Diener Autopsy Technician

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center•Seattle, WA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center is an independent, nonprofit organization providing adult cancer treatment and groundbreaking research focused on cancer and infectious diseases. Based in Seattle, Fred Hutch is the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in Washington. With a track record of global leadership in bone marrow transplantation, HIV/AIDS prevention, immunotherapy and COVID-19 vaccines, Fred Hutch has earned a reputation as one of the world’s leading cancer, infectious disease and biomedical research centers. Fred Hutch operates eight clinical care sites that provide medical oncology, infusion, radiation, proton therapy and related services, and network affiliations with hospitals in five states. Together, our fully integrated research and clinical care teams seek to discover new cures to the world’s deadliest diseases and make life beyond cancer a reality. At Fred Hutch we value collaboration, compassion, determination, excellence, innovation, integrity and respect. Our mission is directly tied to the humanity, dignity and inherent value of each employee, patient, community member and supporter. Our commitment to learning across our differences and similarities make us stronger. We seek employees who bring different and innovative ways of seeing the world and solving problems. The Diener/Autopsy Technician performs technical work in support of the Post-Mortem Collection Program’s Research Pathologist in conducting postmortem research collections. The primary role of the Autopsy Technician is preparing the body for collection, assisting with external and internal examinations (dissecting, eviscerating, retracting, using bone saw, etc.), collection of samples, preparing the body for release, and cleaning bodies, instruments, and examination rooms. Additionally, the Autopsy Technician manages flow of specimens and inventory throughout the morgue/lab space and is the primary contact for funeral home and vendor personnel within the facility.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in the biological sciences
Basic knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology
Six months experience handling bodies in a morgue, mortuary, or similar setting; or any combination of education or experience which would demonstrate the ability to perform the work
Experience interacting with research participants, with an understanding of the ethical and technical conduct of research
Excellent English communication skills (oral and written)
Organizational ability to perform multiple tasks efficiently and to prioritize duties
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively to achieve objectives
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and Access and PowerPoint
Ability to perform basic data management tasks (data entry, data cleaning, retrieval)
Ability to perform basic data analysis and reporting (in words, numbers and graphics)
Must be able to maintain strict protocols of all confidential or sensitive information
This position requires willingness to work non-standard hours, including occasional long shifts, holidays, and weekends

Nice To Haves

Experience in the processing of blood/tissues (ex. histology) is desired but not a requirement

Responsibilities

Responsible for receiving and releasing bodies and maintaining the proper chain of custody with regard to the human remains.
Prepares examination room for collection including laying out supplies and instruments, transferring of body to autopsy table, undressing and documenting clothing and all property received with the body, removing blood, body fluids, and other debris from body.
Prepares body for autopsy; may open bodies and/or remove organs or tissues under direction from the Research Pathologist; sutures and cleans body upon completion of autopsy.
Respond to calls outside of traditional work hours as necessary to transport bodies and assist in postmortem collections
Ensures proper handling, transfers, labeling and storing of specimens
Clean and maintain work area and equipment using sanitation/decontamination, safety, and biohazard control measures
Monitors level of supplies, conducts inventories, requests supplies as needed