What are the responsibilities and job description for the Laboratory Assistant II position at Analyze Pathology?
Laboratory Assistant II
Analyze Pathology, Inc. | Knoxville, TN
Full-Time | $21.00–$24.00 per hour
About the Position
Analyze Pathology is a rapidly growing anatomic pathology laboratory seeking a dependable, detail-oriented Laboratory Assistant II to join our Knoxville team.
This is a hands-on laboratory position supporting multiple areas of our operation, including specimen accessioning, digital pathology, histology support, cytology specimen preparation, and laboratory instrumentation. The Laboratory Assistant II works with increasing independence and is expected to follow established SOPs carefully, recognize and escalate problems appropriately, and maintain a high level of accuracy throughout the laboratory workflow.
We are looking for someone who is reliable, adaptable, eager to learn, and genuinely attentive to detail. Previous laboratory experience is preferred, but we are also interested in candidates with a strong science background who have demonstrated an ability to learn technical processes, follow detailed instructions, and produce consistently accurate work.
Schedule and Availability. Please Read Before Applying
Analyze Pathology is experiencing rapid growth, and we are adding this position to support our expanding laboratory operations. Because our workflow continues to evolve as volume increases, we have not yet determined the exact start time that will best meet the needs of the laboratory.
This is a full-time, 40-hour position with an eight-hour shift. The anticipated start time will fall between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM, meaning the final schedule could range from approximately 9:00 AM–5:00 PM to 1:00 PM–9:00 PM.
Once the start time is determined, this will be a fixed, regular schedule. Employees will not be expected to change their start time from day to day. However, because the final schedule has not yet been established, applicants must be available to accept a regular shift beginning at any time within the 9:00 AM–1:00 PM window.
This position may also rotate periodically into Saturday coverage. When scheduled to work Saturday, the employee will receive Monday off, maintaining a five-day workweek.
Please do not apply if you have recurring scheduling restrictions that would prevent you from accepting the final established shift, working as late as 9:00 PM, or participating in rotating Saturday coverage.
What You'll Do
The Laboratory Assistant II is cross-trained to support multiple areas of laboratory operations. Responsibilities may include:
- Receive, verify, and accurately accession pathology specimens into the laboratory information system (LIS)
- Perform accessioning quality control and identify specimen, labeling, or documentation discrepancies
- Ensure specimens are properly labeled, documented, and stored according to laboratory protocols
- File and retrieve pathology slides and paraffin blocks
- Operate digital pathology slide scanners and verify image quality, focus, completeness, and labeling accuracy
- Coverslip stained slides and embed uncomplicated tissue specimens
- Sort specimens for appropriate internal workflows or outside reference laboratories
- Prepare ThinPrep Pap slides and cytology cell blocks, including centrifugation, aliquoting, specimen transfer, and cell-pellet preparation
- Maintain accurate specimen identification and chain of custody throughout processing
- Load slides onto the Leica Bond staining/IHC instrument
- Perform routine instrument cleaning, maintenance, and reagent or consumable replenishment
- Troubleshoot routine equipment issues and escalate concerns appropriately
- Maintain clean, organized, and safe laboratory work areas
- Assist with additional laboratory responsibilities as training, competency, and workflow needs allow
Employees who meet applicable educational, training, and competency requirements may also perform routine gross dissection when grossing coverage is included in their assigned responsibilities.
What We're Looking For
Accuracy matters in an anatomic pathology laboratory. This position involves patient specimens, identifying information, laboratory documentation, and technical processes where small errors can have significant consequences.
Successful candidates should demonstrate:
- Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to accurate, consistent work
- Reliability and punctuality, with consistent attendance and accountability for assigned responsibilities
- The ability to follow written SOPs and established processes carefully
- The ability to perform repetitive, detail-oriented work without sacrificing accuracy
- Initiative and a willingness to learn new laboratory processes and technical skills
- Strong data-entry and documentation accuracy
- Good judgment, including knowing when to stop and ask questions rather than make assumptions
- Clear and professional written and verbal communication
- The ability to work independently once trained while also functioning effectively as part of a team
- Strong organization and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a busy laboratory environment
- A professional attitude and willingness to receive feedback, cross-train, and adapt as the laboratory continues to grow
Attention to detail, initiative, reliability, documentation accuracy, communication, independent work, teamwork, safety, and professionalism are core competencies of the Laboratory Assistant II role.
Qualifications
Required:
- Associate's degree in a science-related field
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
- Ability to work the full schedule described above
- Ability to stand for extended periods
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
Preferred:
- Previous laboratory experience
- Experience in an anatomic pathology, histology, cytology, or other clinical laboratory environment
- Experience with specimen accessioning or laboratory information systems
- Experience with cytology or cell-block preparation
- Experience with staining, IHC, or other laboratory instrumentation
Prior laboratory experience is preferred, and proficiency with cytology/cell-block preparation or staining/IHC instrumentation is considered a plus.
Work Environment
Work is performed in a laboratory environment and includes exposure to biological specimens and laboratory chemicals. Employees must follow all applicable safety procedures and wear required personal protective equipment.
Compensation
$21.00–$24.00 per hour, based on relevant education, laboratory experience, technical skills, and qualifications.
Why Join Analyze Pathology?
This is an opportunity to become part of a growing laboratory and develop hands-on experience across multiple areas of anatomic pathology rather than being limited to one narrow function.
We believe strongly in cross-training and developing capable employees. As competency develops, there may be opportunities to learn increasingly technical laboratory processes and take on additional responsibility.
We are looking for someone who wants more than a short-term job. We want someone who is interested in learning the laboratory, becoming highly proficient in their role, and growing with our team over time.
Before applying, please confirm that you can accept a fixed eight-hour shift beginning anywhere between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM and can participate in rotating Saturday coverage, with Monday off when scheduled for Saturday.
Pay: $21.00 - $24.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40.0 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $21 - $24