Lab Assistant Specimen Processor Jobs in Augusta, GA

Join a leading medical center as a Laboratory – Pathology Assistant and play a vital role in advancing diagnostic excellence within a respected healthcare facility. This opportunity offers a dynamic environment where your technical expertise and dedication contribute directly to patient care and medical breakthroughs. If you're looking to grow your career in surgical pathology and work alongside experienced professionals, this position is perfect for you.

As a Laboratory – Pathology Assistant, you will perform essential functions in the surgical pathology laboratory, supporting the accurate processing and examination of complex specimens. Your role will be integral to ensuring high-quality diagnostic services, fostering continuous learning, and maintaining compliance with all safety and regulatory standards.

Responsibilities:

Assist the department manager or supervisor with daily operations within the surgical pathology area, helping to ensure smooth workflow and efficiency.

Conduct gross examinations of surgical pathology specimens, including large, complex, and whole organ samples, under appropriate supervision.

Perform gross dissection and preparation of specimens for histological processing, ensuring precise and thorough specimen handling.

Provide technical instruction, training, and guidance to fellow pathologist assistants, grossing technicians, students, and laboratory staff on techniques, instrumentation, and organizational workflows.

Supervise and verify new hires’ competencies, administering quality control and competency assessments to grossing personnel.

Perform specimen preparation on non-gynecological tissues, including cytopreparations, staining, coverslipping, and handling FNA specimens after appropriate training.

Collaborate and communicate directly with pathologists regarding specimen description, dissection, and any escalated issues requiring expert judgment.

Troubleshoot technical problems and exercise independent judgment to resolve issues impacting test performance or reporting.

Coordinate workflow, monitor quality indicators, and participate in developing or enhancing quality management programs.

Ensure strict adherence to safety protocols, CLIA, CAP, and federal regulations, maintaining compliance across all procedures.

Serve as a key liaison among pathology staff, providing guidance on specimen types, supervision levels, and quality standards.

Support ongoing continuing education requirements and state licensure standards for grossing personnel.

Perform additional duties as assigned by supervisory staff to support laboratory operations and quality improvement initiatives.

Required Skills:

Bachelor's degree in a related field or meet all requirements for non-pathologist tissue grossing per SOP and CLIA CFR standards.

Current state licensure as a Pathology Assistant or equivalent.

At least 1 year of surgical gross experience, particularly with large, complex, or complicated specimens.

Knowledge of histologic specimen processing, FNA preparation, and cytopreparations.

Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to troubleshoot technical issues independently.

Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.

Familiarity with safety standards, quality control protocols, and laboratory regulations.

Nice to Have Skills:

Master’s degree in a related field or advanced certification such as ACVP or NAPLCS-approved training program.

Experience with QA/QC procedures and continuous quality improvement initiatives.

Familiarity with laboratory information systems and workflow management tools.

Past experience in a hospital-based or complex specimen environment.

Preferred Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Cytotechnology, or related clinical specialty.

Certification as a Pathologist Assistant through NAACLS or equivalent recognized program.

Minimum of 1-year surgical grossing experience, including handling of complicated and large specimens.

Prior experience in a hospital setting is highly preferred.

Other Requirements:

Must undergo and pass a 10-panel drug screening.

Complete vaccination review (Hep B, MMR, Varicella, Quantiferon testing).

Provide a recent full physical/medical exam.

Receive a flu shot within the last 10 months.

Successfully pass a color/vision test and respirator/fit test.

Ability to perform physical tasks involved in grossing specimens, including standing, bending, and fine motor skills.

Flexibility to work scheduled shifts, including potential overtime or on-call duties as needed.

This is a unique opportunity to be part of a dedicated team committed to delivering accurate and timely diagnostic information. If you have the skills, experience, and passion for surgical pathology, we encourage you to apply now and take the next step in your career. Join us in making a difference in patient care and furthering your professional growth in a fast-paced, supportive environment.

Please reference Job number: 293137