Anatomy and Microbiology Laboratory Assistant

Job description / Role

Working under the direction of the Anatomy Laboratory Manager and the Director of Host Defenses course, provides support in the anatomy laboratory, cadaver preparation area, and microbiology laboratory. Also provides technical assistance to the prosector in providing specimens for teaching and examination in anatomy. For the Microbiology laboratory part, the successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the medical teaching program and to engage in handling labs in the Host Defenses course.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assists with the daily maintenance of the anatomy and microbiology laboratories: providing support for all technical and material aspects relative to the use of cadaveric material for education. Ensures the cleanliness and serviceability of the anatomy and microbiology laboratories, dissection equipment, uniforms, and cadaver preparation areas.
- Assists with cadaver preparation for all phases of teaching including the performance of: bisections and transections, calvaria removal, laminectomies and other procedures as required by the Anatomy faculty.
- Provides assistance to the prosector in the preparation of detailed demonstration dissections for teaching. Utilizes a variety of hand held surgical equipment such as scalpels, scissors, chisels, hammers, manual and electric saws, and larger equipment such as the bandsaw and fork lift, when required.
- Prepares prosections to be utilized for teaching in Open Labs and in the Exams. Tracks student attendance in the Lecture and Dissection Hall, and maintains a record of the same.
- Enforces all safety regulations and procedures associated with contact of embalmed and unembalmed tissues, fluids and hazardous chemicals used in embalming, as well as all general laboratory safety procedures.
- Assists with maintaining the computerized system to organize and track cadaver procurement related records. Works in conjunction with the Division of Environmental Health and Safety to maintain the highest levels of safety standards.
- Assists with the process for proper preservation of cadavers and the safe refrigeration and storage of cadaveric material. Assists with preparation and thereafter cleaning of anatomy exhibition pavilion
- Prepares and conducts laboratory practical classes, and guides students in the microbiology laboratory sessions.
- Obtains specimens, cultivating, isolating and identifying microorganisms for analysis in the microbiology lab. Inoculates broths, or other bacteriological media with organisms, and grows microbe cultures in the microbiology laboratory.
- Responsible for maintaining the inventory of equipment and supplies in the both laboratories. Complies with laboratory safety procedures, and performs other job related duties as required.

Requirements

- Bachelors Degree in biology or a related subject.
- A minimum of three to five years experience working in cadaveric anatomy and microbiology laboratories.
- Knowledge and experience in anatomical techniques preferred, including prosection, embalming, bisection and transection, calvaria removal and laminectomy.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and tactfully with faculty and students under sensitive conditions required.
- Good computer and communication skills

About the Company

Founded in 1898 and affiliated with what is now New York - Presbyterian Hospital (NYPH) since 1927, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) is one of the top-ranked clinical and medical research centers in the U.S. It is committed to excellence in research, teaching and patient care, and the advancement of the art and science of medicine.

In addition to the degree in medicine, Weill Cornell offers PhD programs in biomedical research and education at the Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences; a joint MD-MBA program with Cornell's Johnson School of Management; and a joint MD-PhD program with Rockefeller University and Sloan-Kettering Institute.