Diener - Anatomic Pathology

The Ohio State University

1d

About The Position

The Anatomic Pathology Diener provides technical, administrative, and operational support within the Autopsy Division of the Department of Pathology. This role functions as a Diener and works under the direction of pathologists to support autopsy services, specimen processing, education, and morgue operations. In this role, the Diener assists pathologists and residents with the technical aspects of autopsy procedures, including simple to advanced evisceration techniques, while also supporting the education of residents, medical students, and other learners during autopsy activities. The position is responsible for preparing the Autopsy Suite prior to procedures and for cleaning, decontaminating, and resetting the suite according to established protocols following autopsy performance. Beyond procedural support, the Diener processes autopsy specimens for ancillary and in-house testing, procures tissue for pre-approved research projects, and operates pathology-specific information systems, such as IHIS-Beaker, to accession, document, and track autopsy cases and specimens. The role also includes administrative responsibilities that support the overall coordination of autopsy services. These duties include coordinating autopsy requests, supporting autopsy report processing, and handling phone-based communication related to autopsy operations. As part of daily morgue operations, the Diener performs morgue attendant responsibilities, including the receipt, identification, storage, and release of decedents; transferring specimens between the Morgue and Surgical Pathology Laboratory; organizing and cataloging specimens; and ensuring proper handling and disposal of hazardous chemicals and biohazardous tissue. These responsibilities also involve regular phone communication with families, funeral homes, and internal staff, requiring professionalism, sensitivity, and appropriate documentation. The position may additionally support conferences or teaching activities by preparing specimens and restoring them following presentation. This position requires the ability to perform physical tasks associated with autopsy and morgue operations, including lifting, bending, pushing, pulling, and prolonged standing. Must be comfortable safely lifting and maneuvering items weighing approximately 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation, and working in environments that require adherence to safety, infection control, and personal protective equipment protocols.

Requirements

• Associate Degree in Laboratory Sciences or Biological Sciences
• Ability to perform physical tasks associated with autopsy and morgue operations, including lifting, bending, pushing, pulling, and prolonged standing
• Comfortable safely lifting and maneuvering items weighing approximately 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation
• Working in environments that require adherence to safety, infection control, and personal protective equipment protocols

Responsibilities

• Assist pathologists and residents with the technical aspects of autopsy procedures, including simple to advanced evisceration techniques
• Support the education of residents, medical students, and other learners during autopsy activities
• Prepare the Autopsy Suite prior to procedures
• Clean, decontaminate, and reset the suite according to established protocols following autopsy performance
• Process autopsy specimens for ancillary and in-house testing
• Procure tissue for pre-approved research projects
• Operate pathology-specific information systems, such as IHIS-Beaker, to accession, document, and track autopsy cases and specimens
• Coordinate autopsy requests
• Support autopsy report processing
• Handle phone-based communication related to autopsy operations
• Perform morgue attendant responsibilities, including the receipt, identification, storage, and release of decedents
• Transfer specimens between the Morgue and Surgical Pathology Laboratory
• Organize and catalog specimens
• Ensure proper handling and disposal of hazardous chemicals and biohazardous tissue
• Support conferences or teaching activities by preparing specimens and restoring them following presentation

Benefits

• Eligible Ohio State employees receive comprehensive benefits packages, including medical, dental and vision insurance, tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, and state or alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree