Anatomic Pathology Technician, Autopsy & After Death Services

Job Description

Who we’re looking for:

The UW Medicine - Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology (DLMP) in Seattle, WA has a fantastic opportunity for an Anatomic Pathology Technician with the Autopsy & After Death Services Team at the University of Washington Medical Center – Montlake and Harborview Medical Center

When a patient dies at a UW Medicine hospital, the care of the decedent and their surviving family passes to us. In this Anatomic Pathology Technician position, you serve as almost equally as scientist and social worker. We provide a level of service to our bereft families in both our autopsy and after death services that is unique to the clinical laboratory and provides an excellent professional growth experience. 

Work schedule:

• 100% FTE
• Monday – Friday with rotating on-call time on evenings and weekends  

• Day shift

What you’ll contribute:

Assist with autopsies with minimal supervision. Independently perform brain removal, evisceration of body and collect appropriate samples. 

• Clean and prepare body for release to a funeral home. 

• Photograph or radiograph specimens. 

Organize, clean and maintain autopsy suite. 

• Maintain appropriate supplies using Materials Management List.
• Set up for autopsies, conferences, and surgical procedures done in autopsy suite. 
• Thoroughly clean autopsy area and all instruments following procedures and teaching. 
• Flush eye was stations weekly. 

• Maintain refrigerator and freezer temperatures. 

Maintain specimen storage system with minimal supervision. 

• Prepare stock formalin. 
• Maintain regular organ discard schedule. 
• Clean after discard. 

• Transport discard tissue to Biostructure for cremation. 

After Death Services and miscellaneous duties. 

• Monitor and perform quality control of specimens. 
• Identify problems and take corrective action, notifying manager of actions taken. 
• Orient pathology residents. 
• Provide autopsy procedural info to medical staff and new employees. 
• Train new employees in autopsy procedures. 
• Maintain comprehensive records by accessioning patient info into computer and logbook. 
• Prepare specimens for teaching. 
• Maintain a safe work environment by following all safety regulations. 
• Maintain downstairs morgue. 
• Maintain HMC morgue. 
• Review and create death certificates in the state electronic system. 
• Aid clinicians in using the electronic system to sign death certificates. 

• Miscellaneous duties performed under the direction of autopsy personnel. 

What you’ll need:

Anatomic Pathology Technician Trainee:

• High school graduation AND 6 semester hours (9 quarter hours) of biological and physical science. 

• Associate Arts or Associate Science degree preferred OR equivalent education/experience.

Anatomic Pathology Technician:

• Certified, or certified within two years from the date of hire, at the Technician level by a nationally recognized certifying agency such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology, the American Society of Clinical Laboratory Scientists or the Microscopy Society of America.

• Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

What we offer:

• Vacation time and sick time off that accrue monthly, including 12 paid holidays.
• State Employee Tuition Exemption Program covering up to 6 credits of qualifying coursework per quarter at the University of Washington or other participating colleges or universities.
• Fully subsidized public transit pass (U-PASS) that covers multiple forms of public transportation in the region. 
• Excellent healthcare, dental, disability, retirement, and other plan options.
• Lots of free fantastic fitness, healthy eating, finance, and stress reduction classes offered through the Whole U.

• And much more! 

About the Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology:

A regional resource for clinical laboratory services required for innovative patient care, research and educational programs, the Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology at UW Medicine combines the sophisticated testing and informatics capabilities of fully accredited laboratories with the resources of an academic institution in its delivery of clinical and anatomic pathology services. Recognized for excellence in clinical training, world-class research initiatives, and a commitment to community service, we serve labs and medical facilities both nationally and internationally.

Please visit our website to learn more about our department. 

About UW Medicine:

UW Medicine is Washington’s only health system that includes a top-rated medical school and an internationally recognized research center. UW Medicine’s mission is to improve the health of the public by advancing medical knowledge, providing outstanding primary and specialty care to the people of the region, and preparing tomorrow’s physicians, scientists and other health professionals.

All across UW Medicine, our employees collaborate to perform the highest quality work with integrity and compassion and to create a respectful, welcoming environment where every patient, family, student and colleague is valued and honored. Nearly 29,000 healthcare professionals, researchers, and educators work in the UW Medicine family of organizations that include Harborview Medical Center, UW Medical Center - Montlake, UW Medical Center - Northwest, Valley Medical Center, UW Medicine Primary Care, UW Physicians, UW School of Medicine, and Airlift Northwest. 

Become part of our team. Join our mission to make life healthier for everyone in our community.  

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

Pay Range Maximum:

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

Shift:

Temporary or Regular?

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

Union/Bargaining Unit:

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected]. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.