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Pathologists Assistant Float I-Full Time Days

Northwestern Medicine · Lake Forest, IL · Full time · Health Care Provider

Posted Sep 30, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you found something unexpected during gross examination. How did you handle it with the pathologist?

What they are checking: Whether they communicate findings promptly and know when the pathologist must see something before it is cut.

The posting mentions helping with resident training. How would you teach a first-year resident to gross a colon resection?

What they are checking: Whether they can break down their technique and reasoning so someone else can learn it safely.

What would you do

You open a container and the requisition doesn't match the label. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they stop and resolve discrepancies through the proper channel instead of guessing and moving on.

This role floats between Lake Forest, McHenry, Kishwaukee and Delnor. How do you handle differences in grossing setup and routines between sites?

What they are checking: Whether they can adapt to different labs while keeping their own standards the same everywhere.

You have a high-volume day with biopsies stacking up and a large specimen that needs careful work. How do you prioritize?

What they are checking: Managing turnaround time without letting volume pressure compromise the quality of complex specimens.

About the work

Walk me through how you'd gross a mastectomy specimen with a known invasive carcinoma.

What they are checking: Whether they know orientation, inking, margin sampling and lymph node handling well enough to support staging.

How do you make sure a specimen never gets mislabeled from the moment it arrives until the cassettes go to histology?

What they are checking: Their personal system for specimen identification, since one mix-up can lead to the wrong diagnosis for a patient.

How do you decide how many sections to submit from a large, complicated specimen?

What they are checking: Judgment about representative sampling, following protocols like CAP synoptic requirements without over or under sampling.

How do you handle a frozen section request when the OR is waiting?

What they are checking: Speed and accuracy under time pressure, and clear communication with the pathologist and surgical team.

What safety practices do you follow around formalin and sharp instruments at the grossing bench?

What they are checking: Whether they take chemical exposure and cut injuries seriously as part of daily work, not just training.

How do you keep your gross descriptions clear enough that the pathologist can rely on them without seeing the specimen?

What they are checking: Precision in dictation, since the gross description becomes a permanent part of the diagnostic record.

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The full job description

As published by Northwestern Medicine.

**This is a full time position at 40 hours per week. This role is a float role, with main support being at Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital and McHenry Hospital but also possible support at Kishwaukee hospital and Delnor Hospital. The schedule is Monday to Friday, 8-hour shifts. ** The Pathologists’ Assistant Float I reflect the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards. In collaboration with the pathologist, the Pathologists’ Assistant Float I is responsible for the gross pathology description and sampling of biopsy and/or other selected complex surgical tissue specimens. The dissection sampling and description is performed in accordance with established procedures to aid the pathologist in establishing the diagnosis. The Pathologists’ Assistant I assist with resident training and provides a variety of activities in support of basic laboratory operations. Responsibilities: • Performs all duties as scheduled by pathologist. • Performs gross examination and dissection of surgical biopsies and large complicated specimens. Maintains specimen integrity and accurate legible specimen identification throughout all technical and clerical processes. Produces high-quality, high-volume work in a timely fashion, always finding better/more efficient ways to do things. • Provides assistance with intra-operative consultations. Cuts, stains, and coverslips cryostat sections for timely review. Documents appropriate turn-around-time tracking information. • Prepares specimens for imaging and photographs specimens. Maintains imaging equipment and files. Organizes radiology files and photography. • Prepares materials and participates in conferences with residents, pathologists, and clinical staff. • Exercises independent judgment in the performance of technical responsibilities. Prioritizes technical workload based on assignment or established priorities, responds effectively to changes in workflow adjusting work to incorporate STAT requests or fluctuations in work volume. • Practices the proficient and safe use of all equipment necessary for the completion of all duties and responsibilities within defined turn-around times. Cleans, disinfects, performs, and documents routine equipment and workspace maintenance per SOP. Reports equipment or instrument malfunctions appropriately. • Assists manager and/or pathologist in development and implementing new and special procedures or techniques. May assist in maintaining procedure manuals in accordance with practice guidelines and requirements of regulatory agencies. • Participates in quality and process improvement efforts. Identifies ways to improve work processes and improve customer satisfaction. Makes recommendations to manager, implements and monitors changes as requested. • Maintains a clean and safe work area. Follows established laboratory safety procedures in accordance with those regulatory bodies such as OSHA, FDA, EPA, etc. Observes and practices Universal Precautions when handling biohazardous material. Assumes a proactive role in laboratory safety and participates in development of safety protocols in surgical pathology. Performs minor spill cleanup per SOP when necessary. • Participates in cost containment initiatives. Responsible for efficient use of supplies and reagents and proper operation of instrumentation. • Provides backup assistance in a variety of activities in support of basic laboratory operations. • Records all documentation consistently and legibly. May create Standard Operating Procedures. Maintains manuals and electronic records for easy retrieval of data as necessary. Investigates, escalates, and documents any discrepancies or unresolved issues appropriately. • Fosters department and laboratory teamwork through effective communication. Adapts to change and handles stressful situations effectively • Takes initiative for personal development by attending teleconferences, educational sessions, and required meetings, etc. Required: • Master of Science • Pathologists’ Assistant’s degree • Pathologists’ Assistant Certification (ASCP) or eligible for certification or Illinois licensed MD/DO with current or completed enrollment in anatomical pathology Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status. Background Check Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act. Artificial Intelligence Disclosure Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. Benefits We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Click on or copy and paste URL to your browser to view detailed benefits information NorthwesternMedicine Career Page https://jobs.nm.org/benefits Please refer to the Benefits Eligibility by Employment Classification to determine benefits eligibility for job postings. If sign-on bonus is included in a job posting eligibility is as followed: Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign-on bonus. Exception : New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position as a Registered Nurse at NM may be eligible.

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