Pathologists' Assistant

Description

Autopsy & Anatomic Pathology Services | Travel Opportunities | Growing Private Practice 

This is not a typical hospital Pathologists' Assistant role. 

If you enjoy working closely with pathologists, thrive in a hands-on environment, and want the opportunity to help build and support a growing pathology practice, this may be the role for you. 

At EPIARX, our Pathologists' Assistants are more than technical contributors. They are trusted clinical partners who help expand our capacity, improve efficiency, and support a wide range of pathology services—with a particular focus on private autopsy. 

If you are looking for a highly structured environment where your responsibilities rarely change, this role is likely not the right fit. 

About the Role 

EPIARX is seeking a full-time Pathologists' Assistant to support our anatomic pathology and autopsy services under the direction and supervision of an attending pathologist. 

While this role includes traditional PA responsibilities, it also offers opportunities to support private autopsy services, travel for case-related work, contribute to operational improvements, and grow alongside a modern pathology practice. 

The majority of work will focus on private autopsy services and related pathology operations, with opportunities to support additional service lines as the practice continues to expand. 

This position is based in the Washington, DC area and includes local, regional, and occasional national travel. 

What You'll Actually Do 

You will serve as a key clinical support resource for the pathologist and pathology team by: 

• Assisting with autopsy examinations, including organ and tissue dissection and examination 
• Performing tissue sampling and specimen preparation 
• Preparing detailed gross descriptions and documentation 
• Performing gross and microscopic photography 
• Managing specimen handling, storage, retrieval, and disposal 
• Preparing specimens for specialized laboratory studies 
• Assisting with pathology workflow, quality assurance, and laboratory operations 
• Maintaining accurate records and supporting report preparation 
• Supporting travel-based pathology and autopsy services as needed 
• Helping improve workflow efficiency and clinical operations 

This role combines technical pathology expertise with flexibility, initiative, and a willingness to support a growing practice. 

How You'll Be Measured 

Success in this role is not simply about completing technical tasks. 

You will be evaluated on: 

• Accuracy and quality of specimen handling and documentation 
• Ability to support autopsy and pathology workflows efficiently 
• Reliability and readiness for travel and case support 
• Communication and responsiveness with the clinical team 
• Ability to work independently while maintaining high standards 
• Contribution to improving turnaround times and operational efficiency 
• Reduction in physician time spent on tasks that can be appropriately delegated 

What Success Looks Like 

First 30 Days 

• Learn EPIARX workflows, protocols, and communication expectations 
• Develop familiarity with our private autopsy process and case pipeline 
• Demonstrate strong technical competency and attention to detail 
• Communicate proactively and integrate into the team 

By 60 Days 

• Independently handle assigned responsibilities with minimal oversight 
• Consistently support pathology and autopsy workflows 
• Demonstrate reliability with travel and case support 
• Build a strong working relationship with the pathologist and clinical team 

By 90 Days 

• Function as a trusted clinical extension of the pathologist 
• Proactively identify issues, ask questions, and help move cases forward 
• Contribute to increased clinical capacity and workflow efficiency 
• Demonstrate the flexibility and ownership expected in a growing practice 

This Role Is NOT For You If: 

• You require highly structured, narrowly defined responsibilities 
• You struggle to adapt to changing priorities 
• You are uncomfortable with travel 
• You prefer waiting for direction instead of taking initiative 
• You do not communicate proactively 
• You are unwilling to learn new processes or support evolving services 
• You are looking for a purely administrative or laboratory bench role 

Requirements

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in a related scientific field (e.g., Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Anatomy, or related discipline)  
• ASCP Certification – Pathologists' Assistant (PA-ASCP) OR Master of Science degree from a NAACLS-accredited Pathologists' Assistant training program  
• 1–2 years of pathology, autopsy, or related laboratory experience strongly preferred; new graduates from accredited Pathologists' Assistant programs are encouraged to apply  
• Strong knowledge of anatomy, pathology, tissue dissection, specimen handling, and autopsy techniques  
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail  
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with physicians and clinical staff  
• Ability and willingness to travel locally, regionally, and occasionally nationally as required  
• Commitment to patient confidentiality, professionalism, and adherence to regulatory requirements  
• Strong verbal and written communication skills 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Previous autopsy experience  
• Previous experience in anatomic pathology or pathology laboratory environments  
• Experience performing tissue sampling, gross examination, and specimen documentation 
• Experience with gross and microscopic photography  
• Experience supporting quality assurance, quality improvement, CLIA, CAP, or laboratory compliance activities  
• Experience working in a small, growing, or entrepreneurial clinical environment  
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing workflows  
• Experience supporting physician-led clinical operations 

The Ideal Candidate 

You are: 

• Technically strong but eager to keep learning 
• Flexible and adaptable 
• Humble and coachable 
• Comfortable managing multiple priorities 
• A proactive communicator 
• Able to "manage up" and work effectively with a busy physician 
• Willing to step in and support where needed 
• Excited by the opportunity to help build something 

You understand that success comes not only from technical skill, but from ownership, communication, and teamwork. 

About EPIARX 

EPIARX is a modern, growing pathology practice headquartered in Washington, DC. 

We provide specialized pathology services with a strong focus on private autopsy and are actively expanding our clinical capabilities and operational infrastructure. 

Our team values professionalism, responsiveness, flexibility, and continuous improvement. We are building systems and capabilities that will support long-term growth, including the development of expanded laboratory operations. 

This is an opportunity to join a practice at an exciting stage of growth and play a meaningful role in its future. 

Compensation & Benefits 

Salary: $80,000–$120,000 annually, commensurate with experience 

Benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Medical insurance 
• Dental insurance 
• Vision insurance 
• Life insurance 
• Disability insurance 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 
• 401(k) employer matching 
• Paid Time Off (PTO) 
• Professional development opportunities 
• Travel-related expense reimbursement (when applicable)

Application Requirements 

Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter explaining: 

• Your interest in this role 
• Your pathology and/or autopsy experience 
• Why are you interested in working at EPIARX, and what appeals to you about supporting a growing pathology practice with a strong focus on private autopsy services? 

Thoughtful, serious applicants only.