Overview  

The Panel of National Pathology Leaders (PNPL) is a non-profit “think tank” dedicated to: 

• Advancing innovation in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine 

• Creating practical business solutions 

• Developing value-based strategies 

• Disseminating findings through newsletters, articles, and surveys via the Members’ Reference Library 

This is a part-time, paid position with flexible hours (5-10 hours per week), which may be done remotely.  

The Senior Research Associate will provide support to PNPL’s staff and Panelists, who are conducting research, gathering information, and analyzing data on topics of specific relevance to the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine fields. This role focuses on applied, business-oriented research (not bench or laboratory research), with an emphasis on real-world implementation, operational performance, and financial impact. 

Project/Research areas include:  

• Digital Pathology & AI Applications 

• Diagnostic Medicine (Radiology-Pathology integration) 

• Advancing Breast Cancer Diagnosis 

• Corporate Social Responsibility 

Primary Responsibilities  

1. Support and execute research projects in alignment with protocols and strategic direction established by PNPL Panelists  
2. Contribute to project planning, scope development, and research design across a range of PNPL initiatives 
3. Conduct comprehensive literature reviews and in-depth scans across business, operational, and industry sources (including healthcare delivery models, reimbursement, and practice management) 
4. Perform qualitative and quantitative applied research, including interviews, surveys, and real-world case studies focused on operational, financial, and strategic decision-making 
5. Collect, organize, analyze, and synthesize data into practical, business-oriented insights and recommendations 
6. Draft, edit, and contribute to reports, manuscripts, and thought leadership materials 
7. Conduct outreach to subject matter experts, industry organizations, hospital systems, and pathology groups to gather real-world operational and financial insights and best practices 
8. Develop presentation materials—including slides, tables, and data visualizations—to support dissemination of findings 
9. Prepare research summaries and content for publication across PNPL platforms, including web, presentations, and partner channels 

Required Skills: 

1. Demonstrated experience conducting applied (non-laboratory), business-oriented qualitative and quantitative research and analysis 
2. Ability to synthesize complex information into clear, practical, and decision-oriented content (vs. academic publication style) 
3. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience developing presentations and data visuals 
4. Proficiency with data management, analysis, and visualization tools; final deliverables compatible with Microsoft Office 
5. Excellent analytical thinking, attention to detail, and organizational skills 
6. Ability to engage and build relationships with national experts and stakeholders 
7. Self-directed with strong time management and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously 
8. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and collaboration tools such as SharePoint 

Reporting Structure 

The Research Associate will assist PNPL’s Panelists, President, and Executive Director, and will report to PNPL’s Technical Director: Heather Gaburo, MHS, PA(ASCP)CM, hgaburo@pathleaders.org  

Required: Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences, Healthcare Management, or a related field. 

Strongly preferred: Master’s degree or equivalent; strong writing and communication skills; and 5-10+ years of experience in pathology, laboratory medicine, or a related healthcare setting (e.g., Pathologists’ Assistant or similar role).