Washington University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

This position is full-time and works approximately 40 hours per week.  

This position is in the Department of Pathology and Immunology.� The position is located at the BJC Institute of Health.� This position is for the Medical School Campus.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the lead PA, PA supervisor and Director of Surgical Pathology, the pathologist assistant examines, describes, and sections biopsies and resection specimens, requiring independent medical judgment with indirect supervision. S/he prepares frozen section tissue and slides for rapid diagnosis; performs general lab functions, technologist activities and quality assurance; maintains laboratory equipment, supplies and records; acts as a technical resource for accessioners, students, residents and other trainees; and supports compliance activities.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Examine, describe, dissect and section biopsies and resection specimens, including dictation of salient gross features under the direction of staff pathologists as follows:

• Perform gross dissection of surgical tissues
• Dictate gross findings using appropriate terminology
• Prepare and submit specimens for histology and other laboratory testing
• Photograph specimens as appropriate for use in instruction and documentation
• Assure appropriate specimen accessioning

2. Summarize patient medical history as recorded on the requisition form.� Obtain/review pertinent clinical and radiologic data from electronic medical records.
3. Review requisitions and specimen containers for correct labeling and demographic information, working with accessioning to rectify errors.
4. Assist with distribution (assignment) of specimens in gross room.
5. Orient, freeze, cut, and stain frozen sections for intra-operative microscopic evaluation.
6. Anticipate the need for specialized procedures such as decalcification, lymphoma workup, and ancillary diagnostic tests.
7. Operate telepathology system.
8. Assure proper maintenance of equipment, provision of adequate supplies, and cleanliness of the surgical pathology suite.
9. Perform basic troubleshooting of technical systems used in the course of gross room operations.
10. Perform such administrative, teaching, and other duties as may be assigned, including didactic and hands-on teaching of pathologists and/or PAs in training.
11. Experience professional growth and development through educational programs, current literature, inservice meetings, and workshops.
12. Maintain established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance programs, safety, accreditation, environmental and infection control standards.
13. Demonstrate initiative, leadership and organization in addressing problems.� Troubleshoot operational and technical workflow issues.� Solve day-to-day operational issues in supervisor’s absence.� Recommend quality and workflow process improvement.

OTHER FUNCTIONS:

1. Identify and sample normal and tumor tissue for tumor banking for both patient care and research requirements.
2. Learn new skills and technologies as needed to support department goals and objectives.
3. Operate Voicebrook voice recognition software, Copath lab information system, and other clinical informatics.
4. Must be able to function independently to gross all common and uncommon specimen types.
5. Position does not include autopsy requirements.

Graduate of accredited pathologist assistant program or a minimum of 3 years applicable experience in an accredited laboratory environment.

• Bachelor's or master’s degree from an accredited pathologist assistant program with certification (or certification eligible) by the American Society for Clinical Pathology is preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of anatomy as applied to surgical pathology.
• Advanced knowledge of pathologist assistant principles and practice.
• Understanding of laboratory accreditation, laboratory safety and infection control.
• Strong organizational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to multitask and to anticipate emerging organizational needs.
• Proficiency in use of electronic communications tools and software.

The hiring range for this position is $75,358 - $96,096 annually.

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. Current employees applying for a new position within the university may be subject to this requirement. The screenings will include a criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

This position is eligible for full-time benefits.  Please click the following link to view a summary of benefits:  https://wustl.box.com/s/8wkhs25yssf0775x9d6nd6vqa7obpth7

This position is grade C15.

Please attach a copy of your most current signed performance evaluation (completed within the last 18 months) to your online account.  If you have not received a performance evaluation, you may provide two current signed letters of recommendation (written within the last 18 months), preferably to include one letter from either a current or recent former supervisor.  To attach these documents, go to:  My Career Tools, Add Attachment, Attachment Type – Performance Reviews or Letters of Recommendation.

REQUIRED PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:

• Requires manual dexterity, visual acuity and color discrimination sufficient to handle gross specimens and instrumentation.
• Requires ability to safely handle potentially infectious patient specimens, carcinogenic substances, odors and other hazardous materials to which they may be regularly exposed. 
• Typical physical demands include sitting or standing extensively with frequent walking.
• Must be able to lift all usual specimens in the gross room without assistance (up to 10 kg).

JOB LOCATION/WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Clinical laboratory setting.
• Time pressure and stress related to patient care delivery in a tertiary care, academic environment.
• The laboratory processes ~50,000 surgical specimens annually.
• Funds will be provided for annual professional development as well as annual membership dues to professional organization.