About Portland Gastroenterology Center
Portland Gastroenterology Center (PGC) is a leading private gastroenterology practice in Maine, dedicated to providing exceptional digestive health care to our patients and communities. Our team works together across clinical and administrative functions to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care in a supportive and professional environment.
The Role
The Pathology Laboratory Assistant supports the day-to-day operations of PGC's Pathology Laboratory. This is an on-site position that plays an important role in keeping laboratory workflow organized, accurate, and running smoothly. You will work closely with the Pathology Laboratory Manager and histology staff to process specimens, maintain files and equipment, and help ensure that cases move through the lab efficiently and correctly.
This is an excellent entry-level opportunity for someone interested in a laboratory or healthcare support career. No prior lab experience is required.
What You'll Do
Your core responsibilities will include:
- Collect and verify specimens and assign case numbers in the laboratory management system
- Match specimens and tissue cassettes to the correct case numbers
- Assist with the grossing process, entering results into the laboratory management system and printing required reports
- Perform daily matching of signed-out cases to patient requisitions for billing purposes
- Monitor the inbound fax queue and pull appropriate blocks for processing
- Maintain daily filing of slides and tissue blocks
- Organize slides returned from partner institutions and prepare them for weekly filing
- Load prepared slides into the automated H&E stainer and apply appropriately sized coverslips
- Trim embedded tissue blocks for the histology technician
- Perform daily cleaning of the tissue embedder
- Reconcile incoming inventory with outstanding and standing purchase orders
- Scan patient requisitions into the shared document drive
- Set up workstations for microtomy, embedding, and coverslipping
- Coordinate with PEC staff to resolve patient requisition discrepancies
- Contact reference laboratories for retrieval of patient materials
- Discard specimen containers as directed by the Pathology Laboratory Manager
- Complete special projects and other duties as assigned
Additional duties may include:
- Tissue processor maintenance, including reagent changes and bulk reagent disposal
- Embedding processed specimens according to laboratory protocols
- Collecting materials for send-outs such as technical processing requests, consults, and clinical trials
- Weekly H&E stainer maintenance including reagent changes, disposal, and scheduled cleaning
- Referencing patient requisitions to write accession numbers and source sub letters on slides
- Organizing archival materials and maintaining records of off-site pathology materials
- Loading tissue processing runs according to established procedures
What We're Looking For
Minimum qualifications:
- High school diploma or GED from an accredited institution
- No prior laboratory or healthcare experience required; we will train the right candidate
To be successful in this role, you will also demonstrate:
- The ability to adapt to changing priorities and manage multiple tasks at one time
- A willingness to learn new skills and follow established procedures closely
- Strong organizational habits and attention to detail
- Good problem-solving skills and the ability to identify and escalate issues early
- A calm, professional approach when working under pressure
- Commitment to safety, infection control standards, and proper use of equipment and materials
- Ability to work well as part of a team
Physical requirements: This position involves extended periods of standing. The role requires the ability to stand, sit, walk, lift, carry, reach, handle, kneel, crouch, and bend. You must be able to occasionally lift and move up to 40 pounds. Close vision is required. This position is designated as OSHA Category A, and the Hepatitis B vaccination will be offered.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Why PGC?
- A stable, supportive work environment at one of Maine's leading gastroenterology practices
- On-the-job training and the opportunity to build foundational laboratory skills
- A collaborative team that values accuracy, communication, and patient care
- Competitive compensation and benefits
How to Apply
If you are organized, detail-oriented, and ready to start a career in a healthcare laboratory setting, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter describing your interest in this position.
Portland Gastroenterology Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
Pay: $20.00 - $24.66 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
