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Brain Autopsy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$19.91 - $26.88/hr

Rinses brains, readies COW's, and collects and readies administrative and storage needs and remains available for Brain Cutting and Autopsy conferences. * Prepares and expedites cadaver for delivery ...

Autopsy Assistant

Rochester, NY · On-site

$19.91 - $26.88/hr

Rinses brains, readies COW's, and collects and readies administrative and storage needs and remains available for Brain Cutting and Autopsy conferences. * Prepares and expedites cadaver for delivery ...

Neuropathologist Faculty

Nashville, TN · On-site

$260K - $300K/yr

Serve a growing Neurosurgical service, handling over 1,000 biopsy specimens and 100 brain autopsy cases annually * Receive academic growth and salary based on your qualifications and experience

Neuropathologist Faculty

Nashville, TN · On-site

$260K - $300K/yr

Serve a growing Neurosurgical service, handling over 1,000 biopsy specimens and 100 brain autopsy cases annually * Receive academic growth and salary based on your qualifications and experience

$64K - $80K/yr

On a rotating call schedule for brain donation and brain autopsy coordination. * Provides education to clinical providers and participants on study procedures and test results. * Prepares/submits ...

Knowledgeable in all established autopsy protocols and perform/assist in organ evisceration and brain removal. Responsibilities * Receiving specimens from the operating room and/or endoscopy suite.

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Brain Autopsy information

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$33K

$52.6K

$99K

How much do brain autopsy jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for brain autopsy in the United States is $52,566.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $55,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a brain autopsy?

A brain autopsy is a specialized medical examination of the brain performed after death to determine the presence of diseases, injuries, or abnormalities that may have contributed to a person's symptoms or cause of death. This procedure is typically conducted by a neuropathologist and involves detailed study of brain tissue under a microscope. Brain autopsies are crucial for diagnosing certain neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer's, that cannot be definitively identified during life. The findings can help families understand the cause of death and can contribute to medical research.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a brain autopsy technician?

To thrive as a Brain Autopsy Technician, you need a background in biological sciences, experience in laboratory procedures, and specialized training in anatomical dissection and pathology. Familiarity with autopsy instruments, tissue preservation techniques, and data entry systems is typically required, along with certifications such as ASCP Pathology Technician. Attention to detail, respect for confidentiality, and strong communication skills are crucial for handling sensitive materials and collaborating with medical teams. These skills ensure the accurate collection and analysis of brain specimens, which is vital for research, diagnosis, and advancing medical knowledge.

What are some of the unique challenges faced by professionals performing brain autopsies, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals conducting brain autopsies often encounter challenges such as handling delicate neural tissue, ensuring proper preservation for neuropathological examination, and communicating sensitive findings to families and medical teams. Attention to detail and adherence to standardized protocols are essential to obtain accurate results. Collaborating closely with neurologists, pathologists, and sometimes law enforcement requires strong communication and documentation skills. Continued professional development and mentorship can help address these challenges and support career advancement in this specialized field.

What is the difference between Brain Autopsy vs Brain Pathologist?

AspectBrain AutopsyBrain Pathologist
Required CredentialsMedical degree, autopsy trainingMedical degree, pathology certification
Work EnvironmentMedical examiner's or hospital morgueLaboratory, hospital, or research facility
Industry UsagePost-mortem examinations for cause of deathDiagnosing brain diseases, research, and pathology reports
Common Search IntentUnderstanding autopsy proceduresUnderstanding brain disease diagnosis

Brain autopsy involves performing post-mortem examinations to determine cause of death, often conducted by medical examiners. Brain pathologists analyze brain tissue samples to diagnose diseases and research neurological conditions. While both roles require medical training, brain autopsies focus on the procedure, whereas brain pathologists specialize in tissue analysis and diagnosis.

How long does it take to become a brain autopsy examiner?

Becoming a brain autopsy examiner typically requires completing a medical degree, such as a medical doctor (MD) or forensic pathology training, which can take around 8-12 years including undergraduate education, medical school, and specialized residency or fellowship. Additional certification in forensic pathology may be necessary, and gaining experience in a medical examiner's office or pathology lab is also important.

