Autopsy Attendant - Medical Examiner's Office

Wayne State University; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 47,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

Wayne State University in Detroit seeks an Autopsy Attendant to support the Pathologist during autopsies and postmortem exams. Responsibilities include opening the body, evisceration, reconstruction, and maintaining the morgue.

You will handle specimens, coordinate photographs, ensure chain of custody, and prepare the morgue and supplies for procedures. This role requires physical stamina and comfort with handling human cadavers.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; some college coursework in anatomy & physiology preferred.
• 6 months' experience handling bodies in morgue, mortuary, or similar setting; knowledge of anatomy preferred.
• Ability to work with human cadavers and anatomical specimens; lift 50 lbs regularly; operate medical equipment.

Responsibilities

• Performs technical work to support the Pathologist during autopsies and postmortem examinations.
• Open the body, eviscerate, and reconstruct the body after autopsy; collect samples and transport bodies.
• Maintain morgue inventory, clean and sanitize work areas, and ensure proper chain of custody and documentation.

Skills

Cadaver handling

Anatomy knowledge

Safety & biohazard control

Documentation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Anatomy & physiology coursework preferred

Job description

Autopsy Attendant - Medical Examiner's Office

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced AutopsyAttendant - Medical Examiner's Office at its Detroit campuslocation.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university locatedin the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from allbackgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Ourdeep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity,diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educationalopportunities which prepare students for success in a globalsociety.

Essential functions (job duties):

Job Purpose: Performs technical work in support of the Pathologist duringautopsies and other postmortem examinations. Assistance to thepathologist involves opening the body, evisceration, reconstructionof the body after the autopsy, collecting toxicological and otherbody fluid samples during autopsies; arranging x-rays andphotographs of human remains; transporting bodies from cooler totable; storage of samples; clean up and maintenance of the morgue,supplies and evidence and maintaining a catalogue of the morgueinventory. Reports to Lab Manager.

Essential Functions:

Provides assistance to Pathologist by opening the body,eviscerating, and reconstructing the body after the autopsy,collecting toxicological and other body fluid samples duringautopsies; arranging x-rays and photographs of human remains; transporting bodies from cooler to table; storage of samples; cleanup and maintenance of the morgue, supplies and evidence and maintaining a catalogue of the morgue inventory. Releases bodies to funeral homes and maintains the proper chain of custody with regard to the human remains and any clothing, personaleffects, jewelry, etc. that may accompany it. Ensures proper handling of any paperwork associated with receiving or releasingbodies. Prepares morgue for autopsies by laying out supplies and instruments, transferring body to autopsy table, undressing and assisting the residents with recording description of the body. Prepares body for autopsy; weighs and measures human remains. Assist with training new hires. May remove organs or tissue; sutures and cleans body upon completion of autopsy. Ensures proper handling, transfers, labeling and storage of specimens. Cleans and maintains work area and equipment using sanitation/decontamination, safety and biohazard control measures. Cleans and disinfects the cooler, carts, floor space, surface areas, etc., as needed. Ensures the environs of the space are maintained, including slings, linens, cadaver covers, and frames. Ensures the temperature of the cooler is maintained and within normal limits. Addresses repair issues with engineering or vendors as needed. Monitors level of supplies, conducting inventories and ordering supplies and materials as needed. Prepares human remains for identification photographs by shrouding body with a white cloth, exposing just the face and placing decedent case number under the chin. Utilizes camera to take and upload overhead photo into computer. Coordinates additional autopsy photographs as well as storage of photos with Biomedical Photographer. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education:

High school diploma or equivalent or an equivalent combination ofeducation and experience demonstrating the ability to perform thework. Some college coursework in anatomy & physiology ispreferred.

Experience:

A minimum of 6 months of experience handling bodies in a morgue,mortuary or similar setting. Some knowledge of human anatomy preferred. Some knowledge of and/or experience working in a morgue, hospitalor laboratory setting. Ability and willingness to work with human cadavers and anatomicalspecimens. Ability to use electronic power saw and various other medicalequipment. Ability to transport and place human cadavers in appropriate locations. Typically, incumbents possess knowledge and experience related tomorgue operations and laboratory procedures. Experience in medical-legal death investigation or forensic scienceis preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Requires the ability regularly to lift 50 lbs. or more. knowledge of physiology/anatomy; or any combination of education orexperience which would demonstrate the ability to perform thework. Knowledge of safety and biohazard control measures; use andoperation of photographic equipment; cleaning and sanitizingpractices. The ability to follow oral and written directions and protocols; deal with death and human remains in various stages ofdecomposition, disease and trauma; handle the psychological effectsof death; maintain the confidentiality and integrity ofinformation; adhere to stringent sanitation and biohazard controlmeasures and communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

School/College/Division:

H06 - School of Medicine

Primary department:

H0689 - Medical Examiner's Office

Employment type:

• Regular Employee
• Job type: Full Time
• Job category: Staff/Administrative

Funding/salary information:

• Compensation type: Annual Salary
• Hourly rate:
• Salary minimum: $47,109.00
• Salary hire maximum: $56,527.00

Working conditions:

The Medical Examiner’s Office is a 24 hour per day, 7 day per weekoperation. Working weekends and holidays is required. Overtime mayalso be required.

Job openings:

• Number of openings: 1
• Reposted position: No
• Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)
• Prior posting/requisition number:

Background check requirements:

University policy requires certain persons who are offeredemployment to undergo a background check, including a criminalhistory check, before starting work. If you are offered employment,the university will inform you if a background check is required.

Equal employment opportunity statement:

Wayne State University provides equal employment opportunities toall employees and applicants for employment without regard to race,color, sex, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation,familial status, marital status, height, weight, disability,veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicablelaw. The university welcomes applications from persons withdisabilities and veterans. Wayne State is an equal opportunityemployer.