We use cookies. Find out more about it here. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.
#alert
Back to search results
New

Anatomical Preparation Specialist

University of California - Irvine
medical insurance
United States, California, Irvine
Jul 16, 2025
Who We Are

Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation's top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It's located in one of the world's safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County's second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide.

To learn more about UC Irvine, visit www.uci.edu.

Each year, more than a 1,000 Californians make an extraordinary gift to the University of California by donating their bodies to support the education of health professionals and to further scientific research. At UCI, our Willed Body Program was established to support the work of our School of Medicine and the UCI Medical Center where we train our healthcare workforce and improve the health and lives of people in our community.

When a person donates their body to science, they give students first-hand knowledge of the anatomical structures of the human body, help to advance research and residency programs, as well as assist practicing physicians and biomedical scientists who rely on this generosity to support new medical advancements.

Our program supports the California State University and California Community College systems as well as educational, healthcare and industry partners throughout California and beyond.


Your Role on the Team

The Anatomical Preparation Specialist is responsible for independently and confidentially managing both program assigned and individually initiated projects for the UC Irvine Willed Body Program (WBP). In collaboration with the WBP Director, is also responsible for operation of an anatomical preparation morgue. Interfaces with WBP donors and client families as an authorized representative of the University. Responsible for the enforcement of all applicable University and Systemwide policies and procedures pertaining to anatomical donation and compliance with the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act (UAGA). Fully analyzes high level program operations from inception to completion under the general direction of the WBP Director.


What It Takes to be Successful

Required:

  • Knowledge of California law governing crematories, funeral directors, embalmers, Cal-OSHA, Organ donations, California Business and Professions Code demonstrated knowledge of Funeral Cemetery, and Crematory Codes.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of California Health Department regulations on vital statistics and experience filing death certificates and disposition permits.
  • Technical experience in preparation techniques for long-term preservation in autopsy-like dissecting or recoveries to create specialized anatomical specimens.
  • Solid skills to provide direction and guidance to less experienced staff members and medical students; and presenting materials to medical students.
  • Ability to communicate with faculty, medical students, staff, prospective donors and the general public regarding the use of anatomical gifts and anatomical materials.
  • Demonstrated computer skills in using database registry.
  • Knowledge of working in a bio hazardous workplace, including handling of blood borne pathogens, formaldehyde monitoring and storage of hazardous materials.
  • Solid interpersonal skills to develop relationships with peers, faculty, student and donor families.
  • Theoretical knowledge of human anatomy, biology and physiology.
  • Ability to oversee cremation and scattering of cremated donor remains.
  • Ability to perform dissections and preparations for anatomy study in an efficient and skillful manner.
  • Associate degree in mortuary science or equivalent.
  • California Licensed Embalmer
  • California Funeral Director's License
  • California Driver's License
  • Crematory Operator License, if applicable.
  • 4-6 years with BA/BS or equivalent education/experience.

Preferred:

  • Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training is preferred.
  • Tissue Bank Specialist certification is preferred.

Special Conditions:

  • The nature of the work requires that employee be able to meet the demands of the job 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Total Compensation

In addition to the salary range listed below, we offer a wealth of benefits to make working at UCI even more rewarding. These benefits may include medical insurance, sick and vacation time, retirement savings plans, and access to a number of discounts and perks. Please utilize the links listed here to learn more about our compensation practices and benefits.

Conditions of Employment:

The University of California, Irvine (UCI) seeks to provide a safe and healthy environment for the entire UCI community. As part of this commitment, all applicants who accept an offer of employment must comply with the following conditions of employment:

  • Background Check and Live Scan
  • Employment Misconduct*
  • Legal Right to work in the United States
  • Vaccination Policies
  • Smoking and Tobacco Policy
  • Drug Free Environment

*Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

The following additional conditions may apply, some of which are dependent upon business unit or job specific requirements.

  • California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act
  • E-Verify
  • Pre-Placement Health Evaluation

Details of each policy may be reviewed by visiting the following page - https://hr.uci.edu/new-hire/conditions-of-employment.php

Closing Statement:

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce along with honoring unique experiences, perspectives, and identities. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.

UCI provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. For more information, please contact Human Resources at (949) 824-0500 or eec@uci.edu.


Consideration for Work Authorization Sponsorship

Must be able to provide proof of work authorization
Applied = 0

(web-8588dfb-dbztl)