At Mass General Brigham, we know it takes a surprising range of talented professionals to advance our mission—from doctors, nurses, business people and tech experts, to dedicated researchers and systems analysts. As a not-for-profit organization, Mass General Brigham is committed to supporting patient care, research, teaching, and service to the community. We place great value on being a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization as we aim to reflect the diversity of the patients we serve.
At Mass General Brigham, we believe a diverse set of backgrounds and lived experiences makes us stronger by challenging our assumptions with new perspectives that can drive revolutionary discoveries in medical innovations in research and patient care. Therefore, we invite and welcome applicants from traditionally underrepresented groups in healthcare — people of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQ community, and/or gender expansive, first and second-generation immigrants, veterans, and people from different socioeconomic backgrounds – to apply.
Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital, an affiliate of Mass General Brigham, is committed to patient care, research, teaching, and service to the community. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work and strive to reflect the diversity of the patients we serve. As a Magnet-designated hospital, we provide cutting-edge healthcare and research opportunities. Join us to be part of an organization where our patients call it better care, and our employees call it home.
Job Summary
The Pathologists’ Assistant, under the supervision of the Anatomic Pathology Operations Manager, performs a broad range of tasks related to processing human surgical pathology specimens. These tasks include gross description and dissection of specimens, ensuring proper specimen orientation and tissue selection, and collaborating with pathologists on cases. The Pathologists’ Assistant plays an integral role in training staff, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and troubleshooting any issues in the pathology workflow. This position requires a high degree of technical expertise, clinical judgment, and the ability to function independently within a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Qualifications
Key Responsibilities:
Grossing Room Management:
Organize workflow in the Grossing Room, directing the efforts of residents, grossing technicians, and other technical staff as necessary.
Monitor the intake of surgical specimens from the operating rooms, ensuring correct assignment to appropriate staff.
Coordinate schedules of Pathologists’ Assistants and technical staff to ensure adequate coverage in both the grossing room and cytology prep room.
Gross Description and Dissection:
Perform gross description and dissection on a wide range of surgical pathology specimens (Levels 1-5).
Submit appropriate diagnostic sections and review cases with a pathologist when necessary.
Provide instruction on gross anatomy, specimen orientation, tissue selection, cryotomy, and staining for intraoperative diagnosis.
Training and Instruction:
Offer formal instruction and training to Grossing Technicians and residents in surgical pathology techniques and Gross Room procedures.
Contribute to competency assessments for PA staff.
Act as a resource for staff regarding pathology procedures and troubleshooting issues.
Regulatory Compliance and Safety:
Ensure diagnostic viability of specimens, correct patient labeling, and adherence to regulatory standards set by JC, CAP, and other agencies.
Assist in frozen section examination, cut and stain tissue for pathologist review, and photograph or x-ray specimens for diagnostic or research purposes.
Ensure safety protocols are followed and maintain a clean and organized work area.
Specimen Management and Research Support:
Triage tissue for appropriate fixation or special studies.
Assist in acquiring tissue samples for clinical studies, teaching, and research purposes.
Help prepare case materials for conferences, research, or special studies.
Data Management and Technical Support:
Enter patient data into the laboratory information system, ensuring accurate assignment of surgical pathology accession numbers and patient charge information.
Load and activate tissue processors as needed and assist with troubleshooting quality assurance and quality improvem7ent issues in the lab.
Facility Preparation and Inspections:
Assist the Manager in preparing the Grossing Room for inspections by regulatory agencies like The Joint Commission and CAP.
Act as an on-site resource for supply or service issues.
Qualifications:
Master’s Degree from NAACLS accredited program required.
AAPA approved Pathologists’ Assistant Training Program.
PA(ASCP) certification required. Recent graduates must obtain PA(ASCP) certification within 1 calendar year from date of training program completion
1-2 years experience preferred
Extensive knowledge of anatomy, medical terminology, and histologic procedures.
Excellent dissection technical skills and ability to perform frozen sections.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with a diverse range of hospital staff.
Familiarity with basic computer programs for data entry and clinical information retrieval.
Ability to train and develop staff in surgical pathology techniques.
Physical Requirements:
Exposure to biohazardous materials, formaldehyde, hazardous chemicals/fixatives, and potentially infectious organisms.
Frequent use of sharp instruments, such as scalpels and razors.
Lifting up to 50lbs or greater may be required.
Additional Job Details (if applicable)
Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital is a 171- bed non-profit, community teaching hospital located in Jamaica Plain directly across the street from the Arnold Arboretum. Founded in 1900, Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital offers comprehensive care in a wide variety of specialties. Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital is a designated Magnet hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, a recognition that fewer than nine percent of all US hospitals receive. At Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital, we believe that everyone should have the chance to live a healthy life. From creating breakthroughs that have paved the way for treatments around the globe to training the next generation of providers, our patients, and those we may never meet, are at the center of everything we do. If you’re looking for more than a career, join Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital. Our patients call it better care. Our employees call it home.
Remote Type
Onsite
Work Location
1153 Centre Street
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Employee Type
Regular
Work Shift
Day (United States of America)
EEO Statement:
Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital, Inc. is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.
Mass General Brigham Competency Framework
At Mass General Brigham, our competency framework defines what effective leadership “looks like” by specifying which behaviors are most critical for successful performance at each job level. The framework is comprised of ten competencies (half People-Focused, half Performance-Focused) and are defined by observable and measurable skills and behaviors that contribute to workplace effectiveness and career success. These competencies are used to evaluate performance, make hiring decisions, identify development needs, mobilize employees across our system, and establish a strong talent pipeline.