Hackensack Meridian Health·Edison, New Jersey
The assistant supports pathologists during postmortem examinations by performing evisceration, dissection, and restoration of the body. They are also responsible for documenting findings, managing autopsy suite inventory, and ensuring strict adherence to health and safety protocols.
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This role is centered on providing crucial support to pathologists during postmortem examinations to determine the cause of death.
Working under the supervision of a pathologist, the assistant is involved in nearly every aspect of the autopsy process.
Key responsibilities include preparing for the autopsy by reviewing the deceased's medical history, and assisting in the examination itself, which can involve the dissection and removal of organs and tissues for further analysis.
The role also involves meticulously documenting findings, photographing specimens, and ensuring that all materials are properly labeled and stored.
A day in the life of a Autopsy Pathologists Assistant at Hackensack Meridian Health includes: Assists pathologists with all aspects of the postmortem examination including evisceration, dissection and restoration of the body. Weighs remains, lifts remains onto the autopsy table, and assists pathologists in all autopsy procedures. Works with pathologists and hospital staff to arrange and assist with specialized examinations (i.e., neuropathology & cardio-pathology). Ensures that all health and safety procedures are followed, inspects autopsy equipment, and reports faulty equipment. Ensures that the autopsy equipment and floor is properly cleaned. Ensures the autopsy suites are properly stocked and are operationally prepared at all times. Performs inventory count and reports items that are low in stock. Reports all complaints, accidents, and any incidents within the morgue to the proper personnel. Other duties and/or projects as assigned. Adheres to HMH Organizational competencies and standards of behavior.
Qualifications: Education,
Required: Bachelor's degree in health science, Pathologists' Assistant. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proficient computer skills that include but are not limited to Google Suite and/or Microsoft Office platforms. Education,
Preferred: Master's degree. Minimum 5 years of experience performing autopsies. Licenses and Certifications Required: Meet College of American Pathologists requirements for Pathology Assistant. If you feel the above description speaks directly to your strengths and capabilities, then please apply today! Starting Minimum Rate $93.75 Per RVU Based On Services Provided Job Posting Disclosure HMH is committed to pay equity and transparency for our team members. The posted Per RVU Based On Services Provided rate of pay in this job posting is a reasonable good faith estimate of the minimum rate of pay at the time of posting for visiting patients in their homes, in accordance with the New Jersey Pay Transparency Act. The Per RVU Based On Services Provided rate does not apply to training, onboarding, and administrative work other than patient visits. The rate of pay for those assignments will be discussed during the interview process. The starting Per RVU Based On Services Provided rate of pay is provided for informational purposes only and is not a guarantee of a specific offer. The Per RVU Based On Services Provided rate made at the time of the offer may be different than the posted Per RVU Based On Services Provided rate of pay based on a number of non-discriminatory factors, including but not limited to: Labor Market Data: Compensation is benchmarked against market data to ensure competitiveness.
Departmental budgets may impact the Per RVU Based On Services Provided pay that can be offered. The final compensation and benefits package will be discussed during the interview process.
A Master's degree in Health Science or as a Pathologists' Assistant is required, along with certification meeting College of American Pathologists requirements. Preferred candidates possess at least 5 years of experience performing autopsies.
Market context
New Jersey employers seeking autopsy pathologists’ assistants often look for candidates who can work independently in hospital or medical examiner settings and meet strict credentialing standards. This role is competitive because it requires a master’s degree, CAP-aligned certification, and preferred autopsy experience, so applicants should emphasize hands-on postmortem procedure skills and readiness for per-visit scheduling. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your certification details and recent autopsy experience before applying.