Autopsy Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Description

Autopsy & Anatomic Pathology Services | Travel Opportunities | Growing Private Practice 

EPIARX Diagnostics is seeking a Pathologists' Assistant or experienced pathology professional to support our growing private autopsy and anatomic pathology practice.

We are open to multiple backgrounds for this position. You may be a PA(ASCP)-certified Pathologists' Assistant, a recent graduate of an accredited PA program, or an experienced autopsy/anatomic pathology professional who has developed strong hands-on technical skills through clinical experience.

What matters most is relevant pathology experience, technical aptitude, sound judgment, and the ability to grow into a trusted clinical partner to our Medical Director.

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.

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 or experienced autopsy/anatomic pathology professional to support our clinical services under the direction and supervision of our Medical Director.

The exact scope of responsibilities will depend on the successful candidate's training and experience. A credentialed or experienced PA may assume broader technical responsibilities more quickly, while a candidate with strong related experience may receive additional training as they develop into the role.

The majority of work will initially focus on private autopsy services and related pathology operations, with opportunities to support histology and 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 Medical Director and pathology team by:

• Assisting with and, based on training and demonstrated competency, performing components of autopsy examinations
• Performing organ and tissue dissection, examination, and sampling as appropriate to training and experience
• Preparing specimens for histology and specialized laboratory studies
• Preparing gross descriptions and clinical documentation
• Performing gross and microscopic photography
• Supporting specimen handling, storage, retrieval, and disposition
• Assisting with pathology workflow, quality assurance, and laboratory operations
• Maintaining accurate clinical and case records
• Supporting travel-based pathology and autopsy services as needed
• Working closely with the Medical Director to progressively assume appropriate technical responsibilities
• Helping improve clinical workflows, turnaround times, and operational efficiency

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 
• Technical competency and continued development 
• 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 with increasing independence while recognizing when physician guidance is necessary 
• 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 
• Work closely with the Medical Director to assess technical strengths and training needs 
• Demonstrate strong attention to detail, sound judgment, and technical competency 
• Communicate proactively and integrate into the team

By 60-90 Days 

• Assume increasing responsibility for assigned technical and clinical-support functions 
• Demonstrate growing independence in areas appropriate to your training and competency 
• Reliably support pathology and autopsy workflows 
• Recognize when physician guidance or escalation is appropriate 
• Build a strong working relationship with the Medical Director and clinical team 
• Help reduce physician time spent on appropriately delegable work 
• Contribute to increased clinical capacity and workflow efficiency

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

Requirements

Required Qualifications 

• Relevant education, training, and/or professional experience in pathology, autopsy, histology, anatomy, biomedical sciences, or a closely related field 
• Meaningful hands-on experience in anatomic pathology, autopsy, grossing, histology, tissue dissection/specimen preparation, or a closely related clinical environment 
• Strong knowledge of anatomy, specimen handling, biosafety, and clinical laboratory practices appropriate to your level of training 
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail 
• Ability to work closely with a physician while developing increasing independence 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills 
• Ability and willingness to travel locally, regionally, and occasionally nationally 
• Ability to work primarily in the Washington, DC area 
• Authorization to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship 
• Commitment to patient confidentiality, professionalism, and applicable regulatory requirements

Preferred Qualifications 

• PA(ASCP) certification 
• Master's degree from a NAACLS-accredited Pathologists' Assistant program 
• Medical degree or other advanced scientific or clinical education 
• Hands-on medical or forensic autopsy experience 
• Experience with organ and tissue dissection and sampling 
• Surgical pathology or grossing experience 
• Histology experience 
• Experience with gross and microscopic photography 
• Experience supporting quality assurance, quality improvement, CLIA, CAP, or laboratory compliance activities 
• Experience working directly with pathologists in a clinical environment 
• Experience working in a small, growing, or entrepreneurial clinical environment

Not a certified Pathologists' Assistant? We still encourage you to apply if you have substantial hands-on autopsy or anatomic pathology experience. We are willing to consider candidates whose technical experience and potential align with the needs of the practice.

The Ideal Candidate 

You are:

• Technically capable but eager to keep learning 
• Flexible and adaptable 
• Humble and coachable 
• Comfortable managing multiple priorities 
• A proactive communicator 
• Able to "manage up" and work effectively with a busy physician 
• Comfortable recognizing the limits of your expertise and asking for guidance when appropriate 
• Willing to step in and support where needed 
• Excited by the opportunity to help build something 

You understand that success comes not only from technical skill, but from ownership, communication, judgment, and teamwork.

About EPIARX 

EPIARX is a modern, growing pathology practice headquartered in Washington, DC.

We provide specialized pathology services with a strong focus on private autopsy and are actively expanding our clinical capabilities and operational infrastructure.

Our team values professionalism, responsiveness, flexibility, and continuous improvement. We are building systems and capabilities that will support long-term growth, including the development of expanded laboratory operations.

This is an opportunity to join a practice at an exciting stage of growth and play a meaningful role in its future.

Compensation & Benefits 

Salary: $80,000-$120,000 annually, commensurate with training, credentials, experience, and demonstrated technical competency.

Benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401(k) employer matching
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Professional development opportunities
• Travel-related expense reimbursement when applicable

Application Requirements 

Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter addressing:

• Your interest in this role 
• Your pathology and/or autopsy experience 
• Your level of hands-on experience with autopsy, grossing, dissection, tissue sampling, histology, or related pathology work 
• Why you are interested in working at EPIARX and supporting a growing pathology practice with a strong focus on private autopsy services 

Thoughtful, serious applicants only.