Job Description

Autopsy Attendant

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Autopsy Attendant 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.

Essential functions (job duties):

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.

Unique duties:

Qualifications:

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.

Preferred qualifications:

School/College/Division:

H06 - School of Medicine

Primary department:

H0689 - Medical Examiner Office

Employment type:

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

Funding/salary information:

• Compensation type: Annual Salary
• Hourly rate:
• Salary minimum: $42,291
• Salary hire maximum: $50,745

Working conditions:

This position must be filled pursuant to the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement, and as such may be filled by a qualified bargaining unit member, should one apply. 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.

Job openings:

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

Background check requirements:

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.

Equal employment opportunity statement:

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.

Wayne State University