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If you’ve searched “Pathologist job description,” chances are you’ve seen the same thing over and over again:
Bullet points. Buzzwords. No real personality.
And definitely no insight into what actually attracts a great pathologist.
Here’s the truth:
Most job descriptions online aren’t written to attract talent.
They’re written to check a box.
But if you’re hiring a pathologist—a role that requires precision, deep analytical thinking, and serious responsibility—you can’t afford to post something generic. Because great candidates? They can spot a copy-paste job post a mile away—and they’ll scroll right past it.
If you want to write a job post that actually resonates with qualified candidates, keep reading.
We’ll show you what makes a great job description work, share real examples, and give you a copy-paste template you can tailor for your next hire.
But first—if you haven’t yet, check out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ It explains why most job posts fall flat—and how to fix that.
WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results
What Does a Pathologist Actually Do?
A pathologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing diseases by studying cells, tissues, and body fluids. They’re often the “doctor behind the scenes” who helps other physicians understand what’s really going on inside a patient’s body.
But this role goes beyond just reading lab results.
A good pathologist combines science, critical thinking, and meticulous attention to detail. Their work influences key medical decisions—from identifying cancer to confirming infections or guiding treatment plans. That’s why accuracy, clear communication, and strong ethical standards matter just as much as technical knowledge.
In short:
Pathologists don’t just diagnose—they provide the clarity that helps save lives.
Two Great Pathologist Job Description Templates
Pathologist Job Description Template (Experienced Hire)
📌 Job Title: Board-Certified Pathologist at Clearview Diagnostics
📍 Location: Phoenix, AZ | 💼 Full-Time | 🧪 Department: Diagnostic Medicine
💵 Salary: $175,000 – $210,000 (Based on experience)
🕐 Schedule: Monday–Friday | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
🎥 Meet the Team Behind the Lab (Watch this short video before you apply)
👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube link here]
Hear directly from our Medical Director, Dr. Elaine Harper, on what it’s like to work at Clearview and why this role matters.
🧬 Who We Are
Clearview Diagnostics is a full-service pathology lab that partners with 40+ hospitals and clinics across Arizona. For over 15 years, we’ve built a reputation for accuracy, speed, and integrity—delivering over 200,000 diagnostic reports annually.
We’re not just a lab—we’re a mission-driven medical team that believes every sample represents someone’s mother, father, or child. Our board-certified pathologists work closely with technologists, clinicians, and surgeons to deliver results that drive life-saving decisions.
🌟 Our Culture
We believe in working fast without rushing, being confident without cutting corners, and treating every diagnosis like it matters—because it does. At Clearview, our culture is rooted in accountability, scientific rigor, and real collaboration. We respect every team member’s input, and we constantly invest in training, tools, and peer reviews to help each other grow.
🔍 What You’ll Be Doing
- Review and interpret surgical pathology and cytology specimens
- Provide clear, accurate, and timely diagnostic reports
- Attend virtual and in-person tumor boards and consult with referring physicians
- Oversee quality control and compliance with CLIA/CAP standards
- Collaborate with histotechnologists and lab managers for continuous improvement
- Contribute to case conferences and continuing education sessions
- Utilize digital pathology systems and LIS software for streamlined reporting
✅ What We’re Looking For
- MD or DO with Board Certification in Anatomic and/or Clinical Pathology
- Minimum 3 years of independent diagnostic experience
- Strong skills in surgical pathology (GI, GYN, or GU experience is a plus)
- Excellent diagnostic accuracy and written communication
- Familiarity with digital slide systems and LIS (we use Epic + Cerner)
- Team-first mindset with a calm, detail-oriented approach
🎯 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
You’ll be part of a close-knit, high-performance pathology team that’s known for both speed and precision. Here, you won’t get buried in bureaucracy—you’ll get autonomy, respect, and the resources to do your best work.
This role is ideal for someone who wants a stable, well-resourced lab environment without sacrificing purpose. You’ll be part of real clinical decisions and will directly impact patient outcomes every single day.
🎁 Perks and Benefits
- Competitive salary with quarterly performance bonuses
- Fully paid health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- 18 PTO days + 5 paid CME days annually
- CME allowance and paid conference travel
- Paid malpractice and liability coverage
- Flex scheduling after 6 months (including hybrid reading options)
- Dedicated workstation with dual-monitor digital review setup
📥 How to Apply
We value your time and expertise. That’s why we use WorkScreen to evaluate candidates based on skill, not fluff.
Click the link below to complete your structured evaluation. It’s short, fair, and gives you the chance to show us how you think—not just what’s on your resume. We review every application and follow up with all candidates.
