Accessioning Tech

University of New Mexico; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 26,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Tuition remission

Dependent education program

Job summary

The University of New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator is seeking a candidate for a position in a nationally accredited program with a strong educational component. The role involves handling decedents, maintaining chain of custody, and working with law enforcement, funeral homes, and transporters.

Ideal candidates communicate clearly, work independently, and maintain confidentiality under demanding conditions.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; at least 1 year of related experience.
• Completed degrees above minimum education may substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Familiarity with lab/clinical settings; knowledge of safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and preserve chain of custody.
• Move decedents using appropriate equipment and procedures.
• Establish, update and maintain unit files and records.
• Implement and maintain data management systems.
• Work in environments with extreme temperatures, odors, bodily fluids and hazardous materials.

Skills

Strong communication

Computer literacy

Relationship building

Independent work

Confidential handling

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Summary

As a nationally accredited program with a strong educational component in The University of New Mexico School of Medicine, the Office of the Medical Investigator (OMI) investigates any death occurring across the state of New Mexico that is sudden, violent, untimely, unexpected or where a person is found dead and the cause of death is unknown. The OMI, which is a special program within the Department of Pathology, determines the cause and manner of death in these cases, and provides formal death certification. The role requires physical interaction with deceased individuals, including lifting, moving, and securing bodies-often in challenging and unpleasant conditions.

Our ideal candidate is a strong communicator, both verbally and in writing, and is comfortable using computers and Microsoft products. You should be able to build and maintain professional relationships with law enforcement, funeral homes, and transporters, while working independently and following complex protocols. Ethical integrity, confidentiality, and a calm demeanor in sensitive situations are essential. If you are looking for a great entry level position with great benefits on a great team, this is for you!

The key functions of this role are:

• Ability to maintain and preserve chain of custody
• Strong work ethic and is task oriented
• Ability to maintain emotional stability to cope with human suffering, emergencies, and other stresses
• Ability to work with complex procedures and circumstances
• Moves decedents through appropriate use of equipment, safely
• Establishes, updates and maintains unit files and records.
• Implements and maintains data management systems.
• Works in an environment with varying extreme temperatures, with distressing and/or unpleasant odors, bodily fluids, blood-borne pathogens and toxic chemicals
• High attention to detail; ability to organize information quickly and succinctly
• Offers exceptional customer service; has high professional standards

Our ideal candidate:

• Learns, adapts and can communicate highly sensitive/confidential information in a dynamic environment.
• Has worked in, or is familiar with lab/clinical settings; knowledge of and proven compliance with applicable safety regulations
• Has experience working with decedents, forensic investigations, ensuring confidentiality dignity of each case
• Possesses a strong work ethic, professionalism and ability to work in a high demand position within a diverse team

This position requires work on 2nd and 3rd shifts and the ability to work 10-hour shifts. This position is unionized and schedule is determined by bid. Work on holidays and weekends also required.

If this sounds like an interesting position for you, we encourage you to apply.

For more information please visit: https://hsc.unm.edu/omi/

See the Position Description for additional information.

Conditions of Employment

• May be required to submit immunization records for review for required vaccines and TB testing.
• UNM will provide Hepatitis vaccination, candidate may decline vaccination through declination form or may provide record of vaccination from previous employer.
• Must pass a pre-employment criminal background check.
• Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.
• All regular, non-temporary positions assigned to this classification are represented by a labor union and subject to the terms and conditions of the US-UNM Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or GED; at least 1 year of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in handling evidence and highly confidential information.
• Experience working in the death industry.

Campus

Health Sciences Center (HSC) - Albuquerque, NM

Department

Office of the Medical Investigator (389A)

Employment Type

Staff

Staff Type

Regular - Full-Time

Status

Non-Exempt

Pay

Hourly: $19.00 - $24.77

Benefits Eligible

This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for a more information.

ERB Statement

As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid.

Background Check Required

Yes

For Best Consideration Date

8/26/2026

Eligible for Remote Work

No

Veteran Preference Program

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

Background Check Details

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.