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PATHOLOGIST ASSISTANT
Req #: 87652At Moffitt Cancer Center, we strive to be the leader in understanding the complexity of cancer and applying these insights to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer. Our diverse team of over 9,000 are dedicated to serving our patients and creating a workspace where every individual is recognized and appreciated. For this reason, Moffitt has been recognized on the 2023 Forbes list of America’s Best Large Employers and America’s Best Employers for Women, Computerworld magazine’s list of 100 Best Places to Work in Information Technology, DiversityInc Top Hospitals & Health Systems and continually named one of the Tampa Bay Time’s Top Workplace. Additionally, Moffitt is proud to have earned the prestigious Magnet® designation in recognition of its nursing excellence. Moffitt is a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center based in Florida, and the leading cancer hospital in both Florida and the Southeast. We are a top 10 nationally ranked cancer center by Newsweek and have been nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report since 1999.
Working at Moffitt is both a career and a mission: to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer. Join our committed team and help shape the future we envision.
Summary
Pathologist Assistant
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center is internationally recognized for our focus on personalized cancer care and translational research. The mission of Moffitt is clear, focused, and fully stated in nine words, “To contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.”With a tradition of excellence that began with the first patient admission in 1986, dedicated Moffitt physicians, scientists, and staff members have remained committed to excellence in an atmosphere characterized by kindness, caring, and hope.
Job Summary:
Based in Pathology, the Pathologist Assistant provides assistance and support to the attending pathologists, resident/fellows, and other hospital staff. Primary duties center on the practice of pathology and involve assisting in the procurement and processing of surgical pathology specimens. This includes specimen receipt and accessioning, grossing, frozen sections, autopsy service, equipment maintenance, works with Tissue Core, touch imprint preparation, and assist with resident orientation.
Position Highlights:
- Efficient management of all processes and procedures within the Frozen/Gross Room.
- Key to the overall processing of a patient's case, and the pathologist's ability to accurately provide the timely diagnosis necessary in guiding patient treatment decisions.
The Ideal Candidate:
- Demonstrates a high degree of technical competence, interpersonal skills, attention to detail, independent critical thinking, and decision-making abilities
- Experience in an academic oncology hospital setting
Responsibilities:
- Specimen Receiving/Handling
- Grossing/Specimen Processing
- Responsible for preparation of tissue for surgical specimen dissection, follow guidelines set for appropriate gross examination and submission for routine processing, and/or special procedures.
- Selection and preparation of tissue for intraoperative frozen section and/or touch imprint interpretation.
- Collaboration with Tissue Core personnel to procure research specimens.
- Evisceration and dissection of autopsy specimens.
- Consistently implements appropriate procedures used for tissue processing.
- Assist with teaching and orientation of Pathology residents to Surgical Pathology.
Credentials and Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Life/Laboratory Sciences required; Master’s Degree in a Pathology program preferred.
- Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in the clinical laboratory setting as a Pathologist Assistant, knowledge of clinical laboratory processes and workflow, experience with laboratory information systems.
- ASCP within 6 months of hire date
- Note: Certification may be waived in lieu of >5 years’ experience in an oncology hospital setting
- Ability to problem-solve and troubleshoot technical problems, work independently, and adapt positively to change.
- Must possess effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Experience in an academic oncology hospital setting preferred.
- Experience can be waived if graduated from an accredited Pathologist Assistant Program.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Moffitt Cancer Center is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, or protected veteran or disabled status. We seek candidates whose skills, and personal and professional experience, have prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence.
Reasonable Accommodation
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. Moffitt endeavors to make moffitt.org/careers accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact one of the Human Resources receptionists by phone at 813-745-7899 or by email at HRReceptionists@moffitt.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications. If you’d like more information on your EEO rights under the law, please click here.
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Freqently Asked Questions
Pathologist Assistant roles in Tampa, FL, often emphasize working within specialized cancer centers like Moffitt, reflecting a strong focus on oncology pathology. This can involve more advanced specimen processing aligned with cancer research compared to general pathology assistant roles in other regions.
Working at Moffitt Cancer Center requires adapting to high patient volumes and complex cancer cases, demanding precise specimen handling and quick turnaround times. The environment is fast-paced with cutting-edge research integration, requiring strong problem-solving and collaboration skills.
In Tampa, employers often prefer ASCP certification within six months of hire for Pathologist Assistants, especially at premier institutions like Moffitt. However, candidates with over five years of oncology hospital experience might receive certification waivers, reflecting local demand for seasoned professionals.
Mastery in specimen grossing, frozen section preparation, autopsy dissection, and familiarity with laboratory information systems are crucial. Additionally, skills in tissue core collaboration and touch imprint techniques elevate a Pathologist Assistant's effectiveness in oncology settings.
The assistant plays a key role in guiding residents by assisting with specimen preparation, teaching grossing protocols, and supporting frozen section procedures, fostering an educational atmosphere while ensuring diagnostic accuracy critical for patient treatment.
Tampa's growing oncology sector, anchored by Moffitt, drives steady demand for skilled Pathologist Assistants. While competition exists due to the specialized nature of cancer pathology, candidates with oncology experience or accredited training programs have a distinct advantage.
Pathologist Assistants in Tampa typically see annual salaries between $70,000 and $90,000, with Moffitt Cancer Center often offering competitive compensation aligned with its national reputation and the specialized skills required in oncology pathology.
Yes, Moffitt’s status as a nationally ranked comprehensive cancer center provides Pathologist Assistants exposure to cutting-edge research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and specialized training, fostering career advancement beyond standard hospital roles.
This role directly supports diagnostic precision by managing specimen processing and assisting pathologists, which accelerates accurate cancer diagnoses. Such contributions align with Moffitt’s mission, making the assistant an integral part of the patient care and research continuum.
At Moffitt, Pathologist Assistants engage heavily with oncology-specific specimens and advanced research collaborations, unlike many general pathology roles. This specialization requires deeper technical knowledge and offers exposure to innovative cancer treatment workflows.