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link Here]
✅ Pathologist Job Description Template (Entry-Level / Willing-to-Train)
📌 Job Title: Junior Pathologist (MD/DO) – Early Career Role at Redwood Medical Diagnostics
📍 Location: Denver, CO | 💼 Full-Time | 🧪 Department: Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
💵 Salary: $145,000 – $165,000
🕐 Schedule: Monday–Friday | 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
🎥 Watch Before You Apply – A Quick Intro from Our Lab Director
👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube link here]
Hear from Dr. Marcus Dean, our Director of Pathology, as he shares how we mentor early-career pathologists and what makes Redwood a great place to grow.
🧬 Who We Are
Redwood Medical Diagnostics is an independent diagnostic lab that supports hospitals, surgical centers, and outpatient clinics across Colorado and neighboring states. For nearly a decade, we’ve helped deliver clear, accurate pathology reports that inform critical decisions—from biopsies to complex surgical cases.
We’re a team of physicians, technologists, and lab staff who care deeply about quality medicine—and the people behind every specimen. We’re currently expanding and looking to support a promising junior pathologist who’s eager to learn, grow, and make a real impact.
🌟 Our Culture
At Redwood, you’ll find a humble, supportive, and focused team. We invest in early-career doctors because we know great pathologists aren’t just born—they’re trained through mentorship, casework, and peer support. If you’re someone who loves learning, welcomes feedback, and thrives in a collaborative setting, you’ll fit right in.
🔍 What You’ll Be Doing
- Assist in reviewing and reporting histology, cytology, and fluid specimens
- Participate in internal case reviews and quality improvement meetings
- Draft diagnostic impressions with support from senior pathologists
- Learn to operate and interpret digital pathology platforms
- Collaborate with technologists and attend tumor boards (with supervision)
- Receive structured feedback, continuing education, and ongoing mentorship
✅ What We’re Looking For
- MD or DO with completed pathology residency (or final-year resident)
- Eligible for board certification in Anatomic and/or Clinical Pathology
- Passion for diagnostic medicine and scientific accuracy
- Strong desire to learn and improve in a real-world lab setting
- Excellent communication, organization, and attention to detail
- No independent experience required—we’ll train and mentor you
🎯 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
If you’re a recent grad, a resident nearing completion, or someone early in their diagnostic career, this is a rare chance to learn inside a real lab—not just observe.
You’ll work directly with experienced pathologists who believe in teaching, not gatekeeping. You won’t be thrown in the deep end—but you will be challenged, supported, and trusted with real responsibilities as you grow.
This role is perfect if you’re looking for that first post-residency position where your development is taken seriously, and where your future as a practicing pathologist is built, not rushed.
🎁 Perks and Benefits
- Competitive entry-level salary with annual reviews
- Health, dental, and vision insurance fully covered
- Paid malpractice insurance
- CME stipend + 5 paid CME days annually
- Mentorship from board-certified pathologists
- Paid time off: 15 PTO days + 6 paid holidays
- Wellness allowance for books, apps, or professional development tools
- Relocation stipend (if moving from out of state)
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to evaluate candidates in a fair, structured way. Instead of asking for long cover letters or generic interviews, we focus on how you think and how you’d approach real-world challenges.
Click the link below to complete your short evaluation. Every application is reviewed, and we’ll keep you updated at each step.
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link Here]
Don’t let bad hires slow you down. WorkScreen helps you identify the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
Why These Pathologist Job Descriptions Actually Work
1. ✅ The Job Titles Are Clear and Specific
Instead of simply saying “Pathologist,” each title clarifies who the role is for, where it’s based, and what level of experience is expected.
Examples:
- “Board-Certified Pathologist at Clearview Diagnostics”
- “Junior Pathologist (MD/DO) – Early Career Role at Redwood Medical Diagnostics”
This instantly filters for the right people—and helps serious candidates self-identify.
2. ✅ The Intros Are Warm and Contextual
Both job descriptions open with purpose, not paperwork.
They tell candidates:
- What the company actually does
- Why this role matters
- What kind of person would thrive there
This creates emotional engagement right away—and encourages the right people to keep reading.
3. ✅ There’s a Video to Build Trust
Adding a Loom or YouTube video from the hiring manager or lab director helps humanize the post. It shows candidates there’s a real team behind the role—and gives them a glimpse of who they might work with.
4. ✅ Salary and Benefits Are Transparent
Instead of vague statements like “Competitive pay,” both job posts include:
- A clear salary range
- Specific benefits (CME days, insurance, PTO, etc.)
