Summary

Baylor College of Medicine, in partnership with the Department of Pathology at Texas Children's Hospital, is seeking an Instructor - Pathologists Assistant. This role is responsible for the gross examination and dissection of surgical specimens, submission of tissue for histologic evaluation, and preparation of detailed specimen documentation.

In addition, the Pathologists Assistant supports Tumor Bank and special study initiatives through tissue collection and specimen tracking, assists with quality assurance and billing-related activities, and provides education and guidance to residents and students on pathology procedures and laboratory techniques.

Job Duties

Clinical Responsibilities (60%):

• Surgical Specimen Examination and Dissection
• Performs gross examination, dissection, and triage of surgical specimens in accordance with departmental policies, CAP guidelines, and pathology protocols.
• Selects and submits appropriate tissue for histologic review, ancillary studies, and specialized testing.
• Dictates accurate, detailed gross descriptions and verbal reports documenting specimen findings.
• Supports intraoperative consultations, including tissue selection, slide preparation, and cutting.
• Provides procedure support, including cytologic smear preparation, procedure setup, and glomerular assessment.
• Instructs and supervises trainees.
• Autopsy Prosection
• Performs complete autopsy prosection
• Orders cultures and other approved ancillary studies per attending physician direction.

Tissue Collection, Biobanking & Research Support (15%):

• Collects, prepares, documents, and catalogs fresh tissue specimens for institutional and specialty biobanks (e.g., Tumor Bank, PeriBank, Cardiology, Urologic, Gynecologic, and "Normal" Tissue repositories).
• Performs specimen dissection and photography for faculty research and manuscript preparation.
• Supports data collection and analysis for research projects and publications.
• Ensures proper specimen handling, labeling, and documentation to maintain quality, regulatory compliance, and research integrity.

Quality Assurance, Billing & Administrative Support (15%):

• Prepares quality assurance reports and supports departmental quality improvement initiatives.
• Reviews and revises CPT charge codes and obtains A charges for international patient cases to ensure accurate billing.
• Maintains and manages clinical databases.
• Serves as an Epic Beaker user with knowledge of accessioning and grossing workflows; assists with system builds and upgrades.
• Develops, reviews, and maintains grossing protocols in alignment with CAP and institutional standards.
• Supports LEAN implementation and process improvement initiatives.
• Provides expertise and administrative oversight for dictation software, including access management and user training.

Education & Training (5%):

• Provides hands on instruction and mentorship to pathology residents, fellows, students, and trainees across all clinical duties.
• Serves as a clinical liaison with operating room personnel, nursing staff, and other interdisciplinary teams.
• Participates in continuing education and laboratory management training (e.g., ASCP courses).

Additional Responsibilities (5%):

• Performs other job-related duties, as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• NAACLS accredited program OR bachelor’s degree in a related field AND grandfathered through ASCP options (pre-2010) channels with both avenues resulting in earning and maintaining a PA(ASCP) certification.
• Pre-2010 Exception: Pathologists' Assistants who attained ASCP certification prior to 2010 via a 3-year supervised internship (instead of a master's degree program) are legally recognized as holding the exact same qualifications as NAACLS program-trained individuals.
• Credentials: Both program-trained and grandfathered individuals who successfully passed the ASCP exam are authorized to use the credential PA(ASCP).