Pathology Assistant

Job Description: Pathology Assistant

Company: Solvet Services
Work Location: Memphis VA Medical Center, Memphis, TN

Contract Length: Base Year - Plus 4 Option Years

• Expected Schedule (Monday – Friday) for the following shifts:
• Day, Mid, and Night shifts available
• Note: The daily tour of duty is eight and a half hours including a 30-minute unpaid lunch break.

Position Summary

Solvet Services is seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Pathology Assistant to provide anatomic pathology support services at the Memphis VA Medical Center. Working under the direction and supervision of a board-certified pathologist, the Pathology Assistant performs technical and professional duties involving the examination, dissection, description, and preparation of surgical pathology and autopsy specimens. The Pathology Assistant plays a critical role in ensuring accurate specimen processing and documentation while maintaining compliance with Veterans Health Administration (VHA), College of American Pathologists (CAP), Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), HIPAA, and Solvet Services policies and procedures.

The ideal candidate possesses strong technical expertise in anatomic pathology, excellent organizational skills, and a commitment to supporting high-quality diagnostic services for America's Veterans.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform gross examination, dissection, and description of routine and complex surgical pathology specimens under the supervision of a pathologist.
• Select and submit appropriate tissue sections for histologic processing in accordance with established laboratory protocols.
• Assist pathologists with autopsy examinations, including:    (1.) Evisceration of organs   (2.) Organ dissection and examination   (3.) Tissue procurement and sampling  (4.) Documentation of findings  (5.) Specimen photography, as required
• Ensure proper identification, accessioning, labeling, handling, storage, and disposition of pathology specimens.
• Prepare and maintain gross descriptions, specimen documentation, and pathology reports within the Laboratory Information System (LIS).
• Photograph surgical and autopsy specimens when indicated for diagnostic, educational, or legal documentation.
• Assist with frozen section procedures by preparing specimens for immediate pathological evaluation.
• Perform specimen triage for ancillary studies, including:
  1. Flow Cytometry
  2. Cytogenetics
  3. Molecular Diagnostics
  4. Microbiology
  5. Special Histochemistry
  6. Immunohistochemistry
• Ensure proper fixation, preservation, and transport of specimens according to laboratory protocols.
• Operate and maintain grossing equipment, photography systems, and laboratory instruments.
• Monitor and document quality assurance and quality control activities.
• Maintain inventory of laboratory supplies and notify supervisors of equipment or supply needs.
• Adhere to laboratory safety procedures involving biological specimens, chemicals, and hazardous materials.
• Maintain strict patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and VA privacy requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from a National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)-accredited Pathologists' Assistant program or equivalent educational preparation recognized by applicable accreditation standards.

• Certification as a Pathologists' Assistant through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (PA(ASCP)) preferred or required in accordance with contract requirements.

• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in surgical pathology and/or autopsy pathology preferred.

• Thorough knowledge of:

  • Human anatomy and physiology

  • Surgical pathology

  • Histology

  • Gross examination techniques

  • Medical terminology

  • Laboratory safety and infection control

• Experience with Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) and electronic health record systems.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Security Requirements

• Must successfully complete all required background investigations and credentialing necessary for access to VA facilities.
• Must comply with all Veterans Affairs security, privacy, cybersecurity, and information protection requirements.
• Must maintain eligibility to work under federal government contracts.

Work Environment

This position is performed in the Anatomic Pathology Laboratory at the Memphis VA Medical Center. The work environment includes exposure to biological specimens, formalin, laboratory chemicals, sharp instruments, and potentially infectious materials. The Pathology Assistant is expected to follow all established laboratory safety, infection control, and hazardous materials protocols while supporting high-quality pathology services.

For consideration please forward your resume to bkremposky@solvet.com