- Additional perks like wellness stipends and relocation support
This builds trust and helps candidates evaluate whether the role matches their needs—before they apply.
5. ✅ The Culture Is Described, Not Claimed
These job posts don’t just say “we value collaboration”—they show what collaboration looks like on the team.
The Clearview post talks about scientific rigor and peer reviews.
The Redwood post emphasizes mentorship, learning, and support.
This helps candidates visualize what it’s like to work there—and decide if they’d belong.
6. ✅ The Role Responsibilities Are Written Like Real Work
Instead of dry lists, the responsibilities sections actually describe how the job fits into the bigger picture.
- “Provide diagnostic reports that inform life-saving decisions”
- “Assist in tumor boards with supervision”
This helps candidates see the impact of their work—and not just the tasks.
7. ✅ There’s a Clear, Respectful Hiring Process
Both posts explain what happens after you apply.
They promise:
- That every application will be reviewed
- That candidates will get updates
- That they’ll be assessed based on skill, not surface-level resumes
This alone sets the job post apart—especially in healthcare, where ghosting is unfortunately common.
8. ✅ The Tone Is Human
Everything from the language to the structure is written for real people—not just HR checklists.
These posts say things like:
- “We won’t throw you in the deep end”
- “Behind every sample, there’s a person counting on us”
That’s the kind of writing that makes top candidates stop scrolling and start applying.
Bad Pathologist Job Description Example (And Why It Fails)
📌 Job Title: Pathologist
📍 Location: Remote | 💼 Full-Time
🕐 Monday–Friday, 9AM–5PM
📧 Apply by emailing your resume to: hr@medicenterlabs.com
Job Summary
MediCenter Labs is seeking a qualified pathologist to join our growing diagnostic team. The successful candidate will be responsible for analyzing lab samples, preparing reports, and ensuring compliance with relevant protocols.
Responsibilities
- Review and interpret laboratory specimens
- Maintain documentation and follow lab procedures
- Work with lab technicians to ensure accurate processing
- Support compliance and quality standards
Requirements
- MD or DO with board certification in pathology
- 2+ years experience
- Familiarity with lab processes and equipment
- Attention to detail
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and cover letter to hr@medicenterlabs.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
❌ Why This Job Post Falls Flat
1. The Job Title Is Vague and Uninspired
“Pathologist” is technically correct—but there’s no indication of seniority, specialty, or purpose.
A great candidate won’t stop to figure out if it’s relevant—they’ll just keep scrolling.
2. The Summary Feels Like Filler
There’s no mission, no story, no context.
It sounds like it was written by AI, or copy-pasted from a 10-year-old HR folder. Nothing here sparks curiosity or emotional connection.
3. There’s No Mention of Culture or Team
The candidate learns nothing about what it’s like to work at MediCenter.
- Who are they working with?
- What values drive the lab?
- What kind of pace or standards should they expect?
Silence.
4. Salary and Perks Are Missing
This job post doesn’t mention any compensation—not even a range.
There’s also no word on benefits, PTO, CME, or professional development. That’s a red flag for serious candidates.
5. The Responsibilities Are Generic
These tasks could be pulled from any pathology job.
There’s no sense of impact, specialization, or even what kind of lab this is.
6. The Hiring Process Is Cold
“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” is one of the most discouraging phrases in any job post. It implies you’re just a number—and that your effort might be ignored.
7. The Call to Action Is Transactional
“Submit your resume” is technically fine—but it’s cold, outdated, and gives nothing back to the applicant.
There’s no explanation of the next steps, no encouragement, and no reason to feel excited.
This is the kind of post that ticks boxes—but attracts no one.
And if it does get applicants, they’re likely applying blindly, not because they’re genuinely interested.
Bonus Tips to Help Your Job Description Stand Out
Even if your job post is well-written, adding these small but powerful elements can make a big difference in who applies—and how they feel about your company from the very start.
🔒 1. Add a Privacy & Security Notice to Build Trust
Scams are on the rise—and candidates are cautious. Add a short disclaimer like this to show you care about their safety:
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
We take your privacy and safety seriously. We will never ask for payment, bank details, or sensitive personal information during any part of the hiring process.
This sets the tone for a professional and trustworthy application experience.
🌴 2. Mention Time Off or Flex Leave (If You Offer It)
It might seem minor, but candidates really do look for jobs that acknowledge work-life balance. If you offer generous PTO, holidays, or flex days, highlight them clearly.
Example:
“Enjoy 20+ days of PTO annually—including 3 flex days you can use however you want. We believe recharging helps you do your best work.”
