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Trainee Autopsy Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Anatomic Pathologist

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$121K - $405K/yr

... and autopsy service. This position will hold a faculty appointment at UCSF at the Assistant ... Participation in trainee teaching, research, and quality improvement activities (including ...

Assures PA teaching duties and requirements for Gross Room and Autopsy trainees (residents, fellows or medical students) are being met and documented appropriately. * Oversees preservation of tissue ...

Assures PA teaching duties and requirements for Gross Room and Autopsy trainees (residents, fellows or medical students) are being met and documented appropriately. * Oversees preservation of tissue ...

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Trainee Autopsy information

What is a trainee autopsy?

A trainee autopsy refers to a post-mortem examination performed or observed by a medical professional who is in training, such as a pathology resident or forensic pathology fellow. Trainees learn to examine bodies to determine the cause of death, document findings, and understand disease processes under the supervision of experienced pathologists. This hands-on experience is essential for developing the skills needed to accurately assess and report on autopsy cases, while ensuring that all procedures adhere to legal and ethical standards.

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

To thrive as a Trainee Autopsy Technician, you need a background in biological sciences or forensic science, attention to detail, and knowledge of anatomy, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with laboratory instruments, safety protocols, and digital record-keeping systems is crucial. Strong communication, discretion, and the ability to work well under pressure are important soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure accurate post-mortem examinations, maintain legal and ethical standards, and support effective collaboration within forensic teams.

What are some common challenges faced by trainee autopsy professionals during their initial months on the job?

Trainee Autopsy professionals often encounter challenges such as adapting to the emotional aspects of working with deceased individuals and managing exposure to potentially distressing cases. Additionally, learning to accurately document findings and follow strict procedural protocols requires attention to detail and patience. Building effective communication skills is also important, as trainees frequently work alongside pathologists, law enforcement, and other healthcare professionals. Support and mentorship from experienced team members can help new trainees overcome these challenges and grow in their roles.

What is the difference between Trainee Autopsy vs Autopsy Technician?

AspectTrainee AutopsyAutopsy Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; specialized training or certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentLearning environment in medical examiner or morgue settingsAssisting with autopsies in morgues or forensic labs
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting pathologists, preparing bodies, learning autopsy proceduresPreparing equipment, assisting during autopsies, maintaining lab cleanliness

In summary, a Trainee Autopsy is an entry-level role focused on learning and assisting under supervision, while an Autopsy Technician typically has more hands-on responsibilities and may require additional training or certification. Both roles are essential in forensic and medical examiner settings, but the Trainee Autopsy emphasizes learning and support.

How long does it take to train as a trainee autopsy?

Training as a trainee autopsy typically lasts from several months up to a year, depending on the program and prior experience. It involves hands-on practice, understanding pathology, and learning to operate autopsy tools under supervision.

How to become a trainee autopsy with no experience?

To become a trainee autopsy, individuals typically need a background in biology, anatomy, or a related field, and may start by volunteering or seeking internships in medical examiner offices or pathology labs. Gaining knowledge of human anatomy, laboratory procedures, and safety protocols is essential, and some positions may require a high school diploma or equivalent, with on-the-job training provided. Certification or further education in forensic science or pathology can improve prospects for advancement in this field.

How to become a trainee autopsy?

To become a trainee autopsy, candidates typically need a background in biology, anatomy, or a related health science field, along with relevant coursework or experience. Most positions require completion of an educational program in forensic pathology or a related discipline, and some may require certification or licensing depending on the region. Gaining hands-on experience through internships or assisting licensed pathologists is also beneficial.

What are the most commonly searched types of Autopsy jobs in California?

The most popular types of Autopsy jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Trainee Autopsy jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Trainee Autopsy jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Trainee Autopsy jobs?

Cities in California with the most Trainee Autopsy job openings:

Infographic showing various Trainee Autopsy job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Staff Pathologists Assistant

Palo Alto, CA โ€ข On-site

Other

This job post hasย expired 1 day ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

If you're ready to be part of our legacy of hope and innovation, we encourage you to take the first step and explore our current job openings. Your best is waiting to be discovered.
Evening - 08 Hour (United States of America)
This is a Stanford Health Care job.
A Brief Overview
The Staff Pathologists Assistant (PA) dissects tissue specimens and provides dictated placement in plastic cassettes for embedding, staining, and microscopic analysis. This position includes coding and accessioning of specimens; processing breast and other complex tissue specimens according to established protocols; and instruction of residents, fellows, medical students, and faculty in Gross Room protocols and processes, as well as specimen photography. This position is responsible for providing direct coverage and responding on a STAT basis to the frozen section room for all SHC operating rooms and performing intraoperative consultations. The PA is also responsible for assisting and preserving tissue from specimens for the Department of Pathology Tissue Bank, and other adult and pediatric research groups. This position prepares and performs specimen radiography of breast, bone, and soft tissue specimens. The PA is also responsible for providing weekend and off-site location coverage on a rotational basis.
Locations
Stanford Health Care
What you will do

