Pathologists' Assistant

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

Surgical Pathology - Assisting in the preparation and performance of surgical specimen dissection by ensuring appropriate specimen accessing : obtaining pertinent clinical information and studies; describing gross anatomic features; dissecting surgical specimens; preparing and submitting tissue for histologic processing; obtaining specimens for additional analytic procedures (flow cytometry, IF, EM, etc.), and assisting in photographing gross specimens.

Autopsy Pathology - Assisting in the performance of post-mortem examination by ascertaining proper legal authorization; obtaining the pertinent clinical data and studies; notifying involved personnel of all special procedures and techniques required; coordinating special requests for specimens notifying involved clinicians and appropriate authorities; assisting in the port-mortem examination; obtaining and submitting tissue for additional analytic procedures and assisting in photographing gross specimens, assist and organize teaching materials.

Responsible for assisting Pathology residents in training Pathology support staff in the proper techniques of post-mortem examinations in accordance with established policies and procedures. Responsible for maintaining the autopsy suite, acquiring necessary supplies, and cleaning and disinfection of autopsy equipment as necessary.

Will apply and enforce policies and procedures in accordance with all internal and external regulatory requirements. Will be expected to be available by pager for telephone consultation during laboratory off-hours. Will be expected to provide autopsy coverage on off-hours (night and weekends). Will perform other related duties necessary for the laboratory.

Responsibilities

60% - Physical examination and description, evisceration, dissection, and submission of tissue sections for microscopic examination.

20% - Assisting and training Pathology support staff and rotating medical students in the proper techniques for post-mortem examinations and surgical specimens in accordance with established policies and procedures.

15% - Establishing, applying, and enforcing policies and procedures in accordance with all institutional and laboratory regulatory agencies.

5% - Other duties necessary for the operation of the laboratory.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent in education and experience, plus 3 years of related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Co-path or a similar laboratory computer system is preferred
• Graduate form an accredited Pathologist's Assistant training program or a Fellow of the American Association of Pathologists' Assistants (AAPA) preferred.

Other Requirements

• Must be physically able to perform autopsies
• Must exercise independent judgment with respect to evaluation fixation, freezing, and preparation of specimens for light microscopic evaluation and other special studies.
• Must demonstrate excellent communication, interpersonal and writing skills
• Pathologist Assistant license or must be New York State License eligible.
• Successfully completing systems training requirements

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.