Pathologists' Assistant (PA) - Instructor

Job Summary:

The Department of Pathology is seeking a Pathologists' Assistant (PA) who provides technical expertise in Anatomic Pathology under the general supervision of a Pathologist. The PA grosses simple and complex anatomic pathology specimens as well as interacts with other health professionals, such as nurses and support staff, to resolve interdisciplinary issues. Additionally, the PA must have a broad understanding of the day-to-day operations of the gross room and is critical in maintaining organization and efficiency. The PA is responsible for triaging research-consented tissue banking cases, including understanding any relevant clinical history and research-related requirements, as well as communicating thoroughly with the individual who will ultimately process the specimen.

The PA reports to the Gross Room Supervisor, Medical Director, and Co-Directors of Surgical Pathology, and will communicate all problems and concerns to the supervisor(s). If there are no supervisors present at the time, the employee shall handle the situation and immediately inform the supervisor upon arrival of the corrective actions taken.

The PA must use personal judgement in describing surgical pathology specimens and the way they organize daily workflow. The PA must prioritize research needs and clinical case processing based on clinical findings and priorities, as well as specimen type. If the PA will not personally process the sample, he/she will convey pertinent information for the member of the gross room technical staff, resident or fellow. The PA will make decisions on the gross description of specimen, how the tissue is verbally described, and which area(s) and/or anatomic feature is selected for research collections and histologic processing. The PA must always pay strict attention to detail and show a willingness to resolve issues and know when to seek a supervisor when needed.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provides direct patient care support of a highly technical nature
• Serves as a point of contact for Biobank and non-Biobank tissue collections, and acts primary staff responsible for research tissue collections
• Properly accessions surgical pathology specimens
• Obtains pertinent clinical information and history
• Grosses simple, non-complicated and complex surgical pathology specimens and provides biopsy coverage when necessary
• Participates in education and orientation of residents, fellows, and medical students, when appropriate
• Performs tissue procurement for ancillary studies, including culture, flow cytometry, cytogenetics and others
• Aids Attending Pathologist, Residents, Gross Room Supervisor, and lab staff as needed
• Performs frozen sections, and provides coverage and support as needed
• Maintains gross room and equipment
• Takes gross photos and x-ray images for research or diagnostic purposes
• Completes all relevant training and compliance courses
• Facilitates organization of specimens and assures appropriate consent forms are obtained
• Maintains Patient Confidentiality by following Healthcare insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

Work Location:

Onsite - this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, CO.

Why Join Us:

Welcome to the Department of Pathology of the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. The Department has grown substantially in the past 15 years, from 40 to 120 faculty in parallel with the remarkable growth of our hospital based affiliates as well as the city and county of Denver. Our work is value driven and focused on scientific investigation, lifelong learning and a balance of personal and professional values. In addition to a vibrant and highly competitive residency program with 25 positions, we offer 9 fellowships and participate in numerous graduate school and the MD/PhD program of the CU School of Medicine. Our faculty and staff are diverse and gender balanced, with women comprising 50% of our residents, Assistant, Associate and Full Professors (including those with tenure).

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options
• Dental: Multiple plan options
• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay
• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year
• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
• Holiday Days: 10/year
• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Diversity and Equity:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty and administrative staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons within the LGBTQ+ community and all veterans. In addition, the Anschutz Campus has also been recognized as an Age-Friendly University. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

• A Master's degree from an accredited Pathologists' Assistant program.
• American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certified, or certification eligible as a Pathologists' Assistant and once achieved, ASCP certification must be maintained for the length of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Three (3) years of experience performing Pathologist Assistant duties relating to Anatomic Pathology is not required but preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to accurately describe specimen details.
• Must possess good oral and written communication skills, must be able to communicate effectively with all ages, groups and populations of external and internal customers, as well as coworkers, via phone, email and directly.
• Knowledge of medical terminology necessary, human anatomy and physiology, and specific understanding of Pathology.
• Ability to listen and follow precise protocols required.
• Must have basic computer skills, including data entry, MS Word and Excel.

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1. A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position
2. Curriculum vitae / Resume
3. Five professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers.

Questions should be directed to: Andrea Hartwick at Andrea.Hartwick@cuanschutz.edu.

Screening of Applications Begins:

Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete applications received by September 17, 2024. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as HIRING RANGE:

$96,000 to $120,000.

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation unless it is non-exempt.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@ucdenver.edu.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.