📈 3. Highlight Training, CME, or Career Growth Opportunities
Pathologists—especially early-career ones—want to know they’ll continue learning. If you offer continuing medical education (CME), mentorship, or growth pathways, say so!
Example:
“You’ll get access to CME funding, national conferences, and in-house workshops designed to sharpen your diagnostic skills and grow your career.”
🎥 4. Add a Video From the Hiring Manager or Lab Director
This one’s a game-changer. Even a simple 60-second Loom video can help your job post stand out dramatically. Candidates want to see who they’re working with, not just read about it.
Your video doesn’t need to be fancy—just real.
Here’s a prompt you can use:
“Hi, I’m [Name], the Lab Director at [Company]. In this role, you’ll work closely with our team to provide critical diagnoses that impact patient care. If you’re someone who values accuracy, collaboration, and growth, we’d love to hear from you.”
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
🧠 Why These Little Details Matter
The best candidates don’t just apply for any job—they apply for the one that feels like a real, human opportunity.
By adding these extra touches, you show that:
- You respect the candidate’s time
- You run a trustworthy, organized hiring process
- You’ve built a team that actually supports each other
And that’s the kind of team high-quality applicants want to join.
Should You Use AI to Write Job Descriptions?
These days, it feels like everyone is using AI to write job posts—especially with one-click generators built into tools like Manatal and Workable.
And while that might sound convenient, here’s the truth:
🚫 Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone
Using AI to instantly generate a full job description (without giving it any context) usually leads to:
- Boring, generic content that sounds like everyone else
- Posts that attract any applicant—not the right one
- A cold, robotic tone that fails to connect with humans
- A poor first impression of your team and culture
Your job post is the first touchpoint a candidate has with your company. If it feels automated or bland, great applicants will assume your company is too.
✅ The Smarter Way to Use AI in Hiring
AI isn’t bad—it’s just a tool. And like any tool, it works best when you give it the right inputs.
Here’s how to do it well:
🧠 Start With Real Inputs
Feed AI the following details:
- What your company actually does
- What the role involves (daily tasks, goals, challenges)
- Your culture, values, and tone of voice
- The kind of person you want to hire (mindset, not just skills)
- The perks, salary range, benefits, and application process
Then, use a prompt like this:
“Help me write a job post for our company, Redwood Medical Diagnostics. We’re hiring a junior pathologist to assist in diagnostics and case review. Our lab culture is collaborative and education-focused—we want someone who’s eager to learn and values precision. We offer paid CME, mentorship, and relocation support. Here’s our rough outline to get started: [insert notes].”
Once AI gives you a draft:
- Edit it. Make it sound like you.
- Add emotion. Speak to the person, not the resume.
- Cut jargon. Make it feel real, not robotic.
- Include your own examples, stories, or values.
💡 Use AI to Polish—Not Replace—Your Voice
The goal isn’t to automate hiring copy. The goal is to connect with the right person.
Let AI help you speed up formatting, fix grammar, or spark ideas—but never let it write your job post from scratch.
Because great candidates know the difference.
If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.
Need a Quick Copy-Paste Pathologist Job Description?
✅ Option 1: Culture-First, Conversational Job Description Template
📌 Job Title: Pathologist at [Company Name]
📍 Location: [Location] | 💼 Job Type: [Full-Time / Part-Time] | 💵 Salary: [Salary Range]
🎥 Watch Before You Apply
👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube Link]
Hear directly from our Lab Director about what it’s like to work at [Company Name], our team values, and how this role fits into the bigger mission.
🧬 Who We Are
At [Company Name], we’re more than a diagnostic lab—we’re a collaborative team of pathologists, clinicians, and technologists who believe that every test result carries weight. Our goal is to provide accurate, timely insights that help physicians make life-changing decisions. And we’re growing.
🌟 Our Culture
We work fast but never sloppy. We value thoughtful analysis, honest communication, and scientific integrity. Whether you’re reading slides or reviewing cases, you’ll be part of a team that genuinely supports one another and takes pride in precision.
🔍 What You’ll Be Doing
- Analyze pathology specimens including tissue, fluid, and cytology samples
- Write and review diagnostic reports
- Participate in clinical discussions and tumor boards
- Ensure quality standards and lab compliance
- Work alongside histotechnologists and clinical teams
✅ What We’re Looking For
- MD or DO with board certification (or eligibility) in Anatomic and/or Clinical Pathology
- [X]+ years of experience in diagnostic practice
- Strong communication and attention to detail
- Familiarity with LIS and EMR platforms
- Team-first attitude
🎯 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
This is a great opportunity if you’re looking for autonomy, supportive colleagues, and a lab that values both speed and accuracy. You’ll play a central role in a team that takes diagnostics seriously—and treats you like a key part of the mission.
