Pathologists’ Assistant – Laboratory

Job Type: Permanent Full Time

Salary: $44.66-57.99/ hourly

Closing Date:  December 8, 2025 – 4:00 pm

DESCRIPTION:

The Pathologists’ Assistant is an advanced allied health professional who works under the direction and supervision of anatomical and forensic pathologists. This role encompasses CPSO Delegation of Controlled Acts Policy responsibilities in both surgical pathology and forensic pathology, providing critical support for the gross examination of surgical specimens and the performance of post-mortem examinations in hospital and forensic settings.

The Pathologists’ Assistant ensures accurate specimen processing, detailed documentation, and high-quality sample preparation to aid in diagnosis, legal investigations, and public health reporting.

Additionally, the Pathologists’ Assistant will coordinate activities with the Senior Technologist of Histology to achieve maximum efficiency in the Department.

DUTIES:

Surgical Pathology:

• Perform detailed gross dissection and examination of a wide range of surgical specimens, including complex oncology and organ resections.
• Accurately and precisely describe/document anatomic features, orient specimens, and select representative sections for histological processing.
• Prepare and manage intraoperative consultations, including frozen section preparation and communication of findings to pathologists.
• Maintain documentation and digital imaging of specimens as required for diagnosis or education.
• Assuring special procedures/protocols are followed by staff involved in specimen procurement.
• Utilizing CAP cancer staging objectives to create standard procedures for sampling and dictation of gross surgical findings
• Review, understand and interpret clinical findings (e.g., patient history, imaging, labs, interdisciplinary reports) and correlate with pathological data to support accurate diagnosis.
• Initiate and coordinate ancillary studies, collaborating with the Pathologist as needed to ensure comprehensive case workups.
• Provide critical input for TNM cancer staging, directly influencing patient treatment planning, prognosis, and research.
• Apply advanced integrative thinking; misinterpretation at this stage may impact the pathologist’s final diagnosis and downstream decisions, including biomarker-based therapies.

Forensic Pathology:

• Assist in the performance of medicolegal autopsies, including external examinations, internal organ dissection, and collection of evidence for toxicology, histology, microbiology, and other forensic testing.
• Document factual findings with accuracy and precision. Attention to detail is essential as the information forms the basis for the consultative pathological opinion and becomes the data upon which the medicolegal death investigation system functions and upon which expert witness testimony is based in criminal trials.
• Handle and document forensic evidence in accordance with chain-of-custody protocols.
• Maintain respectful handling and identification of deceased individuals in collaboration with the forensic pathology and investigative teams.
• Participate in the documentation and photographing of autopsy findings for legal and educational purposes.
• Collaborate with the Pathologist in the performance of postmortem examination, including evisceration, dissection, and restoration of the body.
• Weighs remains, lifts remains onto the autopsy table, and assists Pathologists in all autopsy procedures.
• Works with Pathologists to arrange and assist with specialized examinations (Ensures that all health and safety procedures are followed, inspects autopsy equipment, and reports faulty equipment.
• Ensures records and logs are reconciled and correct.
• Ensures that the autopsy equipment is properly cleaned and sanitized daily.
• Ensures the autopsy suites are properly stocked and are operationally prepared at all times.
• Takes fingerprints of remains before, during, or after autopsy.
• Performs advanced fingerprint and identification techniques.

General Duties:

• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and infection prevention protocols across both surgical and forensic settings.
• Participate in quality assurance and quality control programs.
• Assist with training of pathology residents, medical students, and laboratory personnel.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for both surgical and forensic workflows.
• Support pathologists in research, teaching, and case review conferences as needed.
• Safe handling of hazardous chemicals used in the pathology department.
• Cleaning and maintaining instruments, equipment and supplies.
• Quality assurance.
• Participating in the orientation and training of new staff and students.
• Participating in departmental/hospital in-service programs and contributing suggestions, which lead to enrichment of the knowledge base.
• Keeping knowledgeable and current with department policy and procedures within the scope of practice.
• Participating in Research/Quality Improvement programs carried out within the department or other departments within the organization.
• Computer skills – Meditech, EPIC, Clinical Connect, Nuance Communications – Dragon Naturally Speaking, Word, Excel.
• Utilizes, programs, and troubleshoots Dragon Naturally Speaking, voice recognition system for dictation specimens.
• Understanding the principles of Quality Management/Quality Systems and more specifically of the Accreditation Canada Diagnostics Lab Accreditation process and requirements.
  

QUALIFICATIONS:                           

• Master’s degree from a NAACLS-accredited Pathologists’ Assistant program or equivalent education and years of experience.
• Certification by the Canadian Certification Council of Pathologists’ Assistants (CCCPA) or the ASCP Board of Certification (PA) preferred.
• Experience in both surgical and forensic pathology is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of anatomy, disease processes, and forensic principles.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work sensitively in both clinical and medicolegal environments.

KNOWLEDGE and SKILLS:

1. Ability to maintain successful working relationships with the interdisciplinary team to achieve positive patient outcomes.
2. Knowledge of laboratory equipment maintenance and operation required.
3. Experience with voice dictation systems such as Dragon Dictation will be considered an asset.
4. Ability to work effectively and efficiently as a team member in a fast paced environment in stressful situations.
5. Computer literacy in a Microsoft environment.
6. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a client focused service delivery.
7. Sound problem solving, critical thinking, and conflict resolution skills.
8. Ability to work under pressure and maintain a high level of productivity.
9. Ability to perform duties independently, with a high degree of motivation and minimal supervision.
10. Ability to read, write and communicate to perform the duties of the position.
11. Must be able to stand for extended periods and perform physically demanding tasks.
12. Participation in on-call or shift work may be required depending on caseload and setting.
13. Demonstrated behavior consistent with the hospital’s Mission, ICCARE Values and Employee Standards of Performance.

Note: Because of the changing nature of the work and work to be done, other responsibilities and duties may be assigned and qualifications may be adjusted from time to time.  Only those selected for the testing/ interview will be contacted.

For more information and to apply, please visit www.sah.on.ca/careers/Pathologists’ Assistant.