Pathologist Assistant

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

• Prepare human remains in various stages of decomposition, disease, and trauma for autopsy; open bodies and remove or expose organs, body fluids, and tissues for examination; fingerprint corpses; assist pathologists during autopsy, taking care of criminal evidence and ensuring that the chain of evidence is not broken; prepare remains for freezing and/or for funeral home placement.
• Maintain and label tissue samples, toxicology specimens, and microscopic slides; distribute slides to respective State Forensic Pathologists and coordinate special requests with histology lab; distribute toxicology system materials; maintain log of toxicology and histological specimens via LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) database; process and enter x-rays into database.
• Clean and sanitize morgue and autopsy environments including all instruments and equipment according to department and OSHA standards; maintain sanitation regimen before, during, and after autopsies to avoid cross-contamination of cases and exposures to staff; maintain inventories and order supplies.
• Determine x-ray placement and composition to take specific and/or full body x-rays from fresh to various stages of decomposition to skeletalization; aspirate, clean, and shroud bodies after autopsies.
• Procure blood samples from bodies for HIV, HEP B and C, evidence of paternity, DNA, and special interest studies; utilize appropriate forms and coordinate test results between various laboratories, pathologists, and law enforcement; provide technical training to staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

LEVEL AND TYPE OF WORK AND/OR SUPERVISION:

Pathologist Assistant

• Journey level
• Technical
• Perform the full range of duties, working independently, applying well-developed subject knowledge, and exercising judgment and initiative.
• Receive occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise.
• Fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit.
• Work is reviewed based on compliance, appropriateness, and effectiveness in meeting goals and deadlines.
• Receive general supervision from manager or staff.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS GUIDELINES:

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. Requirements are determined at the time of recruitment based on responsibilities of the individual position and business needs of the department.

Pathologist Assistant

Training and experience for journey level, technical classifications are typically equivalent to an associate's degree and one (1) to four (4) years of experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position. (Equivalency 3-6 years of qualifying training and/or experience).

Depending upon assignment, candidates may be required to pass a criminal background check, have a valid driver license, and /or additional training, licenses, or certificates.