Morgue & Laboratory Assistant

Responsible for assisting with the receiving storage distribution cremation and final disposition of human cadavers used in health science education and research. The position ensures all handling of remains is conducted with respect professionalism and in compliance with institutional legal and ethical standards.

This position is occasional part-time (up to 19 hours a week)

Duties:

• Assists with processing cadaver requests from faculty departments and other universities
• Cleans and disinfects equipment instruments and work areas
• Ensures proper labeling storage and chain-of-custody for specimens and personal effects
• Adheres to all safety protocols and use personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Maintains inventory of supplies and notify appropriate personnel when stock is low
• Assists in the intake documentation and identification of donated human cadavers in accordance with legal and procedural requirements
• Prepares cadavers for educational or research use including placement labeling and appropriate preservation
• Maintains accurate and confidential records for each cadaver including tracking usage location and disposition including logs of case activity specimens and equipment use
• Transports and distributes cadavers and anatomical specimens to appropriate departments labs or classrooms
• May also assist with set up and break down labs for medical school resident training courses and other campus programs
• Coordinates final disposition including documentation interment or return of remains this includes assisting with the cremation process and ensure proper handling and return or disposal of cremated remains in accordance with donor wishes and institutional policies
• Ensures all storage areas equipment and tools are cleaned and maintained according to health safety and regulatory standards
• Supports faculty students and researchers in the use of cadaveric materials while maintaining respectful practices
• May also Serve as backup to the Morgue & Laboratory Manager during absences including paid time off (PTO) or out-of-office periods by overseeing daily operations responding to time-sensitive requests ensuring regulatory compliance and maintaining continuity of services
• Performs various duties to successfully fulfill the function of the position

Required education: High School Diploma or Equivalent AND:

• 1 year of related experience

Skills:

• Ability to understand and accurately follow written and verbal instructions standard operating procedures and safety protocols.
• Ability to work collaboratively with medical examiners health agencies faculty and internal departments in a timely and professional manner
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks manage multiple requests and maintain accurate inventories
• Proficiency in basic computer and data entry systems used for inventory tracking recordkeeping and communication
• Ability to work in emotionally challenging environments with sensitivity and professionalism
• Ability to learn and follow protocols and legal requirements for cadaver intake storage transport and disposition
• Attention to detail in labeling documentation and recordkeeping to ensure inventory accuracy and regulatory compliance
• Willingness to learn new procedures and adapt to changing work demands in a morgue and anatomy lab setting
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to protecting sensitive information and maintains strict confidentiality at all times

Certifications: Valid state issued drivers license

Working Conditions:

• Work is primarily performed in a morgue anatomy laboratory and related clinical or academic environments
• Exposure to human cadavers biological specimens chemicals and biohazardous materials
• Regular use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves gowns masks and face shields and adherence to OSHA and institutional safety standards
• May require early morning evening or weekend shifts based on operational needs
• Ability to lift move and transport cadavers and equipment up to 100 pounds and perform tasks that require standing or bending for extended periods
• Ability to climb ladders and operate a manual forklift

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