  • Receives samples via couriers or other hospital personnel. Handles patient's samples in an appropriate and efficient manner, distributing to the appropriate area of the laboratory or routing to other hospital departments as necessary according to procedure.
  • - Accessions patient samples into the Laboratory information system(s). Checks all requests for proper and accurate patient information. Consults with Supervisor if request is problematic. Notifies physician, nursing unit, clinic, etc. if sample received is inappropriate or compromised.
  • Completes a gross examination, dissection, and selection of representative tissue for microscopic examination for designated specimens. This includes weighing, measuring, and selectively photographing tissue specimens.
  • Assists pathologists with orientation, training, and instruction and of trainees to procedures and techniques of basic specimen handling, gross dissection, and dictation of both simple and complex specimens as well as the use of equipment.
  • Performs intraoperative consultations and fine needle aspiration (FNA) adequacies.
  • Performs specimen radiographs for selective specimens.
  • Preserves tissues for research, ancillary studies, and tissue bank.
  • Communicates with physicians, nurses, visitors and other laboratory/ hospital staff in a cooperative and courteous manner. 8. Responds to their needs appropriately with minimal waiting time.
  • Follows all departmental policies regarding attendance, punctuality and health and safety.
  • Independently resolves problems encountered in routine work. Recognizes problems or requests which require Supervisor and/or Lead assistance when appropriate.
  • Keeps current with all laboratory procedures, techniques, and changes in all areas of the laboratory through which they rotate. Meet competency standards of the department.
  • Assists in routine and regularly scheduled preventive maintenance for all equipment and spaces according to established procedures.
  • Expected behaviors include adaptability to change, collaboration toward common goals, self-motivation, and taking initiative.
  • Expected communication skills involve active listening and proper email etiquette.
  • Adheres to all Safety/Health regulatory and state/federal legal requirements and policies, operating procedures, and Services Standard of the Hospitals.
  • Serves as a technical resource for faculty, residents, and other laboratory personnel.
  • Autopsy specific tasks: Autopsy dissections and measurements / Assists in collection of specimens for laboratory and microscopic analysis / Instructs residents, fellows, medical students, and faculty in autopsy protocols and processes as well as specimen photography and radiology / Responsible for preparing specimens for the teaching collection and various research tissue protocols
  • Assists in maintenance and supply of the autopsy room
  • Participates in administrative roles such as health and safety certification for the autopsy service
Education Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree Bachelor's degree in a work-related discipline/field from an accredited college or university
  • Master's degree from an accredited Pathologists' Assistant program

Experience Qualifications
  • One (1) year of progressively responsible and directly related work experience preferred

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Ability operate and maintain medical equipment and apparatuses
  • Ability to analyze data, draw conclusions and interpret results
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
  • Ability to follow written and oral instructions
  • Ability to learn new procedures and adapt to technological changes in the laboratory
  • Ability to organize, prioritize, multi-task, and adapt to changing priorities
  • Ability to perform tasks according to prescribed procedures
  • Ability to work effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization
  • Knowledge and technical proficiency in specialty areas assigned within the laboratory
  • Knowledge of infection prevention policies and procedures
  • Knowledge of local, state and federal regulatory requirements related to areas of functional responsibility
  • Knowledge of mathematics general science and laboratory techniques

Licenses and Certifications
  • PA (ASCP) - Pathologist Assistant Certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology within 180 Days

Physical Demands and Work Conditions
Blood Borne Pathogens
  • Category I - Tasks that involve exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues

These principles apply to ALL employees:
SHC Commitment to Providing an Exceptional Patient & Family Experience
Stanford Health Care sets a high standard for delivering value and an exceptional experience for our patients and families. Candidates for employment and existing employees must adopt and execute C-I-CARE standards for all of patients, families and towards each other. C-I-CARE is the foundation of Stanford's patient-experience and represents a framework for patient-centered interactions. Simply put, we do what it takes to enable and empower patients and families to focus on health, healing and recovery.
You will do this by executing against our three experience pillars, from the patient and family's perspective:
  • Know Me: Anticipate my needs and status to deliver effective care
  • Show Me the Way: Guide and prompt my actions to arrive at better outcomes and better health
  • Coordinate for Me: Own the complexity of my care through coordination

Equal Opportunity Employer Stanford Health Care (SHC) strongly values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination in all of its policies and practices, including the area of employment. Accordingly, SHC does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity and/or expression, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, or disability, or the perception of any of the above. People of all genders, members of all racial and ethnic groups, people with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Qualified applicants with criminal convictions will be considered after an individualized assessment of the conviction and the job requirements.
Base Pay Scale: Generally starting at $62.75 - $83.16 per hour
The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training. This pay scale is not a promise of a particular wage.