Pathologists' Assistant

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Perform anatomic pathology services under the direction and supervision of a licensed, board-eligible pathologist. Perform a variety of pathology tasks including gross examination and dissection of surgical pathology specimens and performance of postmortem examinations. May perform all the surgical and autopsy functions of a pathologist leading up to, but not Including the diagnosis

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND/OR LICENSURE:

CORE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The statements described here are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this position.  They are not intended to be constructed as an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities and duties.  Other duties may be assigned.

1. Preparation, gross description, and dissection of human tissue surgical specimens.

2. Preparation of human postmortem examinations.

3. Specimen accessioning.

4. Obtain clinical history.

5. Describe gross features of surgical specimens.

6. Prepare tissues for processing for light microscopy.

7. Obtain samples for studies such as but not limited to flow cytometry, image analysis, research, cytogenetics, cultures, electron microscopy, immunofluorescence.

8. Perform special procedures including review of x-ray imaging, frozen sections, tumor triage.

9. Photograph gross specimens and microscopic slides

10. Consult with attending pathologist to identify special techniques to be utilized during the examination, including cultures, toxicology, coronary artery perfusion, enucleation, etc.

11. Coordinate any requests for special specimen sampling such as organ transplantation, research.

12. Perform postmortem examinations including external exam, in-situ organ inspection, evisceration, organ dissection and dictation of findings.

13. Prepare tissues for processing for light microscopy and special studies.

14. Photograph the body, organs, microscopic slides and other pertinent materials.

15. Assist in preparation for accreditation inspections (CAP, Joint Commission).

16. May instruct, teach, or train in anatomy and physiology, gross pathology, photography, and gross dissection skills for surgical specimens as well as autopsy techniques.

17. May train pathology residents/fellows, pathologists’ assistant students and other pathology lab personnel as needed.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Able to stand and/or sit for long periods of time.

2. Visual activity must be unimpaired.  Color differential is required.

3. Equipment operation requires manual dexterity.

4. Able to lift or pull 25 pounds.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. May be exposed to fumes, chemicals, vibrations, noise, blood/bodily fluids, and infectious disease.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Able to concentrate for organizing tasks, reading, and matching identification numbers, and following complex procedures.

2. Able to follow complex procedures with minimal guidance.

3. Have knowledge of basic theory behind laboratory instrument operation.

Additional Job Description:

This position may work in the Ruby or Children's Gross Room as well as the Gross Room opening at the new lab location at the Innovation Center in July 2026. May also perform autopsies.

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Shift:

Day (United States of America)

Exempt/Non-Exempt:

United States of America (Exempt)

Company:

WVUH West Virginia University Hospitals

Cost Center:

115 WVUH Clinical Labs Anatomic Pathology

Address:

1 Medical Center DriveMorgantownWest Virginia

Equal Opportunity Employer

West Virginia University Health System and its subsidiaries (collectively "WVUHS") is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. WVUHS strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. All WVUHS employees, other workers, and representatives are prohibited from engaging in unlawful discrimination. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, training, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, and termination of employment.