Pathology Assistant in Elizabeth, New Jersey at RWJBarnabas Health

Job Title: Pathology Assistant

Location: SBC Corporation

Department Name: Lab TRMC Anatomic Pathology

Req #: 0000267778

Status: Hourly

Shift: Day

Pay Range: $58.38 - $75.89 per hour

Pay Transparency:

The above reflects the anticipated hourly wage 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.

Pathology Assistant

At RWJBarnabas Health, Pathology Assistants become part of a purpose-driven environment where teamwork, innovation, and compassionate care come together to support exceptional patient outcomes. This Pathology Assistant role offers opportunities for professional growth, collaboration with pathologists and laboratory professionals, and a culture committed to quality, safety, education, and continuous improvement.

As a Pathology Assistant, you will play a critical role in supporting pathologists with the examination and preparation of surgical specimens and assisting with autopsy procedures under supervision. You will perform gross examination and dissection of specimens, select tissue sections for histologic processing, document gross findings, prepare materials for intraoperative consultations, and maintain accurate specimen records and pathology equipment to support diagnostic evaluation and pathology education.

Joining RWJBarnabas Health means joining a community where every Pathology Assistant is encouraged to grow, collaborate, and make a meaningful impact on the quality of diagnostic services and the health and well-being of the patients and communities we serve.

A typical day for a Pathology Assistant may include:

• Perform gross examination and dissection of surgical specimens under the supervision of a pathologist in accordance with established policies and procedures.

• Examine surgical specimens and identify, describe, and appropriately prepare tissue for diagnostic evaluation.

• Select and submit representative tissue sections for histologic processing while following established specimen handling and identification procedures.

• Assist pathologists with autopsy procedures, including organ removal, examination, and appropriate specimen collection.

• Document gross findings, specimen descriptions, measurements, and other relevant information accurately in pathology information systems.

• Maintain accurate and complete documentation to support diagnostic evaluation, specimen traceability, and pathology education.

• Photograph surgical and autopsy specimens for diagnostic documentation, teaching, and educational purposes as appropriate.

• Prepare and organize specimens, materials, and equipment required for intraoperative consultations, including frozen section procedures.

• Assist with the timely and accurate preparation of specimens to support intraoperative diagnostic needs.

• Maintain pathology laboratory equipment and ensure instruments and work areas are clean, functional, and properly maintained.

• Identify equipment issues and communicate malfunctions or maintenance needs to appropriate laboratory or pathology leadership.

• Handle reagents, chemicals, specimens, and medical waste in accordance with institutional policies and applicable safety and regulatory requirements.

• Follow established laboratory safety, infection prevention, chemical safety, and biohazard protocols when handling human tissue, specimens, reagents, and waste.

• Maintain an organized, clean, and compliant pathology work environment.

• Support accurate specimen identification, labeling, handling, and documentation throughout the pathology workflow.

• Collaborate closely with pathologists, histology personnel, laboratory professionals, and other members of the healthcare team to support efficient specimen processing and diagnostic services.

• Train and mentor new staff members and students regarding pathology procedures, specimen handling, workflow, and applicable safety practices.

• Participate in education and professional development activities that support pathology knowledge, technical competency, and quality patient care.

• Apply scientific knowledge, attention to detail, and professional judgment when handling and preparing surgical and autopsy specimens.

• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism when working with patient specimens and related clinical information.

• Participate in process improvement, educational activities, and other initiatives designed to support quality, safety, and operational excellence.

• Perform other duties and/or projects as assigned to support the needs of the pathology department and organization.

This role might be for you if:

• Clear, professional communication defines how you collaborate with pathologists, laboratory professionals, students, and other healthcare team members.

• Accuracy, attention to detail, and strong organizational skills guide your work every day.

• You are comfortable working with surgical specimens and supporting autopsy procedures in a professional clinical environment.

• You take pride in accurate specimen identification, preparation, documentation, and handling.

• Patient safety, specimen integrity, and diagnostic accuracy are your top priorities.

• You remain organized and adaptable while managing multiple specimens, procedures, documentation requirements, and competing priorities.

• You enjoy working closely with pathologists and multidisciplinary laboratory teams to support timely and accurate diagnostic evaluation.

• You are committed to maintaining high standards of laboratory safety, regulatory compliance, and professional practice.

• You enjoy training, mentoring, and sharing your knowledge with new staff members and students.

• Continuous learning and staying current with pathology procedures, specimen handling practices, and laboratory standards motivate you.

To be considered for this Pathology Assistant opportunity, you must:

• Have a Bachelor's degree in biology, pathology, or a related field from an accredited institution.

• Have 1–3 years of experience assisting with surgical specimens, autopsies, or pathology laboratory procedures preferred.

• Have certification as a Pathologist's Assistant through ASCP.

• Demonstrate knowledge of surgical specimen handling, gross examination, tissue sampling, and pathology laboratory procedures.

• Demonstrate strong attention to detail and the ability to accurately document gross findings and specimen information.

• Demonstrate the ability to work effectively under the supervision of pathologists and collaboratively with laboratory and healthcare professionals.

• Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate laboratory safety practices, including the handling and disposal of reagents, chemicals, biological specimens, and medical waste.

• Be able to support autopsy procedures and safely work with human tissue and biological specimens.