Position Summary
The Pathology Technician is a full-time position responsible for providing essential operational and technical support for instructional and diagnostic activities conducted in the animal autopsy area. This role plays a critical part in ensuring the smooth daily functioning of pathology operations in support of faculty, students, and diagnostic services. The position occasionally requires flexible working hours, including early morning starts and late evenings, to meet operational needs.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintains inventory and orders the purchase of all learning materials, instruments,
equipment and supplies needed in the Pathology laboratory.
- Prepares in advance and sets up resources needed for the instructional activities
scheduled in the pathology laboratory.
- In accordance with environmental and health safety regulations, maintains
inventory and material safety data sheets of all chemicals used and/ or stored in
the gross pathology laboratory area.
- Receives animals submitted for post-mortem examination and collects and files
pertinent information that includes an autopsy authorization form and relevant
clinical history.
- Occasionally operates the pathology vehicle and collects autopsy/ tissue
submissions from our clinical partners.
- Properly labels, identifies, and stores the submitted cases until the autopsy is
performed by the pathologist on duty.
- Prepares the animals for autopsy and assists and takes directions from the
pathologists during the procedure.
- Becomes familiarized with standard autopsy techniques and protocols to
methodically expose and remove the internal viscera and minimize the chances of
missing or destroying lesions.
- Dissects and prepares fresh and fixed specimens for routine photography.
- Labels, documents, and properly store organs and tissues saved by the
pathologists to be kept as teaching specimens or to be submitted for ancillary
testing.
- Ensures that tissue samples, including properly filled submission forms, are
promptly and safely delivered to the various labs where ancillary testing is to be
performed.
- In cases where further specialized testing not available at LIU-CVM is needed,
ensures that collected samples are properly packed for mail delivery in
compliance with current safety guidelines. Proper packaging (using dry ice,
freezer packs etc.), clear labeling, and precise identification of contents
(hazardous, biological material) are necessary. The pathology technician will
make sure that all required documentation are included and properly sealed within
the package.
- Disposes all waste generated in the pathology laboratory using approved waste
disposal methods.
- In close collaboration with our office manager, ensures proper identification and
release of pet animal bodies to be picked up for cremation.
- Together with faculty pathologists, provides oversight and shares responsibility
for the safety of every individual working in the pathology laboratory area.
- Complies and enforces compliance with all standard operating procedures (SOPs)
that regulate activities in the pathology area.
- Maintains the orderliness and cleanliness of the pathology laboratory and
associated rooms (autopsy room, photography room, specimen storage rooms,
trimming room, cold rooms, and loading dock). Due to the special flooring in
these areas, a floor scrubber with special brushes along with disinfectant soaps
may be used.
- Operates autopsy equipment (including, but not limited to, monorail, hoist,
electric bandsaw, Stryker saw, chainsaw, and surgical tools).
- Performs/ schedules routine maintenance and general repairs of standard autopsy
equipment and instruments.
- Maintains a variety of records, databases and logbooks pertaining to equipment
maintenance and availability of pathology learning resources and specimens.
- Occasionally assists in the veterinary anatomy area.
- Performs other necessary duties as required.
- Regular work schedule is 40 hours per week.
Minimum Requirements
- High School diploma or equivalent with one year of relevant experience. A
degree in Animal Health Technology or equivalent technical background (such as
a Registered Veterinary Technician, or other related training in the veterinary
field or biomedical sciences) is preferred.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
- Physical ability and endurance to lift at least 50 pounds and withstand the
demands of the job, which includes heavy lifting and standing for long periods of
time. The position involves work predominantly in a laboratory, but also in
outdoor/field settings, with potential exposure to hazardous chemicals, biological
agents, and physically demanding tasks.
- Willingness to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) which may include
safety glasses, lab coat/ coveralls, gloves, respirators, face shields, and rubber
boots. Other strict safety protocols may be required, depending on the work
situation.
- Valid New York State driver’s license (or out-of-state transfer in process) at the
time of appointment, with a clean driving record. (Class D or commercial license)
- Familiarity with anatomy, medical terminology and experience working in a
veterinary or human pathology laboratory are preferable.
- An employee in this position must complete all appropriate background checks at the
time of hire, promotion, or transfer.
LIU-Lewyt College of Veterinary Medicine
January 2026
About The
Lewyt College of Veterinary Medicine at Long Island University:
LIU-LCVM
received a Letter of Reasonable Assurance from the AVMA- Council on Education
on October 16, 2019 and graduated its inaugural class in May 2024. Currently,
with over 75 off-campus affiliate sites, LIU Lewyt College of Veterinary
Medicine utilizes a distributed model of clinical education. The Lewyt College
of Veterinary Medicine has modern physical facilities designed to support its
instructional needs and research activities.
www.liu.edu/vetmed
LIU
is an equal opportunity employer. LIU is committed to extending equal
opportunity in employment to all qualified candidates who can contribute to the
diversity and excellence of our academic community. LIU encourages applications from all
qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, genetic
information, sexual orientation, gender and/or gender identity or expression,
marital or parental status, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship status, veteran
or military status, age, disability or any other basis protected by applicable
local, state or federal laws. Hiring is
contingent on eligibility to work in the United States.