Autopsy Technician

University of New Mexico; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 54,443,000 - 71,010,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Tuition remission

Job summary

The University of New Mexico, Health Sciences Center in Albuquerque, seeks an Autopsy Technician to join the Office of the Medical Investigator team. You will assist pathologists with evidence collection and decedent examinations, following strict sanitation and safety protocols in a lab setting.

Candidate should have strong attention to detail, good communication skills, and emotional resilience for working in potentially distressing environments.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required with related coursework.
• Completion of 3 college credit hours related to duties may substitute for experience.
• College credits above minimum may substitute for experience year-for-year.

Responsibilities

• Assist pathologists with collection of evidence and examination of decedents.
• Follow complex instructions and maintain sanitation, infection control and safety protocols.
• Perform data entry with high attention to detail.

Skills

Team attitude

Stress management

Oral and written communication

CT imaging knowledge

Procedural decision making

Education

High school diploma or GED

3 college credit hours related to duties

Job description

Title

Autopsy Technician

Position Grade

09

Position Summary

As a nationally accredited program with a strong educational component within The University of New Mexico School of Medicine, the Office of the Medical Investigator (OMI) investigates deaths occurring across the state of New Mexico that are sudden, violent, untimely, or unexpected, or in which a person is found deceased and the cause of death is unknown. OMI, a special program within the Department of Pathology, determines the cause and manner of death in these cases and provides formal death certification.

OMI is currently seeking Autopsy Tech to join our team. Selected candidates will assist pathologists with the collection of evidence and the examination of decedents. Applicants should demonstrate a strong work ethic and the ability to follow complex instructions. Candidates must be comfortable working in a laboratory setting and adhering to protocols for sanitation, infection control, and safety. The position also requires data entry and a high degree of attention to detail.

The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills and emotional resilience. This role involves working in an environment where exposure to toxic chemicals, biohazardous materials, blood-borne pathogens, and noxious odors may occur. Under general supervision, the Autopsy Technician provides and/or oversees technical morphology laboratory services for hospital, forensic, or anatomical autopsy cases; supports pathologists and other technical staff.

Work on holidays and weekends is required. The physical component of the position also requires strenuous work such as lifting, pushing or pulling objects, sometimes over 300 pounds.

OMI is a 24/7 facility, and this position is unionized. Schedule is determined by bid.

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.
• 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.
• 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.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or GED; successful completion of at least 3 credit hours of college-level coursework related to the duties and responsibilities specified; at least 1 year of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified. An additional 4 months of directly related experience may be substituted for successful completion of at least 3 credit hours of college-level coursework 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

• Great team attitude
• Ability to work under complex and/or stressful situations
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally both orally and in writing
• Knowledge of CT imaging, autopsy chemicals, instruments, facilities and equipment
• Ability to make administrative and procedural decisions and judgements on sensitive, confidential issues.

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

9/22/2026

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 Statement

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 Policy

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.