On-Call Forensic Autopsy Technician I – Pathology Lab

Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellness reimbursement

Continuing education and tuition reimb

Employer-funded retirement plan

Paid holidays

Paid volunteer time

Job summary

Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine is seeking a dedicated cadre member to support postmortem examinations and related laboratory work. Responsibilities include autopsy dissection, specimen handling, and medical photography to document findings.

The role requires meticulous record-keeping, adherence to chain-of-custody procedures, and collaboration with anatomy and histology teams. Occasional overtime and a focus on quality control are expected.

Qualifications

• Proficient in autopsy procedures and specimen handling.
• Experience with medical photography and documentation workflow.
• Knowledge of quality control criteria and chain-of-custody procedures.

Responsibilities

• Perform external examination, photographs, and collect/prepare specimens for lab analysis.
• Perform autopsy dissection, document data, weights, measurements; store and dispose specimens per procedures.
• Prepare body for funeral home, notify office, and complete records.
• Photograph surgical, autopsy and graphic materials; create labeled permanent records.
• Assist anatomy lab with cadaver transfers, storage, maintenance, and prosections.
• Assist histology lab with slide/parasite labeling, printing, shipping docs; maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Organize workload to meet deadlines and maintain chain of custody.
• Review cremation permit requests.
• May assist with cleaning bodily fluids from cadavers.
• Occasionally work overtime on weekends/evenings.
• Acquire knowledge of new technology and policy revisions.
• All other duties as assigned.

Skills

Autopsy procedures

Medical photography

Specimen handling

Documentation

Quality control

Overtime availability

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., Biology, Anatomy)

Tools

Slide printing equipment

Job description

Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine is seeking a dedicated cadre member to support postmortem examinations and related laboratory work. Responsibilities include autopsy dissection, specimen handling, and medical photography to document findings.

The role requires meticulous record-keeping, adherence to chain-of-custody procedures, and collaboration with anatomy and histology teams. Occasional overtime and a focus on quality control are expected.