Anatomical Preparation Specialist

Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation's top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot.

Each year, more than 1,000 Californians make an extraordinary gift to the University of California by donating their bodies to support the education of health professionals and to further scientific research. At UCI, our Willed Body Program was established to support the work of our School of Medicine and the UCI Medical Center where we train our healthcare workforce and improve the health and lives of people in our community.

When a person donates their body to science, they give students first-hand knowledge of the anatomical structures of the human body, help to advance research and residency programs, as well as assist practicing physicians and biomedical scientists who rely on this generosity to support new medical advancements.

The Anatomical Preparation Specialist is responsible for independently and confidentially managing both program assigned and individually initiated projects for the UC Irvine Willed Body Program (WBP). In collaboration with the WBP Director, is also responsible for operation of an anatomical preparation morgue. Interfaces with WBP donors and client families as an authorized representative of the University. Responsible for the enforcement of all applicable University and Systemwide policies and procedures pertaining to anatomical donation and compliance with the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act (UAGA). Fully analyzes high level program operations from inception to completion under the general direction of the WBP Director.

Required Qualifications:

• Knowledge of California law governing crematories, funeral directors, embalmers, Cal-OSHA, Organ donations, California Business and Professions Code demonstrated knowledge of Funeral Cemetery, and Crematory Codes.
• Demonstrated knowledge of California Health Department regulations on vital statistics and experience filing death certificates and disposition permits.
• Technical experience in preparation techniques for long-term preservation in autopsy-like dissecting or recoveries to create specialized anatomical specimens.
• Solid skills to provide direction and guidance to less experienced staff members and medical students; and presenting materials to medical students.
• Ability to communicate with faculty, medical students, staff, prospective donors and the general public regarding the use of anatomical gifts and anatomical materials.
• Demonstrated computer skills in using database registry.
• Knowledge of working in a bio hazardous workplace, including handling of blood borne pathogens, formaldehyde monitoring and storage of hazardous materials.
• Solid interpersonal skills to develop relationships with peers, faculty, student and donor families.
• Theoretical knowledge of human anatomy, biology and physiology.
• Ability to oversee cremation and scattering of cremated donor remains.
• Ability to perform dissections and preparations for anatomy study in an efficient and skillful manner.
• Associate degree in mortuary science or equivalent.
• California Licensed Embalmer
• California Funeral Director's License
• California Driver's License
• Crematory Operator License, if applicable.
• 4-6 years with BA/BS or equivalent education/experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training is preferred.
• Tissue Bank Specialist certification is preferred.

Special Conditions:

The nature of the work requires that employee be able to meet the demands of the job 24 hours a day, seven days a week.