Forensic Pathology Assistant

1046 Health Network Laboratories LLC; Allentown (Lehigh County); On-site; USD 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

HNL Lab Medicine is seeking an Autopsy Support/Forensic Pathology Assistant to assist with autopsy procedures and day-to-day tasks under the direction of the attending Forensic Pathologist.

The role involves preparing the autopsy suite, handling specimens, and coordinating communications with the Coroner’s Office and investigative agencies. Monday–Friday 6:30 AM–3:00 PM with possible Saturday/holiday rotation.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; two years in clinical environment with data handling experience.
• AS degree preferred or demonstrated equivalent education/experience.
• Graduate of health/medical assistant or similar training program from an accredited institution.

Responsibilities

• Prepare autopsy suite for postmortem examinations.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the autopsy suite.
• Assist Forensic Pathologist with dissections and evisceration during autopsies.
• Collect specimens, evidence, and digital photographs during autopsies under the Forensic Pathologist.
• Facilitate communication between the Forensic Pathologist, Coroner’s Office, investigative agencies, and lab staff.

Skills

Data entry

Specimen handling

Autopsy assistance

Communication

English fluency

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate of Science degree preferred

Health/medical assistant program

Tools

Laboratory Information System

Job description

Job Overview

Assist and support forensic pathology processes in the preparation and day‑to‑day duties of autopsies and related functions under the direction of the attending Forensic Pathologist. The work schedule is Monday‑Friday (6:30AM‑3:00PM) with variable Saturday and holiday rotation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare autopsy suite for postmortem examinations.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the autopsy suite.
• Assist Forensic Pathologist with dissections and evisceration during autopsies.
• Collect specimen, evidence, and digital photographs at the time of autopsy under the direction of the Forensic Pathologist.
• Facilitate communication between the Forensic Pathologist, Coroner’s Office, investigative agencies, and laboratory staff as required.
• Review authorization for autopsies not under Coroner’s jurisdiction.
• Takes clinical histories and schedules autopsies; review and send out completed autopsy reports; prepare and set up Neuropathology conferences.
• Assist Forensic Pathologist in teaching residents, medical students, pathologists’ assistant students, and physician assistant students.
• Supply and maintain an active morgue facility including entry of appropriate information into the autopsy database and cataloging photographs.
• Ensure proper storage and handling of specimens in accordance with applicable regulations and standard operating procedures.
• Send out tissue specimens, as required for further analysis/examination by experts (i.e., Cardiopathology).
• Comply with all Federal and State Inspection Agency protocols.
• Participate in Continuous System Improvement (CSI) and continuing education programs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED); two years in a clinical environment with data processing/specimen handling experience.
• Associate of Science degree preferred or equivalent demonstration of education and experience.
• Graduate of a health/medical assistant or similar training program from an accredited institution where general laboratory technique is taught.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions in English; write simple correspondence in English; effectively present information to one‑on‑one and small group settings.
• Mathematical ability: add, subtract, multiply, divide; compute rates, ratios, percentages; interpret bar graphs.
• Reasoning: Apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions; ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Ability to perform all duties with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Computer skills: Use Laboratory Information System and other software programs.
• No certifications are required.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

HNL Lab Medicine is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with federal, state, and local regulations, we provide employment opportunities to all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or other protected class.