Necropsy Technician

The Marine Mammal Center•Sausalito, CA

1d•$28 - $31•Onsite

About The Position

The Necropsy Technician will perform various activities in support of the Pathology & Diagnostics team including gross necropsy, histopathology (trimming of cases), and support of the biobank archives. They will assist in the collection, analysis, storage, and shipment of samples for collaborative research projects as well as the training of pathology participants of the Teaching Hospital program and The Marine Mammal Center’s visitors.

Requirements

Passion for marine and environmental conservation and the mission of The Marine Mammal Center.
Basic knowledge of marine mammal biology, diseases, and anatomy.
Experience in preparing, assisting, and performing necropsies.
Experience working with biohazardous tissue, blood, and dead animals.
Basic knowledge of methods and techniques of laboratory procedures such as aseptic technique.
Knowledgeable on safety procedures to prevent contaminating self and others with biohazardous materials.
Ability to operate equipment safely and competently to carry out their duties.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions and priorities as set by management.
Ability to work collaboratively and maintain open communication in a team environment.
Ability to adapt and learn from change, challenges, and feedback.
Basic organizational skills including attention to detail, multi-tasking, and time-management.
Skills operating Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Word) and videoconference technology (Slack, Teams, Zoom).
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, which includes staff, volunteers, training participants, and members of the public.
Ability to communicate, interact effectively, practice self-awareness and respect while engaging with people of diverse backgrounds.
Willingness to support and participate in The Marine Mammal Center’s diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
This position requires a combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in animal science, biology, anatomy, or related field; or a relevant qualification such as a Registered Veterinary Technician; and 2 years of necropsy experience.
Respirator Fit Test required which will be provided upon hire and ongoing as necessary.
Valid driver license with acceptable motor vehicle record to maintain standards of insurability. (Must be 21+ years old as driving company vehicles is required for this position.)

Responsibilities

Assist basic necropsy laboratory procedures as described necropsy and sampling protocols for dissection, specimen photography, specimen collection, data collection, necropsy report writing, and data entry.
Assist basic necropsy procedures (basic dissection, tissue collection/preservation, tissue trimming, sample collection, etc.) on marine mammals or sea turtles.
Completes data entry into the Center’s in-house electronic record system (Ruby) as assigned. This can include archives, samples received and shipped, and tracking documentation, as well as entry of laboratory results for patient records as assigned.
Pull data and samples, and ship according to biohazard shipment regulations for pathology ancillary testing and approved internal or external research projects as assigned.
Supports the maintenance of the necropsy facility, equipment, consumable supplies, PPE, signage, and hygiene following USDA good laboratory practice (GLP) standards.
Follows proper adherence to biosafety procedures and protocols in accordance with OSHA and internal policies.
Sample and fulfill approved external and internal research projects through sample processing, data entry, and shipment.
Maintain pathology digital photo archive, including taking necropsy and histopathology photos in accordance with protocols and after training.
Assists in the disposal of carcasses, and biohazard tissues.
Perform basic histology laboratory procedures including trimming wet histopathology tissues as assigned
Supports the maintenance of the histopathology biobank (wet tissues, slides, paraffin blocks) including shipping and receiving samples, sample preparation, and data entry in Ruby.
Assists in disposal of wet tissue, formalin, and decal.
Assists with training Teaching Hospital Program participants and pathology visitors in gross necropsy skills and anatomy.
Assists with scheduling of and may assist in teaching wet labs and workshops for visiting Learning participants.
Assists in coordinating shipments for specimen requests and relationships for teaching (e.g. carcasses, pelts, etc.) as well as necropsy workshops, wet labs, carcasses for teaching, etc.
Assists with the maintenance of Teaching Hospital Program materials regarding pathology
May assist in training other staff or technicians on database, necropsy, histopathology, and/or biomaterial archive protocols, including shipping and other skills described above or part of daily tasks.
May present to donors or other behind-the-scenes visitors as assigned.
May present at internal forums or speak with media as assigned.
Represent and promote the Center through donor cultivation participation with the department as opportunities arise.
Perform special projects and research as assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned.