1

Cadaver Dissection Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Cadaver Dissection information

See Colorado salary details

$9

$20

$59

How much do cadaver dissection jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for cadaver dissection in Colorado is $20.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.13 and $21.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Cadaver Dissection job?

A Cadaver Dissection job involves preparing, dissecting, and studying human cadavers for educational or research purposes. This role is commonly found in medical schools, research institutions, and forensic labs, where it aids in teaching anatomy, improving surgical techniques, or advancing medical research. Responsibilities may include preserving cadavers, precise dissection, and assisting students or professionals in anatomical studies. Attention to detail, respect for human remains, and knowledge of anatomy are essential for this role.

What does a typical day look like for someone working in cadaver dissection?

A typical day in cadaver dissection involves preparing and maintaining specimens, performing precise dissections, and carefully documenting anatomical observations for educational or research purposes. You may work independently or as part of a team in settings such as medical schools, research institutions, or teaching laboratories. Collaboration with faculty, researchers, or students is often required, particularly during teaching sessions or when assisting with anatomical demonstrations. The role requires strict adherence to safety and ethical standards, and you may also be responsible for maintaining laboratory cleanliness and preparing materials for upcoming dissections.

What jobs work with cadavers?

Jobs that work with cadavers include anatomical dissection technicians, medical examiners, forensic anthropologists, and funeral service workers. These roles often require knowledge of human anatomy, laboratory skills, and adherence to safety and ethical standards in handling human remains.

What jobs involve dissection?

Jobs that involve dissection include anatomists, medical students, surgeons, forensic pathologists, and biological researchers. These roles typically require knowledge of human or animal anatomy, laboratory skills, and often involve working in medical, educational, or research settings.

Do they still dissect cadavers in medical school?

Yes, cadaver dissection remains a fundamental part of medical education for many medical schools, providing hands-on experience with human anatomy. Students typically work in anatomy labs using preserved cadavers to learn about the structure and function of the human body, often as part of their first-year curriculum.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Cadaver Dissection position, and why are they important?

To thrive in cadaver dissection, you need a solid background in human anatomy, hands-on laboratory experience, and often a degree in biological sciences or a related field. Familiarity with dissection instruments, safety protocols, and sometimes certification in laboratory procedures are important technical aspects. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and the ability to maintain professionalism and respect in sensitive settings are valuable soft skills. These competencies ensure accurate anatomical study, safety, ethical handling, and successful collaboration in educational or research environments.

What is the highest paying career in a laboratory?

In laboratory settings, careers such as biomedical scientists, clinical laboratory directors, and research managers tend to have the highest salaries. These roles often require advanced degrees, specialized skills, and management responsibilities, leading to higher compensation compared to other laboratory positions.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cadaver Dissection jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Cadaver Dissection jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Cadaver Dissection jobs in Colorado? For Cadaver Dissection jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cadaver Dissection jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Cadaver Dissection jobs in Colorado are:
Infographic showing various Cadaver Dissection job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,526 per year, or $20.9 per hour.
State Anatomical Board Lab Professional

State Anatomical Board Lab Professional

University of Colorado

Aurora, CO • On-site

$19.25 - $25.75/hr

Part-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


University Of Colorado Boulder rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

139th of 611 rated colleges and universities


Job description

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Department: Department of Cell & Developmental Biology - Anatomy Laboratory
Job Title: Anatomy Lab & Curriculum Support Professional (Entry Level) or Curriculum Support & Embalmer (Senior Level)
Position #00821241 - Requisition #33169
Job Summary:
The part-time, on-call Anatomy Lab & Curriculum Support Professionals will provide professional academic, operational, and administrative support to the Human Gross Anatomy Laboratory and the State Anatomical Board in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology. To secure appropriate teaching materials for multiple courses offered by the CU School of Medicine and the School of Dental Medicine, this role will perform comprehensive anatomic gross dissections and donor care to ensure the preservation of necessary anatomic materials. Additional responsibilities may include routine custodial services, plastination and skeletonization, maintaining and repairing educational collections, lab turnovers between courses, and administrative tasks related to the State Anatomical Board donor program. This position requires adherence to Anatomy Laboratory rules and regulations set by the Anatomy Lab Manager.
Some personnel may also act as an Embalmer and be responsible for embalming cadavers, in addition to the work above.
Key Responsibilities:
Gross Dissection for Gross Anatomy Curriculum - 90%:
  • Independently perform gross dissection on embalmed and/or fresh tissue human cadavers, including the dissection of specific regions, structures, and relationships. Use advanced principles of gross dissection and a higher level of anatomic knowledge to modify dissections and accommodate for anatomical variations.
  • Analyze dissection and course guides to accurately navigate the dissection process to ensure program goals and curriculum requirements are met. Curriculum requirements will differ depending on the course (medical, dental, graduate school, etc.). This role directly impacts and supports curriculum for MD Plains (Office of Medical Education), Child Health Associate/Physician Assistant Program (CHAPA), School of Dental Medicine, Modern Human Anatomy, WELCOME Program, Area Health Education of Colorado (AHEC), Department of Anesthesiology, Multiple Residency Programs, Department of Neurology, and others.
  • Provide donor care and protect cadavers during courses (proper wrapping and wetting, addressing preservation issues as needed).

