Necropsy Technician

Veterinary Pathology Assistant

Provide support to veterinary pathologists, residents, and students during post mortem examinations. Duties include active participation in necropsy procedures for a wide range of animal species (mammalian, avian, reptile, etc.) and maintaining necropsy laboratory facilities and equipment in a clean, organized, and ready to use condition. This position requires regular communication and coordination with pathology faculty, other necropsy staff, sample receiving staff, case submitters, and other laboratory personnel.

Salary Grade: 12

PPM Lab

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Maintain cleanliness of floors, walls, tables, countertops, sinks, cabinets, equipment, and instruments in the necropsy, cooler, digester, and loading dock areas daily before and after necropsy activities.

2. Assist with the performance of necropsies, including preliminary setup and opening of the animal carcasses.

3. Assist in the collection and labeling of tissue samples for ancillary testing and coordinate preparation of samples for submission to diagnostic laboratories.

4. Operate, maintain, and ensure the safe use and proper function of necropsy-related equipment, including hoists, winches, bandsaws, and the forklift.

5. Maintain adequate supplies, solutions, fixatives, disinfectants, and equipment required for necropsy procedures and sample collection.

7. Manage the proper disposition of animal remains, including operating the incinerators in accordance with safety and regulatory requirements.

8. Maintain the cleanliness and availability of laboratory coats, coveralls, and other personal protection equipment (PPE) used by pathologists, residents, students, and other laboratory personnel.

9. Be responsible for inventory, including determining needs and ordering necropsy supplies and equipment, and scheduling equipment maintenance.

10. Ensure that all safety and biosecurity regulations are strictly followed.

11. Gross sectioning of necropsy specimens for histologic processing for pathologists.

12. Serve as a liaison with Sample Receiving personnel to ensure smooth coordination of necropsy cases and sample handling.

13. Cross-train in Sample Receiving and aid in other sections when needed.

14. Routinely assist with staining, cover slipping, and digitally scanning cytologic and histologic slides.

15. Support and participate in the laboratory quality assurance program.

16. Participate in the laboratory's response to foreign animal disease investigations or outbreak situations.

17. Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and federal guidelines related to biosecurity and waste disposal.

18. Participate in the process of interviewing, hiring, and scheduling necropsy student workers and oversee their daily duties.

19. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. High school diploma or equivalent.

2. Ability to lift, move, or carry up to and occasionally over 50 lbs.

3. Ability to pass Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR) Medical Clearance for use of PAPRs when needed-or-Any equivalent combination of related experience and/or education approved by the Department of Human Resources Management.

ABDs or degree pending considered (all but DISS):

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's degree.

2. Experience with animal care and handling.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Excellent written, interpersonal, and verbal communication skills.

Excellent multitasking skills.

Excellent time management and prioritization.

Skill in the use of computers and working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database software packages.

Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.

Skill in providing guidance and instruction in laboratory protocols and in the safe use of laboratory equipment.

Proactivity and initiative.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

Work is normally performed in a typical interior/laboratory work environment.

The employee is frequently required to stand for long periods, walk, use hands to manipulate, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, talk, and hear.

This individual is regularly required to stand, sit, stoop, kneel, or crouch.

Heavy lifting has been minimized where possible with a hoist system and wheeled equipment, but this individual will be required to lift up to 50 pounds independently, and up to 200 pounds with group assistance.

Duties will require wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including lab coats, coveralls, face masks or face shields, gloves, or powered air purifying respirators (PAPR).

Rabies vaccination and routine antibody titer checks are required.

Work hours may vary, including occasionally working after 5:00 pm, on rare weekends, and on limited holidays.

Frequent interruptions based on changing priorities and occasional exposure to requests from people other than the immediate supervisor.

Limited exposure to elements such as heat, cold, noise, dust, dirt, chemicals, etc.

Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically.

Instructions for Applying:

Applicants must apply online at Please include a cover letter and resume along with the names and addresses of at least three references. Please contact Dr. Ann Marie McBride at View email address on click.appcast.io if you have any additional questions or concerns.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, View phone number on click.appcast.io.

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io.

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.