Pathologist Assistant I (Richland, WA)

About the Role
As a Pathologists’ Assistant I or II, you’ll play a key role in supporting patient care by performing gross examinations of surgical specimens, assisting with autopsies, and ensuring the highest standards of quality and accuracy in the laboratory. This position also offers the opportunity to provide leadership and mentorship to other laboratory staff and pathologists’ assistants, contributing to a collaborative and learning-focused environment.

What You Will Do:

• Lead by example—providing guidance, mentorship, and support to lab staff and pathologists’ assistants.
• Perform gross examination, dissection, and dictation of surgical specimens ranging from routine to complex, ensuring accurate documentation of all findings.
• Capture and maintain high-quality photographs of gross specimens for reports, teaching, and reference.
• Keep your workspace, instruments, and paperwork clean and organized, ensuring a safe and professional laboratory environment.
• Partner with pathologists on:
  • Frozen sections: troubleshoot preparation, staining, and cryostat issues while maintaining cryostat readiness.
  • Autopsies: collaborate on special techniques and procedures (e.g., cultures, smears, histochemical, immunofluorescence, toxicology, viral studies), ensuring smooth communication with involved personnel.
  • OR consultations: process fresh tissues such as lymph nodes, uterus, bowel, or ovary, prepare touch preps, and present findings directly to the pathologist.
• Stay inspection-ready by ensuring compliance with CLIA, CAP, and all regulatory requirements.
• Share your knowledge—train and mentor staff, supporting their growth and success.
• Contribute to continuous improvements that keep the lab efficient, safe, and innovative.
• Take on additional responsibilities as needed to support the department.

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred.
• Graduate of a NAACLS-accredited Pathologists’ Assistant program.
• ASCP certification (PA) required.
• At least 1 year of experience in a pathology or laboratory setting; additional experience with complex cases is a plus: Candidates with additional experience, particularly with complex cases, will be considered at the Pathologists’ Assistant II level.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to thrive under pressure while maintaining professionalism.
• Comfortable with Microsoft Office and open to learning new laboratory software.
• A natural mentor—willing to guide, instruct, and support others.
• A team-oriented professional who takes pride in precision, safety, and excellence in patient care.

Schedule: Monday - Friday day hours, with some on-call expectations and minimal travel requirements.

Why Join Us?
In this role, you’ll not only advance your technical expertise but also make a meaningful impact on patient care and on the growth of your colleagues. You’ll be part of a collaborative team that values professionalism, continuous learning, and the highest standards of laboratory practice.

Pay Range: $81,000.00 - $128,290.00 USD Annually

The amounts listed are the base pay range; additional compensation may be available for this role, standby/on-call, overtime, premiums, extra shift incentives, or bonus opportunities. Generally, new hire offers will be between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range, depending on experience (DOE), with the ability to grow within the range over time.

EOE, including disability/veterans.

Full benefit details can be found here: Benefits | Anatomic Pathology PS (*The benefits package offered is dependent upon the FTE and employment status.)