Autopsy Assistant - Per Diem

Stony Brook University; Stony Brook (NY); On-site; USD 30,100 - 35,817; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous leave

Health plans

State pension

Job summary

Stony Brook University is looking for a TH Instructional Support Assistant/Autopsy Assistant to provide crucial support within the autopsy service. This role involves coordinating with medical staff, maintaining the morgue, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

The ideal candidate must possess an Associate's Degree in relevant fields or equivalent experience and have excellent communication skills. Anticipated pay ranges from $21.85 to $26.00 per hour, complemented by a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience as a Diener/Autopsy Aide in a hospital or medical examiner’s office.
• Must be able to shift bodies/objects and stand for prolonged periods.
• Experience in clinical settings preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate operational aspects of autopsies and clean the autopsy room.
• Check morgue cleanliness and maintain equipment.
• Organize medical waste disposal and ensure proper protocols.

Skills

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Ability to work independently

Basic computer knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel

Education

Associate’s Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology, Biological Science, or Mortuary Science

Bachelor’s Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, Biological Science, or Mortuary Science

Tools

Stryker Bone Saw

Respirators

Job description

Position Summary

At Stony Brook Medicine, a TH Instructional Support Assistant/Autopsy Assistant is a valuable member of our team. The assistant works closely with the Director of the Autopsy Service and the Decedents Affairs Office Coordinator to provide supportive service and interact with a wide range of medical center staff—including laboratory staff, physicians, nursing staff, Patient Access, Public Safety, Hospital Transport, Environmental Health & Safety, Infection Control, Facilities, and community Funeral Directors—to ensure smooth operations of all aspects of the autopsy service. The individual must understand and comply with the standards established by all regulatory agencies, Stony Brook Medicine, and the Department of Pathology. Qualified candidates will maintain a general knowledge of safe practices, demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and serve as a professional role model representing the Department of Laboratories.

Duties

Autopsy

• Responsible for the operational aspects of an autopsy, from coordinating with the Pathology Attending/residents, setting up for the autopsy, assisting the Pathologist/resident during the dissection, sewing up the body post‑mortem, cleaning up the autopsy room, to returning the body to the morgue.
• Sets up the autopsy room for the Neuropathologist to examine/gross the brains and cleans up afterward.
• Sanitizes the autopsy room/body utilizing Stera Mist.
• Works with the Decedents Affairs Office Coordinator, Patient Access staff, and community funeral directors for coordination of autopsies and release of bodies according to all hospital policies and external regulations.
• Collaborates with DAO to resolve issues and/or bring concerns to the Associate Technical Director of AP.

Morgue and Equipment Maintenance

• Checks the morgue twice daily for cleanliness and available space, frees up gurneys by moving bodies to the shelves when necessary, and notifies the Patient Transport supervisor if gurneys require cleaning/repair.
• Maintains equipment through preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and completing maintenance logs.
• Places work orders and repair requests when necessary.
• Reports any equipment issues to the Associate Technical Director of AP.
• Addresses all out‑of‑limit Rees monitoring alarms for autopsy devices.
• Generates and reviews monthly Rees reports, documents reasons or corrective actions for all out‑of‑limit values, and forwards them to the Associate Technical Director of AP for signature.
• Places all supply and equipment orders for the autopsy area utilizing the Lawson system.
• Utilizes the Laboratory Information System to generate various data reports.
• Provides backup for registrations/entries in SMS/PowerChart.
• Checks labeling of containers with requisitions and works with Labor & Delivery on any issues.
• Accession placentas using the Laboratory Information System (CoPath), prints tissue cassettes, sets up grossing tables, assists with grossing, and cleans up.
• Is responsible for storage, report release, and disposal of placentas.

Medical Waste

• Organizes and stores autopsy / placenta / wet tissue specimens until ready for disposal.
• Handles medical waste disposal of autopsy/placenta specimens according to established policies & procedures.
• Works with Housekeeping and Environmental Health & Safety to ensure appropriate disposal.

Miscellaneous

• Provides backup for microscope slide/tissue block filing and retrieval.
• Works with the Decedents Affairs Coordinator in arranging for viewing in the bereavement room when requested by the family.
• Prepares the body for viewing, brings it to the viewing room, and returns the body to the morgue after the family leaves.

Qualifications

Required: Associate’s Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology, Biological Science, or Mortuary Science. In lieu of a degree, two years of experience as a Diener/Autopsy Aide in a hospital setting and/or medical examiner’s office. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Must be able to shift bodies/objects, stand for prolonged periods, and use respirators.

Preferred: Bachelor’s Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, Biological Science, or Mortuary Science (Funeral Director). Two years of clinical experience (Diener, Autopsy Aide, or Funeral Director). Experience with Stryker Bone Saw, suturing, sharps handling, and basic computer knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Benefits & Salary

Anticipated pay range: $21.85 – $26.00 per hour. Salary will be based on validated work experience. Additional compensation includes generous leave, health plans, and a state pension.

Pre‑Employment Requirements

• Successfully complete a pre‑employment physical examination and obtain medical clearance from Stony Brook Medicine’s Employee Health Services.
• Complete an electronic reference check with a minimum of three professional references.
• Successfully complete a 4‑panel drug screen.
• Meet regulatory requirements for pre‑employment screenings.
• Provide a copy of any required New York State license(s)/certificate(s).

Equal Opportunity Employer

Stony Brook University is committed to excellence in diversity and the creation of an inclusive learning and working environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and all other protected classes under federal or state laws.

Accommodations

If you need a disability‑related accommodation, please contact the University Office of Equity and Access at (631) 632‑6280.