Duke University Health System Job Description:
AUTOPSY TECHNOLOGIST (4006)

Job Title: AUTOPSY TECHNOLOGIST  Job Code: 4006 
FLSA: Pay Target: C2 
Date: 07/01/2022   Supervisory Responsibility: No 

General Description of the Job Class

Autopsy technologists are trained professionals who work alongside Pathologists and Pathologists' Assistants in the performance of autopsies. Autopsy technologists perform all aspects of autopsy including preparation of bodies for autopsy, diagnostic imaging, external examination, independent evisceration, sample collection for ancillary testing, laboratory and equipment maintenance, and training of Pathologists??? Assistant graduate students and Pathology residents.

 

Duties and Responsibilities of this Level

Preparation of autopsy suite for autopsy procedures

Dissection of bodies, to include evisceration and removal of brain, separation of organ blocks, removal of spinal cord and eyes, and special dissection techniques such as inner ear removal and sectioning of hears; sterilize instruments, set up equipment and supplies, and prepare specimens as directed.

Maintain a variety of records, databases and logbooks pertaining to autopsy records such as deaths, disposal permits, autopsy quality assurance data and storage of organs.

Generate data and reports as requested for departmental purposes.

Perform a variety of duties in support of cardiovascular pathology laboratory to include receiving hearts, acquiring postoperative reports, preparing catheters and instruments for injection, assisting in heart cutting and drawing heart diagrams for sectioning of hearts.

Wash, prepare and vacuum pack organs for storage, classes, and conferences; assist in storage and retrieval of specimens used for teaching.

Mix and prepare preservative solutions as required.

Ensure proper care, release, and disposal of materials from the morgues; receive anatomical gifts; log bodies in and out of morgue.

Maintain safety and cleanliness of work area; clean, disinfect and dispose of all infectious materials; sterilize body trays. Inventory, order and stock autopsy suite materials and supplies; maintain standard laboratory equipment.

Assist in training of Pathologists' Assistant Graduate students, Pathology Residents and others as required in autopsy techniques including external examination, documentation, evisceration, and dissection.

Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein. other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

 

Required Qualifications at this Level

Education:

Bachelor's Degree in biological or laboratory science required.

Minimal educational or experience requirements may be modified on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment) director if minimal CLIA requirements are met by the employee for the tasks being performed.

 

Experience:

Minimum of 2 years of experience performing autopsies.

 

Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification:

N/A

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Demonstrated competency in performance of autopsy procedures.

A comprehensive knowledge of anatomy, medical terminology and physiology and be able to effectively communicate with pathologists, pathologists??? assistants, and other medical personnel.

 

Distinguishing Characteristics of this Level

Within the clinical laboratories we embrace Duke's purpose, placing the patient at the center of everything we do. We do this by demonstrating behaviors that focus on delivering patient- and family- centered care and embodying the values that promote a positive work culture. We expect every team member to commit to these values and hold each other accountable in the spirit of mutual respect and belonging.

 

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.


Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.


Essential Physical Job Functions

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.