Pathologists' Assistant
Summary
Performs autopsies and anatomic pathology tasks under pathologist supervision, including tissue dissection, specimen prep, and documentation, with travel for case support in a growing private practice.
Autopsy & Anatomic Pathology Services | Travel Opportunities | Growing Private Practice
This is not a typical hospital Pathologists' Assistant role.
If you enjoy working closely with pathologists, thrive in a hands-on environment, and want the opportunity to help build and support a growing pathology practice, this may be the role for you.
At EPIARX, our Pathologists' Assistants are more than technical contributors. They are trusted clinical partners who help expand our capacity, improve efficiency, and support a wide range of pathology services—with a particular focus on private autopsy.
If you are looking for a highly structured environment where your responsibilities rarely change, this role is likely not the right fit.
About the Role
EPIARX is seeking a full-time Pathologists' Assistant to support our anatomic pathology and autopsy services under the direction and supervision of an attending pathologist.
While this role includes traditional PA responsibilities, it also offers opportunities to support private autopsy services, travel for case-related work, contribute to operational improvements, and grow alongside a modern pathology practice.
The majority of work will focus on private autopsy services and related pathology operations, with opportunities to support additional service lines as the practice continues to expand.
This position is based in the Washington, DC area and includes local, regional, and occasional national travel.
What You'll Actually Do
You will serve as a key clinical support resource for the pathologist and pathology team by:
- Assisting with autopsy examinations, including organ and tissue dissection and examination
- Performing tissue sampling and specimen preparation
- Preparing detailed gross descriptions and documentation
- Performing gross and microscopic photography
- Managing specimen handling, storage, retrieval, and disposal
- Preparing specimens for specialized laboratory studies
- Assisting with pathology workflow, quality assurance, and laboratory operations
- Maintaining accurate records and supporting report preparation
- Supporting travel-based pathology and autopsy services as needed
- Helping improve workflow efficiency and clinical operations
This role combines technical pathology expertise with flexibility, initiative, and a willingness to support a growing practice.
How You'll Be Measured
Success in this role is not simply about completing technical tasks.
You will be evaluated on:
- Accuracy and quality of specimen handling and documentation
- Ability to support autopsy and pathology workflows efficiently
- Reliability and readiness for travel and case support
- Communication and responsiveness with the clinical team
- Ability to work independently while maintaining high standards
- Contribution to improving turnaround times and operational efficiency
- Reduction in physician time spent on tasks that can be appropriately delegated
What Success Looks Like
First 30 Days
- Learn EPIARX workflows, protocols, and communication expectations
- Develop familiarity with our private autopsy process and case pipeline
- Demonstrate strong technical competency and attention to detail
- Communicate proactively and integrate into the team
By 60 Days
- Independently handle assigned responsibilities with minimal oversight
- Consistently support pathology and autopsy workflows
- Demonstrate reliability with travel and case support
- Build a strong working relationship with the pathologist and clinical team
By 90 Days
- Function as a trusted clinical extension of the pathologist
- Proactively identify issues, ask questions, and help move cases forward
- Contribute to increased clinical capacity and workflow efficiency
- Demonstrate the flexibility and ownership expected in a growing practice
This Role Is NOT For You If:
- You require highly structured, narrowly defined responsibilities
- You struggle to adapt to changing priorities
- You are uncomfortable with travel
- You prefer waiting for direction instead of taking initiative
- You do not communicate proactively
- You are unwilling to learn new processes or support evolving services
- You are looking for a purely administrative or laboratory bench role