Diener Autopsy Technician

Diener/Autopsy Technician

The Diener/Autopsy Technician performs technical work in support of the Post‑Mortem Collection Program’s Research Pathologist in conducting post‑mortem research collections. The primary role involves preparing the body for collection, assisting with external and internal examinations, collecting samples, preparing the body for release, and cleaning bodies, instruments, and examination rooms. The technician also manages specimen flow and inventory throughout the morgue/lab space and serves as primary contact with funeral home and vendor personnel within the facility.

• Receiving and releasing bodies, maintaining proper chain of custody with regard to the human remains.
• Preparing the examination room for collection, including laying out supplies and instruments, transferring the body to the autopsy table, undressing and documenting clothing and all property received with the body, removing blood, body fluids, and debris.
• Preparing body for autopsy; opening bodies and/or removing organs or tissues under direction from the Research Pathologist; suturing and cleaning body upon completion.
• Responding to calls outside of traditional work hours as necessary to transport bodies and assist in post‑mortem collections.
• Ensuring proper handling, transfer, labeling, and storage of specimens.
• Cleaning and maintaining work area and equipment using sanitation/decontamination, safety, and biohazard control measures.
• Monitoring level of supplies, conducting inventories, and requesting supplies as needed.

• 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, 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 for all confidential or sensitive information.
• Willingness to work non‑standard hours, including occasional long shifts, holidays, and weekends.

• Experience in the processing of blood/tissues (e.g., histology) is desired but not a requirement.

The hourly pay range for this position is from $29.77 to $42.39 and pay offered will be based on experience and qualifications. This position may be eligible for relocation assistance. Although Fred Hutch is not sponsoring most H‑1B visas at this time, candidates who already hold an H‑1B sponsored by another organization and are currently in the U.S. may be eligible for this position.

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center offers employees a comprehensive benefits package designed to enhance health, well‑being, and financial security, including medical/vision, dental, flexible spending accounts, life, disability, retirement, family life support, employee assistance program, onsite health clinic, tuition reimbursement, paid vacation (12‑22 days per year), paid sick leave (12‑25 days per year), paid holidays (13 days per year), and paid parental leave (up to 4 weeks).

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability (physical or mental), marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, or membership in any other legally protected class. We desire priority referrals of protected veterans.

If due to a disability you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to Human Resources at hrops or by calling 206‑667‑4700.