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Brain Autopsy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... brain donation. The Researcher Associate will coordinate logistics of tissue procurement with pathology, autopsy services, and research staff to ensure timely and appropriate specimen collection. The ...

... brain donation. The Researcher Associate will coordinate logistics of tissue procurement with pathology, autopsy services, and research staff to ensure timely and appropriate specimen collection. The ...

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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 Jun 5, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Brain Autopsy Technician, and why are they important?

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 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.

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 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.
Infographic showing various Brain Autopsy job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 88% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,566 per year, or $25.3 per hour.
Clinical Research Specialist I - Guzman Lab - Brain Donation Program / Department of Neurology (H...

Clinical Research Specialist I - Guzman Lab - Brain Donation Program / Department of Neurology (H...

Cedars Sinai

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 9 days ago


Cedars-Sinai rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 129 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

35th of 993 rated hospitals


Job description

CedarsSinai's autopsy program helps understand why dementia develops and how treatment can be improved. The program is a partnership between the Neurology Department and interested patients and families to obtain an autopsy shortly after death to study the brain, spinal cord, and other tissues of individuals with memory disorders.

Note: Scheduling flexibility including evening, weekend, and holiday rotation commitments may be necessary.

Dr. Samuel J. Guzman is a board-certified neuropathologist and physician-scientist. Dr. Guzman's research focuses on spatial transcriptomics, brain banking, and clinicopathologic correlation in disorders including Alzheimer disease, hippocampal sclerosis-associated epilepsy, autoimmune neurologic disease, and related neurodegenerative conditions. His work combines neuropathology, neuroimaging, and emerging molecular platforms to investigate mechanisms of neuronal vulnerability, neuroinflammation, and neurovascular dysfunction.

About the Role

As a Clinical Research Specialist I, you will provide clinical research knowledge by participating in the design and implementation of research projects as needed. This position is responsible for specific and assigned aspects of research infrastructure development, coordinates projects, and communicates status to leadership.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Coordinates research projects at an institutional or departmental level.
  • Communicates project status and improvement areas with leadership in a timely manner.
  • Projects may include, but are not limited to investigator-initiated protocol development including protocol writing, case report form development, budget development, and coordination of departmental research committees.
  • Provides guidance regarding project planning, project logistics, and project implementation.
  • May implement and coordinate department-wide initiatives such as research quality management or clinical trial recruitment efforts.
  • Ensures compliance with all federal and local agencies including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and local Institutional Review Board.
  • Maintains research practices using Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines.
  • Maintains strict patient confidentiality according to HIPAA regulations and applicable law.
  • Participates in required training and education programs.

Department-Specific Information:

Brain Bank Coordinator (Donor & Operations)

Primary Focus: Donor coordination, family communication, and rapid autopsy logistics.

  • Serves as primary contact for donor families, hospice, and clinical teams.
  • Participates in 24/7 on-call rotation for donor death notifications.
  • Coordinates overnight and weekend brain donations and rapid autopsies.
  • Coordinates with diener services for tissue procurement.
  • Ensure consent, documentation, and regulatory compliance.
  • Coordinate CSF and plasma collection with clinical and research labs.
  • Maintain donor database and clinical metadata.
  • Track bio-specimen distribution.
Cedars-Sinai is a leader in providing high-quality healthcare encompassing primary care, specialized medicine and research. Since 1902, Cedars-Sinai has evolved to meet the needs of one of the most diverse regions in the nation, setting standards in quality and innovative patient care, research, teaching and community service. Today, Cedars- Sinai is known for its national leadership in transforming healthcare for the benefit of patients. Cedars-Sinai impacts the future of healthcare by developing new approaches to treatment and educating tomorrow's health professionals. Additionally, Cedars-Sinai demonstrates a commitment to the community through programs that improve the health of its most vulnerable residents.Cedars-Sinai is one of the largest nonprofit academic medical centers in the U.S., with 886 licensed beds, 2,100 physicians, 2,800 nurses and thousands of other healthcare professionals and staff. Choose this if you want to work in a fast-paced environment that offers the highest level of care to people in the Los Angeles that need our care the most.

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree is required.

Experience:

  • 3 years of proven experience in area of research specialty is required.

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