Summary

Under general supervision, provides and/or oversees technical morphology lab services for hospital, forensic, or anatomical autopsy cases. Provides and/or oversees provision of general support to pathologists and other technical staff. Trains and oversees the work of other technicians and/or resident physicians performing related functions.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Receives bodies of deceased persons, ensuring appropriate confidentiality.
2. Oversees and/or performs collection, inventory, and preservation of valuables, personal effects, and evidence for case documentation and legal chain of custody.
3. Oversees and/or provides assistance in the conduct of autopsies, to include laying out supplies, recordkeeping, taking toxicology specimens, and performing advanced evisceration techniques.
4. Takes photographs and x-rays of cadavers or carcasses; may develop or assist with developing photographs and x-rays.
5. Disinfects bodies, facilities, and equipment after cases.
6. Oversees the cleaning and maintenance of laboratory equipment, facilities, and related materials; ensures the maintenance and stocking of supplies, inventories and laboratory chemicals.
7. Performs data entry on computer as appropriate; prepares applicable reports.
8. Releases bodies and valuables to authorized persons.
9. Trains and supervises the work of others, including technicians and resident physicians, in the day-to-day performance of autopsies and related activities.
10. Evaluates, develops and implements technical protocol and procedures for morphology and/or histology services, as appropriate
11. Practices safety, environmental, and/or infection control methods.
12. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and successful completion of at least 3 credit hours of college-level coursework related to the duties and responsibilities specified; at least 2 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified. An additional 4 months of directly related experience may be substituted for successful completion of at least 3 credit hours of college-level coursework related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.
• Ability to complete routine paperwork.
• Ability to provide operational guidance and leadership to technical staff in area of specialty.
• Skill in the use of personal computers and related software applications.
• Knowledge of related accreditation and certification requirements.
• Knowledge of legal and policy requirements related to the gathering, safekeeping and documentation of evidence.
• Knowledge of autopsy chemicals, instruments, facilities and equipment.
• Knowledge of inventory management practices.
• Ability to work with distressing and/or unpleasant odors, procedures and circumstances.
• Knowledge of advanced evisceration and related autopsy procedures and methodologies.
• Knowledge of cameras and photographic procedures.
• Knowledge of x-ray procedures and equipment.
• Ability to make administrative and procedural decisions and judgments on sensitive, confidential issues.
• Knowledge of sterile procedures.
• Ability to evaluate and develop autopsy procedures and protocol.
• Knowledge of histology processing, such as quality assurance distribution, toxicology data entry, investigation file maintenance, and histology block maintenance.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Position requires: a) performance of complex autopsy procedures, to include application of advanced evisceration techniques; b) training and technical oversight of lower level technicians and/or residents in all aspects of the day-to-day performance and administration of autopsies; c) responsibility for the oversight of laboratory facilities, equipment, and supplies: d) evaluation and development of autopsy procedures and protocols.

Conditions of Employment

• May be required to submit immunization records for review for required vaccines and TB testing.
• UNM will provide Hepatitis vaccination, candidate may decline vaccination through declination form or may provide record of vaccination from previous employer.
• Must pass a pre-employment criminal background check.
• All regular, non-temporary positions assigned to this classification are represented by a labor union and subject to the terms and conditions of the US-UNM Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Work involves almost constant exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, toxic chemicals, biohazardous materials, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, and/or loud noises.
• Extensive physical activity. Requires strenuous physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects over 50 pounds.
• Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment.
• Will work in a death environment with occasional noxious odors.
• Considerable physical activity. Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects up to 50 pounds. Physical work is a primary part (more than 70%) of job.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date: 01/10/2022