Job Description & Qualifications
Joining our team comes with several benefits, including:
• Competitive hourly rate
• Sign on bonus
• Free parking
• Tuition reimbursement
A Brief Overview
The Pathologists’ Assistant supports high-volume surgical pathology services in an academic medical center, performing gross examination and dissection of specimens from biopsies to complex resections. This position will be responsible for preparing tissue for microscopic evaluation, conducting frozen sections, and processing samples for ancillary studies such as cytogenetics, immunofluorescence, and research. The Pathologists’ Assistant ensures accurate documentation, maintains quality standards, and collaborates with Pathologists for timely diagnoses. Additional duties include training and mentoring residents and staff, serving as an educational liaison, and maintaining laboratory equipment in compliance with safety protocols.
What You Will Do
- Performs macroscopic dissection and description of surgical specimens ranging from biopsies to large complex resections in a large academic hospital receiving over 100,000 surgical pathology cases annually.
- Prepares tissue samples for microscopic examination, including sectioning and identifying gross abnormalities in surgical specimens.
- Procures and processes tissue for ancillary studies to include electron microscopy, Lymphoma Protocol, Cytogenetics, Immunofluorescence, Microbiology, and Research.
- Performs frozen sections for intraoperative consultation and initial diagnostic testing.
- Documents and labels specimens accurately, ensuring proper chain of custody.
- Maintains quality and productivity standards.
- Collaborates with Pathologists and laboratory staff to ensure timely and accurate reporting of results.
- Stays current with advancements in pathology techniques and technologies.
- Provides training and mentorship for newly onboarded Pathologists’ Assistants, Residents, and medical students after initial onboarding.
- Assesses resident grossing and serves as a direct educator in surgical pathology.
- Maintains and operates laboratory equipment, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
Additional Responsibilities
- Fosters a collaborative environment that promotes teamwork and effective communication; cultivates a positive workplace attitude and helpful, collaborative approach to problem solving.
- Takes responsibility for self-development and completes all assigned mandatory assignments within allowed timelines.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Complies with all policies and standards.
- For specific duties and responsibilities, refer to documentation provided by the department during orientation.
- Must abide by all requirements to safely and securely maintain Protected Health Information (PHI) for our patients. Annual training, the UH Code of Conduct and UH policies and procedures are in place to address appropriate use of PHI in the workplace.
Education Qualifications
- Master’s Degree Of Science in Pathologists’ Assistant (PA) (Required) or
- Bachelor’s Degree From an accredited training program for Pathologists’ Assistant (Required) or
- In a biological science (prior to 2005) (Required)
Experience Qualifications
- Previous experience (Preferred)
Skills and Abilities
- Good knowledge of human anatomy (Required proficiency)
- Good knowledge of microsurgical techniques (Required proficiency)
- Good understanding of pathologic disease processes (Required proficiency)
- Good understanding of safety and infection control (Required proficiency)
- Able to obtain/prepare tissue for evaluation (Required proficiency)
- Able to provide timely and quality assistance to pathologists (Required proficiency)
- Able to use and maintain pathology equipment appropriately (Required proficiency)
- Good decision-making skills and utilizes good judgment (Required proficiency)
- Able to prepare and maintain records (Required proficiency)
- Good written and verbal communication skills, (Required proficiency)
- Good computer skills (Required proficiency)
- Good organizational and problem-solving skills (Required proficiency)
- Able to prioritize, problem solve, and manage time well (Required proficiency)
Licenses and Certifications
- Pathologist Assistant (PA-ASCP) or eligible (Required)
Physical Demands
- Standing – Frequently
- Walking – Frequently
- Sitting – Rarely
- Lifting – Frequently (up to 50 lbs)
- Carrying – Frequently (up to 50 lbs)
- Pushing – Frequently (up to 50 lbs)
- Pulling – Frequently (up to 50 lbs)
- Climbing – Occasionally (up to 50 lbs)
- Balancing – Occasionally
- Stooping – Frequently
- Kneeling – Frequently
- Crouching – Frequently
- Crawling – Occasionally
- Reaching – Frequently
- Handling – Frequently
- Grasping – Frequently
- Feeling – Constantly
- Talking – Constantly
- Hearing – Constantly
- Repetitive Motions – Constantly
- Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination – Constantly
Additional Salary Detail:
The salary range and/or hourly rate listed is a good faith determination of potential base compensation that may be offered to a successful applicant for this position at the time of posting of this job advertisement and may be modified in the future. When determining a team member’s base salary and/or rate, several factors may be considered as applicable (e.g., location, specialty, service line, years of relevant experience, education, credentials, union negotiated contracts, budget and internal equity). This figure does not include, unless otherwise stated incentive pay or shift differential pay or the value of University Hospitals’ comprehensive benefits package, which includes healthcare, dental, vision, retirement plan options, and additional offerings. Click here to view complete wellness and benefits details.
For over 150 years, University Hospitals has been dedicated to our mission To Heal. To Teach. To Discover. Starting as a small Cleveland hospital in 1866, UH has grown into 18 hospitals and 40 health centers, serving 1 million people annually.
UH delivers exceptional care, advances medical innovation, and trains future healthcare leaders. Now, you have the opportunity to add your talents to this legacy of care. At UH, you’ll join a collaborative team in an inspiring environment where your skills and ideas will be valued. Together, we can continue to shape the future of healthcare and deliver on the promise of our mission for generations to come.
Equal Opportunity Employer – Veterans and individuals with disabilities.

