Pathology Assistant
10 days ago
Athens
Job Description Pathology Assistant | Athens, GA | 90-Day Contract | Onsite | Laboratory Provide critical laboratory support in a pathology department, specializing in gross specimen preparation, dissection, and examination under pathologist supervision. This 90-day contract position involves specimen processing, anatomical preparation, autopsy techniques, and educational support in a clinical laboratory environment. POSITION OVERVIEW: • Title: Pathology Assistant, • Type: Contract, • Duration: 90 days (May 18, 2026 – August 31, 2026), • Hours: 40 hours per week, • Schedule: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:30 PM EST, • Work Type: Onsite, • Reporting Location: Athens, GA (1230 Baxter St.), • Department: Pathology Laboratory (LAP), • Start Date: May 18, 2026, • No holidays or weekends required COMPENSATION: • Pay Rate: $88.45/hour KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: GROSS SPECIMEN PROCESSING & PREPARATION: • Perform gross description of surgical specimens, • Prepare surgical specimens for examination and analysis, • Perform dissection of surgical specimens of human tissue, • Document specimen characteristics and findings, • Organize and categorize specimens appropriately, • Ensure proper specimen handling and preservation, • Maintain specimen integrity throughout processing AUTOPSY PROCEDURES: • Perform preparations necessary for human post-mortem examinations, • Execute standard autopsy techniques under pathologist supervision, • Collect and prepare tissues for examination, • Document autopsy findings, • Assist pathologist with complete autopsy procedures, • Ensure proper handling of deceased individuals SPECIMEN & TISSUE MANAGEMENT: • Obtain samples used for bio-specimen banking, • Process tissue samples for storage and future analysis, • Maintain specimen banking documentation, • Track specimen chain of custody, • Ensure proper labeling and organization of specimens, • Support biorepository operations ANATOMICAL WORK: • Perform gross dissection skills on surgical specimens, • Use appropriate dissection techniques, • Handle anatomical specimens with precision and care, • Prepare tissue sections for microscopic examination, • Support anatomical photography and documentation, • Maintain anatomical specimen standards ANATOMICAL PHOTOGRAPHY: • Capture high-quality photographs of gross specimens, • Document specimen appearance and characteristics, • Organize and file anatomical images, • Support visual documentation requirements, • Ensure proper lighting and angle for medical photography, • Maintain photography standards and protocols EDUCATION & TRAINING: • Instruct in anatomy and physiology to staff and students, • Provide education in gross pathology, • Train pathologists' assistant students and residents, • Educate fellows in pathology procedures, • Train other personnel working in pathology lab, • Support clinical training programs, • Demonstrate proper techniques and procedures RESEARCH SUPPORT: • Participate in ongoing research projects, • Support research specimen collection and preparation, • Assist with research data collection, • Help organize research materials, • Support research protocols and procedures, • Document research activities ADMINISTRATIVE & SUPERVISORY DUTIES: • Perform assigned administrative tasks, • Assist with supervisory functions as needed, • Support budgetary and financial tracking, • Maintain laboratory records and documentation, • Support teaching and educational responsibilities, • Perform other assigned duties as required REQUIREMENTS: CERTIFICATIONS & CREDENTIALS: • ASCP-PA (American Society for Clinical Pathology – Pathologist's Assistant) certification (required), • Current state medical laboratory certification or eligibility (preferred), • Current CPR/BLS certification (preferred) EXPERIENCE: • Minimum 2 years of pathology assistant experience required, • Gross specimen preparation and dissection experience, • Autopsy technique experience, • Laboratory environment experience, • Medical specimen handling experience, • Educational and training experience preferred, • Contract/traveler pathology experience a plus TECHNICAL & CLINICAL KNOWLEDGE: • Expert understanding of anatomical structures and terminology, • Comprehensive knowledge of pathology procedures, • Proficiency in specimen handling and preparation techniques, • Understanding of autopsy protocols and standards, • Knowledge of bio-specimen banking procedures, • Familiarity with anatomical photography, • Understanding of laboratory safety and protocols, • Knowledge of medical terminology SKILLS & ABILITIES: • Excellent manual dexterity and precision, • Strong attention to detail and accuracy, • Excellent communication skills (verbal and written), • Ability to work independently and collaboratively, • Strong organizational and documentation skills, • Ability to follow complex procedures, • Problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities, • Physical ability to stand for extended periods, • Comfort working with human tissue and specimens, • Professional and compassionate demeanor SOFT SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES: • Excellent attention to detail and precision, • Respect for specimens and deceased individuals, • Professional and ethical approach to work, • Reliable and punctual, • Strong work ethic and commitment to quality, • Collaborative team approach, • Ability to work in sensitive environment, • Continuous learner, • Respect for confidentiality and privacy, • Emotional resilience PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: • Ability to stand for extended periods (8+ hours), • Manual dexterity for detailed dissection work, • Ability to lift and move specimens and equipment (up to 30 lbs), • Ability to work with blood and body fluids, • Ability to wear protective equipment, • Physical stamina for laboratory work IDEAL CANDIDATE: • Experienced Pathology Assistant with 2+ years background, • ASCP-PA certified and licensed, • Strong specimen preparation and dissection skills, • Comfortable with autopsy and post-mortem work, • Excellent attention to detail and precision, • Emotionally mature and professionally composed, • Strong educator and communicator, • Detail-oriented with excellent documentation skills, • Reliable and committed to quality work, • Seeking flexible contract opportunity CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED: ASCP-PA Certification (Required) Current CPR/BLS (Preferred) LOCATION: • Athens, GA 30606, • Onsite at healthcare facility (1230 Baxter St.), • Pathology Laboratory setting WORK SCHEDULE: • 40 hours per week, • Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:30 PM EST, • Standard laboratory day shift, • No holidays or weekends required, • Occasional flexibility for laboratory needs CONTRACT DETAILS: • Start Date: May 18, 2026, • End Date: August 31, 2026, • Duration: 90 days, • Positions Available: 1 IDEAL FOR: • Pathology Assistants seeking contract opportunities, • ASCP-PA certified professionals, • Laboratory professionals with specimen expertise, • Professionals seeking flexible contract placement, • Experienced pathology staff seeking temporary assignments, • Healthcare professionals interested in pathology work