🎁 Perks and Benefits
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off and holidays
- CME allowance and training support
- Flexible hours and digital tools
- WorkScreen-supported application process
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to evaluate candidates based on real ability—not just résumés.
Click the link below to complete your short, structured evaluation.
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
✅ Option 2: Structured Format – Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements
📌 Job Title: Pathologist
Location: [Location]
Job Type: [Full-Time / Part-Time]
Salary Range: [Insert Salary Range]
Application Deadline: [Insert Deadline Date]
🎥 Meet the Hiring Team
👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube Link]
Take 60 seconds to hear what it’s like working at [Company Name], straight from the people who lead the department.
Who We Are
[Company Name] provides diagnostic services to healthcare providers across [Region/Country]. Our team of medical professionals is committed to delivering accurate, fast, and clinically relevant results that help improve patient outcomes.
Job Brief
We’re hiring a pathologist to join our diagnostic team. This role involves reviewing and analyzing lab specimens, preparing reports, and collaborating with clinical partners to maintain quality and accuracy.
Responsibilities
- Evaluate tissue, fluid, and cytology samples
- Deliver accurate pathology reports within expected timelines
- Maintain documentation and lab compliance
- Collaborate with technologists and other physicians
- Attend case reviews or tumor boards as needed
Requirements
- MD or DO with board certification (or eligibility) in pathology
- Strong diagnostic and written communication skills
- Attention to detail and familiarity with lab systems
- Comfort working in a fast-paced environment
- Team-oriented and responsive
Perks and Benefits
- Competitive compensation
- Health, dental, and vision coverage
- CME reimbursement and professional development
- Paid time off and observed holidays
- Structured onboarding and peer mentorship
- Application process powered by WorkScreen
📥 How to Apply
Click below to complete your structured evaluation via WorkScreen:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
Should You Use AI to Write Job Descriptions?
Writing a strong, human-centered job post is just the first step.
The next challenge? Finding out who’s actually qualified.
That’s where WorkScreen comes in.
💡 Let WorkScreen Handle the Heavy Lifting
Once your job post is live, WorkScreen helps you:
1. 🔍 Spot the Right Candidates—Fast
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
2. 🧪 Test Real-World Skills With One Click
With WorkScreen, you can administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.
3. 🚫 Eliminate Low-Effort Applicants
WorkScreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
4. 🧠 Make Smarter, Data-Driven Hiring Decisions
No more “hope this works out” hires.
With real performance data in front of you, you can hire with clarity and confidence—and avoid costly mistakes.
If you're serious about hiring the right pathologist—or any role, really—WorkScreen makes the process faster, smarter, and more fair.
FAQ
When hiring a pathologist, look beyond just credentials. The best candidates combine technical accuracy with clear communication and clinical judgment.
Key skills include:
- Microscopic analysis of tissue and fluid samples
- Strong written reporting and ability to explain complex findings
- Attention to detail—especially when identifying rare or borderline pathologies
- Collaboration—working with surgeons, oncologists, and lab staff
- Time management—meeting reporting deadlines without sacrificing quality
- Comfort with digital pathology platforms and lab software is also a plus.
In the United States, the average salary for a pathologist ranges from $190,000 to $275,000 per year, depending on:
- Experience and subspecialty
- Practice setting (hospital, private lab, academic center)
- Geographic location
- Volume and case complexity
Entry-level pathologists typically earn between $150,000 and $180,000, while experienced or subspecialized pathologists can exceed $300,000, especially in high-demand fields like hematopathology or molecular diagnostics.
It depends on your case volume and the types of samples you process.
- Generalists are ideal for smaller labs or diverse case mixes—they can handle everything from GI biopsies to cytology.
- Subspecialists are valuable when you deal with high volumes of specific cases (e.g. dermatopathology, GYN cytology, or hematopathology).
For many labs, a hybrid approach works best: a generalist team with subspecialty support when needed.
Yes—remote pathology is becoming more common thanks to digital slide scanners and secure reporting platforms.
However, whether this is viable depends on:
- Your lab’s infrastructure (digital pathology systems, LIS integration)
- The type of specimens (some require on-site grossing or frozen section support)
- State licensing (in the U.S., pathologists must be licensed in the state where the lab is located)
If you’re considering remote hires, ensure you have the tools in place to support them—and be clear about that in your job post.