UH Cleveland Medical Center
UH Cleveland Medical Center is University Hospitals’ flagship academic medical center. With more than 1,000 registered beds, UH Cleveland Medical Center provides primary, specialty and subspecialty medical and surgical care in the heart of Cleveland’s University Circle.
We want you to make a career with us and we are here to support you – both in and out of work. Our comprehensive benefits program offers choice and flexibility to meet you where you are in your life.
- Medical Plans
- Dental Plans
- Vision Plan
- Paid Short and Long Term Disability
- Life and Account Insurance
- Additional Voluntary Benefits
- Wellness Programs and Plans
- Financial Health Resources
- Career Development Resources
- And More!
*Benefits may vary based on FTE Status and Position Type.
View complete wellness and benefits details on our Why Choose Us page.

We want you to make a career with us and we are here to support you – both in and out of work. Our comprehensive benefits program offers choice and flexibility to meet you where you are in your life.
- Medical Plans
- Dental Plans
- Vision Plan
- Paid Short and Long Term Disability
- Life and Account Insurance
- Additional Voluntary Benefits
- Wellness Programs and Plans
- Financial Health Resources
- Career Development Resources
- And More!
*Benefits may vary based on FTE Status and Position Type.


Working at University Hospitals
Careers at UH offers opportunities to provide care locally in the Cleveland area with the power to impact healthcare nationwide. As leaders in our industry, our staff share a commitment to be the difference in the lives of our patients and our communities from Northeast Ohio and beyond. Look at this video to discover how we’re building an organization for the future today.
Nightshift Module
Night shift provides a unique and rewarding opportunity for caregivers who thrive in a close-knit, supportive environment. With fewer distractions and a calmer atmosphere, you’ll have the chance to foster meaningful relationships with both colleagues and patients. The quieter pace allows for more in-depth patient connections, greater autonomy, and the opportunity to refine your skills. Whether it’s the flexibility to fit your lifestyle, the teamwork and problem-solving that come with a close-knit team, or the financial benefits of shift differential pay, night shift offers a space where you can grow both personally and professionally. If you excel in a late-night environment and appreciate the independence and collaboration it offers, our night shift team is the perfect fit for you!
Hear from our team about why they enjoy working the night shift and how it has shaped their careers.
Sara H.
Multi Modality
I like nightshift because the smaller staff helps me build connections and friendships with the staff around me. Helping us to better communicate without any issues, including doctors. I can work independently, keeping my thinking skills sharp. Even when it is quiet, it is never boring.










