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UnitedHealth Group
Needham, Massachusetts

Per Diem Pathologist's Assistant - Atrius Health

Lab ProfessionalNo weekendsPer Diem

Listed compensation

$44.09-$78.7/hr

The week · per this posting · Monday – Friday

Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, nights and shift pattern and time off.

Posted 3mo ago

Job Description

Explore opportunities with Atrius Health, part of the Optum family of businesses. We’re an innovative health care leader and multi-specialty group practice, delivering an effective, connected system of care for adult and pediatric patients at 28 practice locations in eastern Massachusetts.

Our entire team of providers (physicians, PA/NPs and ancillary clinicians) works collaboratively with a value-based philosophy within our group practice as well as with hospitals, rehab and nursing facilities.

Be part of our vision to transform care and improve lives by building trust, understanding and shared decision-making with every patient. Join us and discover the meaning behind Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

Under the general supervision of a Pathologist, utilizes specialized training to perform complex clinical laboratory procedures that would otherwise be performed by a Pathologist. Responsible for grossing and dissecting a wide variety of surgical pathology specimens varying from biopsies to complex specimens. In collaboration with the pathologist, selects appropriate diagnostic sections for histologic processing.

Position Details

  • Location: 152 2nd Avenue, Needham Heights, MA 02494
  • Department: Laboratory
  • Schedule: Per-Diem, as needed. Monday - Friday between 2:00pm and 10:30pm

Primary Responsibilities

Conducts gross examination of human tissue surgical specimens. Performs appropriate specimen accessioning, describes gross anatomic features via dictation, and dissects surgical specimens

In collaboration with the pathologist, selects appropriate diagnostic sections for histologic processing. Prepares this tissue utilizing proper histologic procedures

When necessary, reviews cases with a pathologist upon sign-out. Consults with co-workers and histology staff as needed

Participates in quality assurance initiatives. Contributes new ideas to the improvement of laboratory operations and the attainment of other business objectives. Participates in projects as assigned

  • Maintains detailed records of all specimen dissections and dictations
  • Assists in the compilation of reports for surgical pathology
  • Labels and stores gross tissue specimens
  • Properly maintains equipment and ensures the cleanliness of the surgical pathology suite

Refers to training checklists and competency assessments for additional accountabilities. During periods of downtime, may be called upon to provide assistance to the specimen processing area

Adheres to all laboratory policies and procedures, including compliance, HIPAA, CQI, OSHA, and accreditation guidelines. Reviews policy and procedure manuals on an annual basis

Performs all job functions in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local agencies, company policies and procedures, and CAP

Performs other duties as needed

You’ll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications

Graduate of a NAACLS approved educational training program or a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in a biological or allied health discipline

3+ years of experience as a Pathologist's Assistant under direct supervision of a pathologist

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in pathology

Knowledge of Histologic Procedures

  • Extensive knowledge of the basic sciences, especially anatomy, and knowledge of surgical pathology and medical terminology
  • Proficient in the use of medical and surgical instruments and equipment
  • Proven excellent dissection technical skills
  • Proven ability to summarize complex clinical data

Proven Ability to Work Independently

  • Demonstrated ability to utilize a professional attitude to gain and maintain the trust of associates
  • Demonstrated ability to serve as a role model in areas such as flexibility, objectivity, and adaptability
  • Demonstrated use of solid professional judgement

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements).

No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you’ll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The hourly pay for this role will range from $44.09 to $78.70 per hour based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone–of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income–deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life.

Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes.

We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes — an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.

UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

UnitedHealth Group is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.

Key Responsibilities

Perform complex clinical laboratory procedures including the gross examination and dissection of a wide variety of surgical pathology specimens. Collaborate with pathologists to select diagnostic sections for histologic processing and maintain detailed records of all dissections.

Requirements

Requires a degree from a NAACLS approved program or a bachelor's degree in a biological/allied health discipline with over 3 years of experience. A Master's degree in pathology and extensive knowledge of anatomy and surgical pathology are preferred.

Qualifications

Education
Master's degree (postgraduate degree)
Experience
2+ years of experience

Key Skills

Specimen DissectionClinical Data SummarizationMedical Instrument Proficiency

Pathology Career Context

The cost-of-living index for Massachusetts is 105.8 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)). 63.2% of Massachusetts clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

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Work-life snapshot

median 2.8this job 3.9
Better work-life than 60% of Pathology (Lab Professional) listings

Listing-based score, 0–10, across 72 comparable listings. Shaded area = the share scoring below this one.

  • No weekends
  • On-site

Living in Needham

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$1.26M
Typical market rent
$3,453/mo
Residents’ average commute
28 min
Metro price indexU.S. average = 100
108.3
State income tax
Up to 5%
Sources & methodology

Sources: Zillow home values (Aug 2026), Zillow market rents (Aug 2026), U.S. Census ACS 2024 five-year.

BEA 2024 · Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro prices. Housing figures are city-level.

City-level figures. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.

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About UnitedHealth Group

Hospitals and Health Care
Eden Prairie , Minnesota
10,000+ employees

Benefits & Perks

Comprehensive benefits package
Incentive and recognition programs
Equity stock purchase
401k contribution