Academic Support & Teaching Collections - 5%:
  • Collect, organize, inventory and store embalmed organs, plastinated organs, bones, skulls, and other teaching resources that are used to supplement Anatomy Lab experiences as requested.
  • Assist with learning activities, including demonstrations and trainings conducted by Course Directors, Program Directors, Residents, Staff, and Administrators who utilize the Anatomy Lab and its resources, under staff/faculty guidance as requested.

Anatomy Lab Turnovers & Cleaning - 5%:
  • Reset dissection labs between courses as requested.
  • Maintain cleanliness of dissection areas.

Embalmer (Senior Level):
  • In addition to the above, Embalmer level personnel will also preserve (embalm) human cadavers donated to the State Anatomical Board of Colorado (SAB) for anatomical studies, as requested. Follow SAB anatomical embalming protocol (modifying the protocol as needed for individual cadaver variation), place cadavers in body bags, transfer cadavers to the SAB cooler for storage, and maintain documentation on embalming donors.

Work Location:
Onsite - this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, Colorado.
Why Join Us:
The Anatomy Lab works closely with the State Anatomical Board of Colorado to provide educational, research, and scientific opportunities to over 35 professional healthcare institutions.
The University of Colorado offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, tuition benefits, ECO pass, paid time off - vacation, sick, holidays and more. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits-wellness.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
The University of Colorado (CU) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
Anatomy Lab & Curriculum Support Professional (Entry):
  • Bachelor's degree in biomedical or related field from an accredited institution.
    • Substitution: A combination of education and/or relevant technical experience may substitute for the degree on a year for year basis.
  • Experience working in a human gross anatomy dissection lab.

Curriculum Support & Embalmer (Senior):
  • Bachelor's degree in biomedical or related field from an accredited institution.
    • Substitution: A combination of education and/or relevant technical experience may substitute for the degree on a year for year basis.
  • Two or more years of experience working in a human gross anatomy dissection lab or in the funeral home industry.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.
Condition of Employment:
Must be willing and able to...
  • Frequently wash your hands, as biohazardous materials may be present.
  • Sit and stand for long periods of time, frequently walk, and bend/stoop, as well as execute repetitive motions.
  • Lift, push or pull up to 50 lbs.
  • Embalmer personnel will work in an environment that may expose you to fumes, chemicals, liquid nitrogen, extreme cold, blood/body fluids, and infectious disease.

Preferred Qualifications:
All Levels:
  • Master's degree in Anatomy from an accredited institution.
  • Experience working in a medical education environment.
  • Successful completion of a master's level human gross anatomy dissection course, or equivalent professional experience.

Embalmer Level:
In addition to the desired qualifications above...
  • Associate's degree in Mortuary Science.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
  • Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and organize work assignments.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of human anatomy.
  • Demonstrated experience in human cadaver dissection.

How to Apply:
For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):
1. Curriculum vitae / Resume
2. Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address.
Questions should be directed to: Debra Szuster, Anatomy Lab Manger (debra.szuster@cuanschutz.edu)
Screening of Applications Begins:
This is an ongoing posting, used to fill multiple vacancies. The review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until roles have been filled.
Anticipated Pay Range:
The starting hiring rates for these on-call, part-time positions have been established as:
  • Anatomy Lab & Curriculum Support Professional (Entry): $25.00/hour
  • Curriculum Support & Embalmer (Senior): $35.00/hour

The above hiring rates represent the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
These positions are eligible for overtime compensation.
Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.
Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125
ADA Statement:
The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@cuanschutz.edu.
Background Check Statement:
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.
Vaccination Statement:
CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.

What University Of Colorado Boulder employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom