Forensic Autopsy Assistant

This position will provide additional support for the Autopsy service at UF/UF Health Shands. Duties will include assisting with medical autopsies and coordinating autopsies and autopsy related matters with various departments, hospitals, families and funeral home. This position will engage with department personnel across all divisions serving as a resource to assist with operating efficiencies related to autopsy services and projects.

Duties include:

• Performance of Autopsy
  • Verify validity of autopsy permits by obtaining appropriate permission and witnesses. Maintain and use necessary instruments and other required materials during the course of the autopsy. Perform external examinations, evisceration, dissection of organ block, and assist in obtaining ancillary tests during the autopsy as directed by autopsy attending. Directs resident(s) on service in obtaining autopsy pictures, measurements, and preparing tissue for histology. Cleans and disinfects autopsy table, morgue floor, and instruments. Clean-up and prepares body for funeral home release.
  • External communications and interaction on behalf of Shands/UF Autopsy Service Responsible for correspondence to/from hospitals, decedent family members, funeral homes, social workers, physicians, and law firms. Coordinates with families if a viewing is requested as well as prepares the body for the viewing process. Assist families and loves ones with final arrangements for the deceased. Maintains cremated remains at Shands for appropriate distribution to families. Assists Funeral Home attendants during the removal process by reviewing releasing documentation as well as body identification and removal.
  • Weekly Neuropathology Grossing Conference
    Prepare neurologic specimen either from Shands Autopsy or UF Health Autopsy consultation. Prepare required instruments and other necropsy supplies for conference. Gathers appropriate paperwork and medical records for the neuropathologist’s review. Directs prosector in preparing/submitting tissue for histology. Maintain and save neurologic tissue as directed by the neuropathologist.
  • Teaches autopsy procedures and practices to residents, medical students, observers, etc. Maintains the department “museum” (teaching collections of autopsy specimens). Keeps logs of all specimens accrued and logs of disposal of times from museum. Prepare specimens for conferences as directed by attendings.
• Laboratory Administration
  • Stocks and supplies
  • Maintain compliance with regulatory bodies
  • CAP Checklist incorporation and implementation, assist in policy/ standard operating procedure development
  • Stock autopsy supplies: linens, histology cassettes, personal protective equipment, ancillary testing
  • Hazardous chemical management: Arranges for appropriate disposal of hazardous chemicals (e.g. formalin) and bio hazardous waste
  • Equipment maintenance and calibration
• Miscellaneous
  • Maintains office functions while secretary is out.
  • Organizes weekend call schedule.
  • Obtains quotes for repairs, new equipment, maintenance, etc.
  • Notifies Facilities when special needs arise (waxing floors, cleaning carpets, work orders).
  • South Tower Morgue: Body releases, coordinate with patient transport on special releases.
  • After hours call triage: Receive UF autopsy phone calls and direct case management.
  • Tissue banking services: Coordinate tissue procurement with Eye, Tissue and Brain banks.
  • Frequent correspondence from/to hospitals, decedent’s family members, funeral homes, law firms, arrange transportations etc.
  • Gathers and organizing required documents, medical records, consent forms, and information for such investigations and related activities.
  • Acts as primary point of contact for in-house divisions, departments, and personnel regarding UFPathLabs autopsies.
  • Influx of decedent release from outside facilities and family requested autopsies, tissue disposal and maintenance, transportation coordination, etc.

$15.00 – $18.25 per hour; commensurate with education and experience.

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume.

The University of Florida is committed to non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations, genetic information and veteran status in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training.