Lead Pathologists Assistant at RWJBarnabas Health – NEW BRUNSWICK, New Jersey

Job Title: Lead

Location: RWJ - New Brunswick

Department Name: Lab RWJNB

Req #: 0000221184

Status: Salaried

Shift: Day

Pay Range: $128,856 - $198,140 per year

Pay Transparency:

The above reflects the anticipated annual salary range for this position if hired to work in New Jersey.

The compensation offered to the candidate selected for the position will depend on several factors, including the candidate's educational background, skills and professional experience.

Job Summary

The Lead Pathologists Assistant provides advanced technical and operational support within the surgical pathology laboratory,

In addition to performing all duties of a Pathologists Assistant, the Lead PA serves as a senior member of the team responsible for daily workflow coordination, quality assurance, and staff development,

This position ensures efficient gross room operations, timely specimen processing, and adherence to laboratory standards and turnaround time expectations,

Essential Functions

Perform gross examination and dissection of simple to complex surgical pathology specimens,

Conduct frozen section procedures, specimen triage, and occasional accessioning,

Ensure proper specimen storage, labeling, and documentation,

Perform and oversee routine equipment maintenance and gross room upkeep,

Leadership & Supervisory Responsibilities

Schedule daily coverage across two gross rooms to ensure adequate staffing and workload distribution,

Provide onboarding and training for new staff, residents, and PA students,

Delegate tasks effectively and serve as the primary point of contact for grossing and accessioning staff,

Collaborate with Histology staff to troubleshoot processing and embedding issues,

Monitor case workflow to maintain specimen turnaround times ideally within 24 hours and not exceeding 48 hours,

Maintain sufficient inventory of gross room supplies and coordinate ordering as needed,

Provide performance feedback, guidance, and corrective direction as appropriate,

Administrative & Quality Responsibilities

Support the Anatomic Pathology Manager in implementing and maintaining quality assurance procedures,

Assist in the development and revision of gross room protocols and training materials,

Participate in CAP, CLIA, and institutional inspections and compliance initiatives,

Serve as a liaison between PAs, pathologists, histology, and laboratory management,

Perform additional duties as assigned to support departmental needs,

Education

Master s degree in Pathologists Assistant Studies or equivalent required,

Certifications

ASCP certification as a Pathologists Assistant required,

Minimum of 3 5 years of experience as a practicing PA, with demonstrated leadership or training experience preferred,

Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills,

Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment,

Work Conditions

No weekend or on-call responsibilities,

No autopsy duties,

Requires standing for extended periods and handling of biological specimens with appropriate PPE,