Department

Pathology Services Group

Position Title

Part-Time (or Contract) Anatomical or Dermatopathologist

Reporting Line

Chief Medical Officer or Senior Dermatopathologist

Approved in Current Budget?

Yes

Exempt or Nonexempt?

Exempt

Salaried or Hourly?

Salaried

Position Summary

The Part-Time (or Contract) Anatomical or Dermatopathologist is a key member of CND’s growing Pathology Services Group which performs expert reading of immunofluorescent images of patient skin biopsies for the Company’s Syn-One Test^® and other cutaneous assays to help diagnose neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies. The Pathologist brings a diverse set of experience analyzing cutaneous tissue in clinical and/or academic settings and has familiarity with immunohistochemistry and/or immunofluorescent techniques.

Given CND’s unique technology and pathological methods, the Pathologist is highly flexible, willing to learn new science and analytical processes, and driven by innovative ways to impact patient care. The Pathologist has a history of collaborating effectively with pathology department teammates and serving as an important expert resource for other colleagues including the laboratory technician team. The Pathologist is a consummate professional, has excellent attention to detail and quality, and considers herself/himself as a productive case reader. The Pathologist is also experienced with or highly interested in digital pathology methods and the use of AI-driven tools that may enhance overall reading capabilities for the organization. The Pathologist has a strong academic background and a proven track record with recent employers, including spending multiple years at one or more clinical practices or private sector companies. The Pathologist is excited to join an early-stage, high-growth company and make key contributions to the company’s mission.

Job Responsibilities

Reading and Expert Interpretation for Commercial Testing – The H&E Case Pair

·       As a key member of a multidisciplinary pathology team, play an instrumental role in reading and signing out the H&E and Congo Red portion (“H&E Case Pair”) of the Syn-One Test (Syn-One) and Small-Fiber Dx (SFDx) assays ordered by neurology, internal medicine, geriatrics, and other clinical practices around the US and internationally.

·       Using immunofluorescence, perform H&E and special stain analysis of skin biopsy specimens to identify possible abnormalities as part of the overall case evaluation for Syn-One and SFDx.

·       Input test results into the Company’s laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and ensure accuracy of data transfer

·       Collaborate closely with pathology team members on patient cases and support ongoing excellence in the reading capabilities of the department

·       Facilitate smooth and efficient reading processes with the prereading team and identify areas of ongoing quality improvement

·       Ensure reading protocols meet Company standards and are in compliance and alignment with standard billing practices

·       Increase reading productivity and efficiency over time while maintaining quality goals; review proficiency scores on an ongoing basis in collaboration with department leaders on a routine basis

·       Identify any patient specimens, cases, or slides that do not meet sufficient standards for analysis and follow Company standard operating procedures to resolve appropriately

·       In coordination with the Medical Affairs and Clinical Services teams, assist in responding to clinician inquiries related to pathology reports and test results

Other Departmental Duties

·       Collaborate with members of the Pathology, Medical Affairs, R&D and other teams on a range of key initiatives consistent with the Company’s near and long-term objectives, including but not limited to:

o   ongoing quality program initiatives

o   the development and improvement of digital pathology

o   the optimization of existing laboratory techniques and develop novel tests to aid in the diagnosis of neurodegenerative disease

o   the exploration of other cutaneous markers that may offer additional pathological insights on diseases of interest

·       Be accessible to the Laboratory Operations team for guidance on specimen processing and grossing, mounting, cutting and other laboratory techniques

·       Attend Medical Executive Committee (MEC) meetings when requested and offer important points of view on medical policy, strategy, and other topics relevant to CND’s mission and day-to-day business

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

·       Minimum of 5-10 years as practicing pathologist either in private clinical setting or within the clinical/medical diagnostics industry

·       Background in anatomic/clinical pathology with possible specialty in dermatopathology

·       Comfort and confidence in reading H&E and special stain slides

·       Extensive experience working in CLIA-certified laboratory and/or CAP-certified laboratories

·       Excellent communicator and collaborator with pathology teammates and other departments

·       Involvement with quality program design and implementation

·       Strong knowledge of imaging, quality control, and credentialing and accreditation

·       Strong knowledge of assay development/validations

·       Comfortable working within a LIMS system and using digital technologies as part of daily workflow

Education, Certifications, and Licensures

·       MD in anatomical pathology or dermatopathology

·       Strong academic credentials from top residency and fellowship programs

·       Broad portfolio of state licenses a plus; CND will pay for additional state licenses needed to cover its national customer base

Special Training

·       Validation and assay development a plus

Location/Other

Work Location and Office Model

·       The Pathologist will be based in the Company’s Scottsdale, AZ headquarters 1-3 days/week (flexible hours and days) or another approved remote location

·       Potential to work in a hybrid working environment with some remote, home-based reading as the Company evolves its digital pathology capabilities

Physical Demands:

·       Combination of seated and standing work to complete the core functions of the role