Research Pathologist Assistant - Department of Pathology

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine is a premier academic medical center located in the heart of Richmond. Accounting for almost half of VCU’s sponsored research, the School of Medicine is internationally recognized for patient care and education. All full-time university staff are eligible for our generous benefits package that includes choices for health, vision, and dental coverage, life-insurance, short and long-term disability coverage, retirement planning, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, flexible spending accounts, tuition benefits, significant paid-time off, 12 paid holidays, and more. Explore our benefits further here: https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/benefits/university-and-academic-professional-benefits/

Summary

The Department of Anatomic Pathology (AP) is seeking to recruit a Research Pathologist Assistant to provide services in a multifaceted capacity. Performs as a PA to the gross room, performing administrative and technical functions. Provides as needed technical instruction to personnel, residents and students, documenting training, and competency. Maintains laboratory procedure manuals and ensures compliance of all above areas. Jointly responsible for all technical QC/QA functions for said areas. Assists in the preparation and performance of human surgical specimen dissection. Performs specific tasks and duties under the direction and supervision of Pathologists. Assists in the preparation and performance of human postmortem examinations.

The position is primarily to assist in real time specimen acquisition from the Operating Room (OR) to support Massey Cancer Center (MCC) PDX and PDO models; and procurement of specimens for other MCC initiatives requiring short cold ischemic time. As such, while the successful candidate will be in Anatomic Pathology, the primary role will be research support for MCC and Tissue and Data Acquisition and Analysis Core (TDAAC). The individual will be expected to promptly respond to requests to come to the OR; must promptly examine the specimen before making any sections. Must be able to use good judgement before giving any specimen out for research (specific guidance in terms of tumor size will be provided, but judgement of the individual is still required); must be able to complete grossing of the specimen from which samples are procured for continuity of patient care.

When not assisting with tissue acquisition for PDX and PDO, the individual will be helping to provide support for MCC clinical trial requests in Anatomic Pathology and assisting with TDAAC. The individual will be the point person for such AP clinical trial and research requests. The individual will also provide routine support for daily AP lab operations, including grossing, autopsy, and frozen section coverage.

The successful candidate will be a university employee but will work in Anatomic Pathology, a part of VCU Health, under the leadership of the AP Manager and AP Chair.

Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements for Hire:

Certified as a Pathologists’ Assistant by the American Society of Clinical Pathologist (ASCP) or certification eligible (must be certified within one year of entry into position).

Required Education and Experience:

Bachelor's Degree in Life or Health Science accredited program plus 3 years of American Academy of Pathologists’ Assistant approved on-the-job training work experience; or Master's degree in science from an accredited Pathologists’ Assistant Program

Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU

Preferred Education and Experience:

Previous work experience as a Pathologists’ Assistant in an academic setting.
Previous experience in histologic and histologic procedures, dissection, and laboratory management. Previous experience in the preparation and performance of human surgical specimen dissection and autopsy dissection. Previous research-related experience.

Physical Requirements (includes use of assistance devices as appropriate):

- Physical:

Lifting less than 20 lbs.
Lifting 20-50 lbs.
Other: Must be able to use cadaver lift to maneuver bodies in autopsy Suite.

- Activities:

Prolonged standing
Prolonged sitting
Frequent bending
Reaching (overhead, extensive, repetitive)

- Mental/Sensory:

Strong recall
Reasoning
Problem solving
Hearing
Speak clearly
Write legibly
Reading
Logical thinking

- Emotional:

Fast-paced environment
Steady pace
Able to handle multiple priorities
Frequent and intense customer interactions
Noisy environment
Able to adapt to frequent change

The School of Medicine continuously strives for our workplace and learning environment to reflect the demographic and social milieu of the communities we serve. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action university providing access to education and employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability.

Please note that if you are employed as a university employee working in any of the health system's facilities, you will need to follow VCU Health System policies, which will include but will not be limited to, vaccination requirements.

ORP Eligible: Yes

UNIVERSITY JOB CODE: Sr. Scientist 1-3