The Department of Pathology has an exciting opportunity for a full time Pathologists’ Assistant to expand our existing team of 3 PAs. The PA will contribute to the overall mission of the institution by providing outstanding patient care, pursuing knowledge and excellence of practice, and fostering a supportive learning environment for trainees. Our 3 PAs have a combined total experience of 30 years. Our expertise is an ideal setting for either a new graduate looking for a supportive career start and mentorship, or an experienced PA who enjoys teaching and grossing a wide variety of specimens.      

Our Pathologists and PAs currently serve the University of New Mexico Hospital, associated clinics, an outside hospital, and an outside outpatient surgical center. We have an annual volume of approximately 20,000 surgical specimens. As the state’s only Level 1 trauma center, UNM provides the highest level of care for critically injured patients. UNM is also opening a new $700 million Critical Care Tower, the largest construction project by total cost in the history of New Mexico. The tower is expected to be completed in the Fall of 2025 and will have an 18-room operating suite being referred to as “the operating room of the future”.

This faculty position comprises clinical service, teaching, and research responsibilities and is high visibility. PAs interact with Pathologists, Surgeons, Residents, Fellows, and Clinicians. The PAs compose thorough clinical histories and clinical work varies from simple to complex specimens. Complex specimens include laryngectomies, pancreaticoduodenectomies, soft-tissue tumors, and amputations for tumors. With a busy head and neck service, PAs perform numerous frozen sections and intraoperative consultations daily. Gross photography and triaging tissue for special studies including flow cytometry and cytogenetics are required. As faculty lecturers, the PAs are heavily involved in teaching pathology residents and medical students rotating through the lab. One resident ranging from PGY1 to PGY3 is assigned to the gross room each day, with a total of 16 residents. Residents are guided through dissection of all surgical specimens and achieve competency in performing frozen sections. Research responsibilities consist of triaging tissue for tumor banking and Children’s Oncology Group (COG) studies. There are no autopsy responsibilities.

This position offers competitive pay with excellent benefits including annual stipend for AAPA conference or educational resources. New PA graduates are welcome to apply.

Minimum Requirements:

• Master's degree from a NAACLS accredited Pathologists' Assistant program; or Bachelor's degree from a NAACLS accredited Pathologists' Assistant program and 3 years of directly-related experience; or a Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of directly-related experience.
• Must be ASCP-PA certified or eligible for certification within 1 year of employment.
• Eligible to work in the US.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Previous experience and/or training as a Pathologists’ Assistant
• Previous experience working at an academic institution 
• Previous experience teaching residents
• Previous experience cutting frozen sections
• Previous experience triaging tissue for research and tumor banking and/or special studies
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and student success, as well as working with broadly diverse communities

Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.

A complete application will include an uploaded CV and a Cover Letter/Letter of Interest that outlines the candidates education, training, and experience as they relate to the minimum and desirable qualifications listed in the job posting.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.