Career Center

Working/Functional Title

Embalmer/Funeral Director

Position Summary

As a member of the Division of Human Anatomy, this position works together with faculty and staff in the delivery of anatomical education experiences to MSU undergraduate and professional students across the State of Michigan. This role independently prepares and preserves human specimens for use in anatomy laboratory classes and programs; collaborates with the Division of Human Anatomy faculty in the planning of anatomical materials needed for the Division, and oversees the procurement of anatomical material and the organization of anatomical material for laboratory classes, exams and special instructional events; maintains and manages the gross anatomy laboratory; provides supervision and assists in overseeing student employees.

Donor Care
Independently embalms and prepares human anatomical specimens for academic curriculum; uses specialized preparation techniques such as latex injection as needed. Places appropriate teaching material in the laboratory as requested by faculty for course specific instructional needs. Routinely maintains specimens, including rehydration, mold removal and storage needs. Prepares anatomical material for cremation. Assists with the transfer of donors to/from the MSU anatomy laboratories and other institutions. Coordinates with MSU anatomy laboratory sites to ensure embalming coverage needs are met.

Curriculum Preparation and Exams
In collaboration with faculty, prepares human anatomical material, including tissue removal of embalmed and unfixed material. Serves as a resource to facilitate, communicate or assist in laboratory functions.

Laboratory Organization, Maintenance and Cleaning
Operates and maintains the embalming and prosecting equipment. Operates, maintains and performs minor repairs to laboratory equipment and anatomical models. Maintains cleanliness of laboratory spaces, including embalming preparation room, prosection laboratory, coolers, classroom, bathrooms and storage area. Orders supplies as needed for the laboratory and maintains inventory of supplies. Responds as needed to urgent laboratory concerns, including, but not limited to, coverage, equipment issues, building issues. As a critical employee, responds as needed to urgent laboratory concerns, including, but not limited to, coverage, equipment issues, building issues and completing essential functions during modified operations.

Laboratory Regulatory Standards, Records and Educational Material Organization
Implements and maintains laboratory policies and procedures. Ensures compliance of health and safety regulations of the laboratory to meet quality and compliance standards, including University, State and Federal guidelines. Resolves all quality assurance/quality control issues. Maintains confidential records of receipt, usage and disposition of human specimens. Maintains knowledge of laboratory operations and procedures through coursework, literature, and attendance of seminars, workshops and related educational offerings.

Supervision and On-call Responsibilities
Supervises and evaluates laboratory technician position. Assigns, coordinates and monitors the workflow of the laboratory. Receives after-hour calls to determine acceptability of body donations.

The starting salary range for this position is $55,000, with final compensation based on experience and qualifications.MSU provides an excellent benefits package which includes a 10% retirement match for employees who participate/contribute 5% to their 403b and a no payroll deduction option for health care coverage. See also: Toolkits for New Employees (msu.edu) Annually, the university provides 13 paid holidays and 2 paid personal observance days.Additionally, full-time support staff receive 24 hours of personal leave per year, which is pro-rated in the first year. New employees are eligible for paid vacation time after six months of service. See also: Support Staff Time Off & Leave Programs (msu.edu)

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge which normally would be acquired by completing two to three years in college, technical, vocational or business school in biological science or anatomy curriculum or a related science field; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in basic laboratory techniques; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and may require special licensing or certification in the field related to the area of employment.

Desired Qualifications

Prior experience working in an academic setting with anatomical material. Prior supervisory experience.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Please upload the following with your application: cover letter, resume, list of 3 professional References, copy of Mortuary Science License.

Work Hours

Typical work hours are 7:30am – 4:30pm; receives after-hours calls for the Willed Body Program and must be available for facility issues and emergencies.

Website

https://anatomy.msu.edu

Summary of Physical Demands

Regular lifting, carrying and pushing/pulling.

Summary of Health Risks

Exposure to human blood, serum, tissue and other body fluids; and materials covered under Universal Precautions; Risks that have been identified by Environmental Health and Safety, such as formaldehyde and phenol.

The Bidding Eligibility ends on 11/26/2024 at 11:55 PM

About Michigan State University

Spartans work every day to advance the common good in uncommon ways.Together, we tackle some of the world?s toughest problems to find solutions that make life better?from alternative energy to better food safety to breakthrough medical and environmental applications achieved through rare isotope research.We teach. We explore and we discover. We collaborate and lead. We innovate, inspire, and empower. We achieve our potential and create circumstances that help our students and others achieve theirs.We're good at it, and we've been at it for more than 150 years.The nation?s pioneer land-grant university, MSU began as a bold experiment that democratized higher education and helped bring science and innovation into everyday life. The revolutionary concept became a model for the nation.Today, MSU is one of the top research universities in the world?on one of the biggest, greenest campuses in the nation. Home to nationally ranked and recognized academic, residential college, and service-learning programs, we?re a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, scientists and leaders.In ways both practical and profound, we work to create a stronger, more sustainable, and more hopeful future for all.

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