Cadaver Preparer - Human Structure

Penn State University • University Park, PA

59d

About The Position

The Cadaver Preparer/Lab Assistant Staff Member will be part of a dynamic team in the Human Structure Department preparing, delivering, and managing human anatomical specimens for the required courses & programs supported by the department. The candidate is expected to be a licensed Funeral Director, or working towards the licensure exam in the State of Pennsylvania and have the ability to prep and embalm cadavers for Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine (PSCOM). The candidate will also function as a liaison with the Humanities Gifts Registry of Pennsylvania, Hershey Medical Center, and other institutions both within and outside of the Penn State system with which we collaborate. The job will involve administrative tracking paperwork, coordination, preparation, and the appropriate cleaning/maintaining various prep or lab spaces designated as part of the anatomical programs within the Department of Human Structure and College of Medicine.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree
• 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• Licensed as a Funeral Director or minimally, finishing their apprenticeship & preparing for their licensure exam in the state of Pennsylvania.
• Willing to receive certification to run the crematory at PSCOM.

Nice To Haves

• Prefer at least two years of experience/active practice as an embalmer.
• There is an expectation that the candidate is competent and comfortable with regulations regarding cadavers and their transportation and handling.
• Candidate should be comfortable with digital communication, Office suite software, and both written and verbal communication skills.
• Preference is given to candidates that have experience with interprofessional teams or an educational environment, though this is not necessary.

Responsibilities

• Preparation of the cadavers to be used in the anatomical sciences programs within the department. This involves cannulation, moving, cleaning, and embalming the cadavers using formalin or glutaraldehyde-based protocols and learning new protocols as needed. Simple math for dilutions of liquid is needed. The role will involve tracking cadavers and specimens including aiding in preparation and return of cremains.
• Responsibilities will also include aiding in setting up various lab events. This may involve organizing/tracking specimen and lab usage as well as preparing and reconfiguring lab supplies and spaces for various events and courses. Moving tables, specimens or fluids and some cleaning and reorganization and inventorying of spaces and supplies is required. The role would be directly supervised by the Anatomy Lab Supervisor along with the Faculty member serving as Director of the Anatomy Labs and programs.
• The successful candidate will be a good communicator, should be able to work independently as well as in teams and should have basic computing skills for records maintenance, data management and document or spreadsheet creation.

Benefits

• Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.
• In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time.
• One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees