Pathologist

The Pathologist/Senior Pathologist (P/SP) is a key member of CND's growing Pathology Services Group which performs expert reading of immunofluorescent images of patient skin biopsies to help diagnose neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's and dementia with Lewy bodies. The Pathologist brings a diverse set of experience analyzing patient tissue including skin specimens and has familiarity with immunohistochemistry and/or immunofluorescent techniques. While not a requirement, the Pathologist may have specific experience in the field of neuropathology and at a minimum, is attracted to the field of neurodegeneration and novel pathological pathways that are emerging.

Given CND's unique technology and pathological methods, the Pathologist is highly flexible, willing to learn new science and analytical processes, and driven by innovative ways to impact patient care. The P/SP has a history of collaborating effectively with pathology department teammates and serving as an important expert resource for other colleagues including the laboratory technician team. The Pathologist is a consummate professional, has excellent attention to detail and quality, and considers herself/himself as a productive case reader. The Pathologist is also experienced with or highly interested in digital pathology methods and the use of AI-driven tools that may enhance overall reading capabilities for the organization. Ideally, the Pathologist has participated in research projects, has a keen eye for potential process improvements in the laboratory, and may enjoy participating in formal company-sponsored and/or industry clinical studies.

The Pathologist will be guided through an extensive, multi-week CND pathology training program to be "certified" to read and sign out cases for the company's Syn-One Test�, Small-Fiber Dx�, and other diagnostic products (which include multiple stains and biopsy samples per case). On average, each pathologist will be expected to read 15-20 cases per day within the first 4-6 months of experience at the company.

Finally, the Pathologist has a strong academic background in pathology which may include published journal articles and a proven track record with recent employers, including spending multiple years at one or more practices or private sector companies. The Pathologist is excited to join an early-stage, high-growth company and make key contributions to the company's mission.

Job Responsibilities:

Reading for Commercial Testing

• Examine biopsies and study tissue samples under a microscope to identify abnormalities in cells or tissues
• Examine biopsies using digital pathology and artificial intelligence programs
• Communicate test results to physicians and other healthcare professionals in written reports
• Identify disease on biopsy samples using special stains
• Work in conjunction with research and development to increase understanding of disease processes and develop new diagnostic techniques and potential treatments
• Examine specimens under a microscope to identify diseases such as cancer

Reading for Research and Clinical Trials

• Option to serve as primary Pathologist for reading clinical trials and research slides.

Other Departmental Duties

• Collaborate with the team on ongoing quality program initiatives
• Be accessible to the Laboratory Operations team for guidance on specimen processing and grossing, mounting, cutting and other laboratory techniques
• Work with the medical director in performing validations of new tests, new techniques, and instrument qualifications
• Work with Quality Coordinator and Medical Director to ensure best laboratory practices
• Availability to work occasional Saturdays as needed

Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

• Prefer minimum of 3-5 years as practicing pathologist either in private clinical setting or within the clinical/medical diagnostics industry. Will consider outstanding candidates including recent fellowship-trained Pathologists
• Background in anatomic, or anatomic/clinical pathology with possible specialty in dermatopathology or nueropathology preferred
• Excellent communicator and collaborator with pathology teammates and other departments
• Involvement with quality program design and implementation
• Strong knowledge of assay development/validations
• Experience with equipment qualifications
• Experience with biopharmaceutical industry projects a plus
• Comfortable using digital technologies as part of daily workflow
• Ability to adapt and use LIMS system

Education, Certifications & Licensures:

• MD or DO Board certified Anatomic (AP) or Anatomic/Clinical (AP/CP) Pathologist
• Board-certified in anatomical pathology (AP) or anatomic/clinical pathology (AP/CP); dermatopathology fellowship and Ph.D. a plus
• Strong academic credentials from top residency and fellowship programs
• Licensed in multiple states a plus
• Will be guided through CND's pathology training program to become certified to read cases for the Syn-One Test, Small-Fiber Dx, and other proprietary cutaneous neurodiagnostic tests

Other:

Work Location and Office Model

• The Pathologist will be based in the greater Phoenix area and will spend the majority of the time working in an individually-assigned office at CND's new 10,000 square foot headquarters and laboratory facility in Scottsdale, AZ
• Potential to work in a hybrid working environment with some remote, home-based reading

Physical Demands

• Combination of seated and standing work to complete the core functions of the role