On-Call Forensic Autopsy Technician I

Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellness reimbursement

Tuition reimbursement

Employer-funded retirement plan

Medical plans (PPO & HDHP with HSA)

Flexible work solutions

PTO accrual up to 4 weeks (year 1)

Paid holidays

Paid volunteer time

Paid preferred holiday

Job summary

Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine is seeking a detail-oriented professional to support autopsy and histology processes.

The role involves preparing bodies for release, photographing specimens, and maintaining laboratory records and materials. Responsibilities include assisting in the anatomy and histology labs, organizing workload, and ensuring proper documentation, with occasional overtime.

Responsibilities

• Performs external examination, photographs, and collects, packages, and/or delivers specimens for laboratory analysis on post-mortem subjects.
• Performs autopsy dissection, documents data, observations, weights, and measurements following established procedures, stores autopsy specimens, and disposes of them according to established procedures.
• Prepares body for funeral home, notifies designated office, and completes all records.
• Photographs surgical, autopsy and graphic materials, upload digital photographs, and creates permanent record of photographs with accurate labeling.
• Assists in the anatomy lab to include: support with transfer of cadavers to anatomy laboratory and into storage, maintenance of cadavers and the anatomy lab, and prosections of cadavers.
• Assists in the histology lab to include: maintains organization of all glass slides and paraffin blocks; ensure proper accessioning and labeling of all tissue samples, including operation of slide and cassette printing equipment; prepares samples for shipment, including inventory procedures and generating shipping documentation; perform routine and non-routine activities involved in the preparation of slides for microscopic evaluation, as directed by Lead Histotechnologist; perform routine maintenance and cleaning of equipment, perform scheduled maintenance, and troubleshoot minor equipment failures; document remedial actions such as repairs or repeated tests.
• Organizes workload to complete assignments within requested time frame.
• Documents and maintains evidence in accordance with chain of custody protocols.
• Reviews, investigates, and authorizes cremation permit requests.
• At times may be responsible for cleaning up bodily fluids from cadavers outside of department.
• Availability to work occasional overtime on weekends or evenings to complete time sensitive projects.
• Acquires knowledge for new technology and policy/procedure revisions.
• All other duties as assigned.

Job description

Prepares bodies for postmortem examinations, assists pathologist during and after the examination, and prepares body for release to funeral home; provide medical photography services. Provides support with transfer of cadavers to anatomy laboratory and into storage, maintenance of cadavers and the anatomy lab, and assisting with prosections of cadavers, as needed. Performs routine and non-routine activities involved in the storage, filing, and preparation of slides for microscopic evaluation and adheres to established quality control criteria and established procedures.

FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

• Wellness reimbursement.
• Continuing education and tuition reimbursement.
• Employer-funded retirement plan.
• Two medical plan options: PPO and High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with employer HSA contribution.
• Flexible work solutions based on position and department.
• Up to four weeks of PTO accrual beginning in year one.
• Paid holidays.
• Paid volunteer time.
• Paid preferred holiday.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs external examination, photographs, and collects, packages, and/or delivers specimens for laboratory analysis on post-mortem subjects.
• Performs autopsy dissection, documents data, observations, weights, and measurements following established procedures, stores autopsy specimens, and disposes of them according to established procedures.
• Prepares body for funeral home, notifies designated office, and completes all records.
• Photographs surgical, autopsy and graphic materials, upload digital photographs, and creates permanent record of photographs with accurate labeling.
• Assists in the anatomy lab to include: support with transfer of cadavers to anatomy laboratory and into storage, maintenance of cadavers and the anatomy lab, and prosections of cadavers.
• Assists in the histology lab to include: maintains organization of all glass slides and paraffin blocks; ensure proper accessioning and labeling of all tissue samples, including operation of slide and cassette printing equipment; prepares samples for shipment, including inventory procedures and generating shipping documentation; perform routine and non-routine activities involved in the preparation of slides for microscopic evaluation, as directed by Lead Histotechnologist; perform routine maintenance and cleaning of equipment, perform scheduled maintenance, and troubleshoot minor equipment failures; document remedial actions such as repairs or repeated tests.
• Organizes workload to complete assignments within requested time frame.
• Documents and maintains evidence in accordance with chain of custody protocols.
• Reviews, investigates, and authorizes cremation permit requests.
• At times may be responsible for cleaning up bodily fluids from cadavers outside of department.
• Availability to work occasional overtime on weekends or evenings to complete time sensitive projects.
• Acquires knowledge for new technology and policy/procedure revisions.
• All other duties as assigned.