Anatomy Technician

Job Summary

The mission of the Department of Medical Neuroscience is to foster research and training in neuroscience that advances the understanding and treatment of diseases of the nervous system.

Reporting to the Manager, Human Donation Program, the Anatomy Technician is responsible for the detailed and careful embalming of human cadavers, and for the technical and teaching support for the teaching laboratories and other resources in the Department, including all aspects of the Human Body Program.

Key Responsibilities

Sets up gross anatomy, neuroanatomy and histology teaching laboratories and classrooms with required materials (full body cadavers, prosections, brains, technical equipment, microscopes, etc.

Regular maintenance, organization and cleaning of the dissecting and teaching laboratories, clinical simulation lab and classrooms, preparation room, morgue, and museum / resource centre.

Regular embalming of donated human remains; ensures that body has been properly cleaned, enclosed, correctly numbered, and ensure proper storage in cooler.

This includes heavy lifting and movement of materials and equipment.

• Confirms receipt of proper donor legal documents / paperwork, correct identification of donor, check / confirm proper and complete filling out of on-site forms.
• As needed with regular use, measures and mixes chemicals to make embalming fluid, while adhering to university, laboratory and WHIMIS safety practices procedures.

Careful and methodical removal, potting and setting of brains.

Ongoing and annual preparation of new teaching materials, as requested. Regular general maintenance of equipment and ancillary equipment.

Assesses requirements for upgrades and / or repairs to equipment. Troubleshoots technical difficulties.

Assists in arrangement for interment services under the direction of the manager and performs other duties as required.

Note

Due to operational requirements, the successful applicant is required to work in-person on campus.

Required Qualifications

• Embalmer / Funeral Director license plus approximately four to five years of related work experience.
• Dissection or similar experience requiring precision and detailed work.
• Proven ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills to work with students and faculty, as well as ability to function as part of the team that supports gross anatomy teaching.
• Willingness to participate in forklift training.

Assets

• Good computer skills.
• Willingness to take anatomy courses to improve dissecting skills, etc., and gain a better understanding of the programs offered.

Job Competencies

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie’s core competencies in particular :

• Self-Awareness & Professionalism
• Integrity
• Adaptability
• Knowledge & Thinking Skills
• Communication

Additional Information

Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plans, a health spending account, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.

Application Consideration

Bargaining unit employees (NSGEU local 77) are given priority consideration and will be notified on the status of their application following assessment.

All other applications will be considered when there is no qualified candidate from the bargaining unit.

We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or Human Resources.

Diversity Statement

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.

The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black / African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community.

In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above.