What qualifications do I need to perform brain autopsies?

Performing brain autopsies typically requires a medical degree, such as a medical doctor (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO), along with specialized training in pathology or forensic medicine. Certification by relevant medical boards and experience in anatomical dissection are also essential, often within a laboratory or medical examiner setting.

What other helpful pages are available for Brain Autopsy?

Other pages related to Brain Autopsy:

Infographic showing various Brain Autopsy job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,566 per year, or $25.3 per hour.
University of Rochester
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

$19.91 - $26.88/hr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist pathologists and trainees with performing evisceration techniques during postmortem examinations.

  • Perform body incisions, evisceration of organs, and prepare specimens for special studies and delivery to funeral directors.

  • Maintain cleanliness and organization of the autopsy suite, including cleaning instruments, surfaces, and restocking supplies.


University Of Rochester rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 189 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14642

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

500238 Autopsy Pathology

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URCD 204 H

Compensation Range:

$19.91 - $26.88

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities:

Assists pathologists, pathologists' assistants, and pathologists-in-training (residents and student fellows), and trains entering residents and year-out student fellows the performance of evisceration techniques in postmortem examinations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Performs body incisions and evisceration of organs during postmortem examinations. Delivers specimens for special studies. Prepares and expedites delivery of cadaver to funeral director. Institutes universal precautions, especially during infectious cases, as prescribed by Autopsy Procedure Manual.
  • Obtains consent forms, charts, and necessary paperwork for each patient to be autopsied. Sets up dissection area with instruments and specimen containers. Retrieves autopsy consent and charts from the Admitting Office. Notifies prosecutor of autopsy by page or phone call. Completes administrative work throughout autopsy, including logging, tracking, and processing paperwork/copies. Sets up autopsy room and tolls needed for autopsy. Removes body from the cooler, puts on autopsy table, and assists with providing gross examination, including specimen samples. Cleans and returns body to cooler. Cleans autopsy table and instruments.
  • Responsible for general cleanliness of autopsy suite, including all tables, sinks, and counter tops. Keeps all items stocked in morgue room, including all PPE, gloves, aprons, and face shields. Copies and restocks work sheets, etc. as needed. Keeps full decal supply at trim areas. Keeps trim areas stocked with basic instruments, including scalpel handles, scissors, forceps, probes, rulers, towels, ink, small empty specimen containers, and scalpel blades. Cleans up and disinfects morgue after every prosecution, organ review, and conference. Requests special assistance with floors, etc., as needed. Cleans cooler after spills. Restocks spill kit for after-hours and weekends.
  • Serves as liaison to administrative assistant for technology issues. Rinses brains, readies COW's, and collects and readies administrative and storage needs and remains available for Brain Cutting and Autopsy conferences.
  • Prepares and expedites cadaver for delivery to funeral director.
  • Maintains equipment, including requesting inspections and service as needed. Keeps maintenance and temperature logs. Institutes precautions as prescribed by autopsy procedure manual during infectious cases.
  • Stores and handles chemicals involved in safe manner as prescribed by autopsy procedure manual. Maintains supplies and ensures prosecution instruments are sharp and in good working condition. Arranges for scheduled instrument sharpening bi-annually.
  • Collects and delivers tissue for incineration in approved manner, as prescribed by autopsy procedure manual. Picks up placentas from the Obstetrics department for cremation purposes. Verifies identification tags and tags indicating specimen for cremation.
  • Maintains logs of autopsy cases, bodies delivered to funeral directors, and organs for disposal and assists with coordinating specimens saved for specimen museum. Readies bodies for family viewing on an as needed basis.
  • Monitors disposition of bodies stored in the cooler on a daily basis. Checks body identifications with log book at the beginning and end of each day. Contacts appropriate people at the funeral home and/or unit if a discrepancy occurs.
  • Maintains and picks scrubs up from laundry for use by Neuropathology and Autopsy Pathology faculty, prosecutors, and technicians.
  • Assists funeral director with body removals.
  • Other duties as assigned.


MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

  • Associate's degree in biological science with anatomy background required or
  • 1 year autopsy assistant experience required
  • Or equivalent combination of education and experience

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University's Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create - and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status,or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.


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