland area.
In consultation with the Anatomical Pathology Manager, the pathologists, and the Medical Directors, the Pathologists’ Assistant assists with resident and medical student teaching and may provide oversight of activities in support of basic laboratory operations including intraoperative consultations and autopsy services. The Pathologists’ Assistant also performs biobanking duties such as coordinating, obtaining, and documenting tissue specimens to be used for research for the Human Tissue Resource Center (HTRC).
Essential Job Functions
Partners with section supervisor to ensure effective and efficient day-to-day operations of the laboratory department.
Assists with development and implementation of new and revised procedures.
Promote department and laboratory teamwork through effective communication and assists staff, faculty and other health professionals to identify and resolve issues.
Provides coverage in the absence of the section supervisor.
Prioritizes workload based on assignment or established priorities, responds effectively to changes in workflow adjusting work to incorporate STAT requests or fluctuations in work volume.
Prepares and dissects surgical biopsies and large complicated specimens in collaboration with the pathologist.
Prepares specimens for gross digital photography and photographs specimens while maintaining patient identification.
Executes and assists residents with intra-operative consultations.
Provides support and guidance for residents and technicians on autopsy services, such as organ evisceration, brain and spinal cord removal, and organ dissection.
Assists in distributing tissues and organs to approved researchers. Performs technical and clerical tasks related to research projects.
Provides patient-focused care in a clinical setting through the accurate performance of routine and complex tests through the pre-analytic, analytic and post-analytic stages.
Trains, assists and guides techs and pathology residents in gross description, dictation and dissection techniques, specimen handling procedures, data entry in the laboratory LIS, and safe use of instruments and equipment in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.
Participates in hiring new staff and provides performance feedback to staff.
Participates in quality and process improvement efforts. Identifies ways to improve work processes, patient and staff safety. Make recommendations and review SOPs to implements and monitors changes as requested.
Practices the proficient and safe use of all equipment necessary for the completion of all duties and responsibilities within defined turn-around times.
Required Qualifications
Minimum of Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Graduate of a NAACLS accredited Pathologists’ Assistant program (Master’s degree) or OJT training with PA (ASCP) certification.
Pathologists’ Assistant Certification (or eligibility) through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP): PA (ASCP).
Knowledge and understanding of dissection technique, equipment and methodologies.
Knowledge of digital photographic technique and equipment; experience with computer applications.
Ability to interact and communicate professionally with pathologists, pathology residents, other health care professionals, and laboratory colleagues.
Ability to work independently, maintain composure under stress and time deadlines, and exercise sound judgment during stressful situations.
Display leadership qualities including communication skills.
Able to handle large volumes of work within narrow timeframes and remain organized with a precise attention to detail.
Position Details
Job Type/FTE: Registry/PRN (0.20)
Shift: Any Shift – As Needed/Pick Up, No Weekends
Work Location: Hyde Park
Unit/Department: Anatomic Pathology Laboratory
CBA code: Non-Union
5815 S Maryland Ave
UChicago Medicine Mitchell Hospital - Hyde Park is a six-story hospital at the heart of our historic Hyde Park campus.
An integral part of our academic medical center, the Bernard A. Mitchell Hospital is home to a variety of specialty care, including our post-natal mother-baby unit, advanced imaging services, physical therapy services, dialysis access center and in-patient units. Other amenities include wireless internet, a chapel, an on-site restaurant and a gift shop.
We’ve been at the forefront of medicine since 1899.
We provide superior healthcare with compassion, always mindful that each patient is a person, an individual.
To accomplish this, we need employees with passion, talent and commitment… with patients and with each other.
We’re in this together: working to advance medical innovation, serve the health needs of the community, and move our collective knowledge forward.
If you’d like to add enriching human life to your profile, UChicago Medicine is for you.
Here at the forefront, we’re doing work that really matters.
UChicago Medicine is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, civil union status, parental status, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status and other legally protected characteristics.
As a condition of employment, all employees are required to complete a pre-employment physical, background check, drug screening, and comply with the flu vaccination requirements prior to hire. Medical and religious exemptions will be considered for flu vaccination consistent with applicable law.
Compensation & Benefits Overview
UChicago Medicine is committed to transparency in compensation and benefits. The pay range provided reflects the anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position.
The pay range is based on a full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) and is reflective of current market data, reviewed on an annual basis. Compensation offered at the time of hire will vary based on candidate qualifications and experience and organizational considerations, such as internal equity. Pay ranges for employees subject to Collective Bargaining Agreements are negotiated by the medical center and their respective union.
