Autopsy Attendant - Medical Examiner Office

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Autopsy Attendant - Medical Examiner Office at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

POSITION PURPOSE:

Performs technical work in support of the Pathologist during autopsies and other postmortem examinations. Assistance to the pathologist involves opening the body, evisceration, reconstruction of the body after the autopsy, collecting toxicological and other body fluid samples during autopsies; arranging x-rays and photographs of human remains; transporting bodies from cooler to table; storage of samples; clean up and maintenance of the morgue, supplies and evidence and maintaining a catalogue of the morgue inventory. Reports to Lab Manager.

Essential Job Functions:

Provides assistance to Pathologist by opening the body, eviscerating, and reconstructing the body after the autopsy, collecting toxicological and other body fluid samples during autopsies; arranging x-rays and photographs of human remains; transporting bodies from cooler to table; storage of samples; clean up 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, personal effects, jewelry, etc. that may accompany it. Ensures proper handling of any paperwork associated with receiving or releasing bodies.

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.

Education:
High school diploma or equivalent or an equivalent combination of education and experience demonstrating the ability to perform the work. Some college coursework in anatomy & physiology is preferred.

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, hospital or laboratory setting.
Ability and willingness to work with human cadavers and anatomical specimens.
Ability to use electronic power saw and various other medical equipment.
Ability to transport and place human cadavers in appropriate locations.
Typically, incumbents possess knowledge and experience related to morgue operations and laboratory procedures.
Experience in medical-legal death investigation or forensic science is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Requires the ability regularly to lift 50 lbs. or more.
knowledge of physiology/anatomy; or any combination of education or experience which would demonstrate the ability to perform the work.
Knowledge of safety and biohazard control measures; use and operation of photographic equipment; cleaning and sanitizing practices.
The ability to follow oral and written directions and protocols; deal with death and human remains in various stages of decomposition, disease and trauma; handle the psychological effects of death; maintain the confidentiality and integrity of information; adhere to stringent sanitation and biohazard control measures and communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Generic Division

H0689 - Medical examiner Office

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

• Compensation type: Annual Salary
• Hourly rate:
• Salary minimum: 43,348
• Salary hire maximum: 52,014

The Medical Examiner’s Office is a 24 hour per day, 7 day per week operation. Working weekends and holidays is required. Overtime may also be required. This position must be filled pursuant to the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement, and as such may be filled by a qualified

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

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

Wayne State University provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. The university encourages applications from women, people of color and other underrepresented people. Wayne State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.