We’re Hiring!

Necropsy Manager

Location of Position: Marin Headlands, Sausalito, California 

Reports to: Associate Pathologist

Position Classification & Expected Hours of Work, and Travel:

• This is a full-time position.
• Regular onsite work is required.
• Evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.
• Occasional travel to satellite facilities and/or fieldwork may be expected for this position.
• Air travel to conferences within the US or overseas may be required for this position.

Compensation Range: $70,720 - $80,308 annual salary.

Benefits:

• Holidays
• Sick Time
• Vacation
• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• 401k Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program

Job Summary:

The Necropsy Manager facilitates smooth operation of the necropsy laboratory through management of logistics, consumables, equipment, maintenance of records, and samples. Through close collaboration with the Pathology & Diagnostics team, the position will facilitate the core activities of the diagnostic service: gross necropsy, histopathology, and biobanking. Responsible for establishing and maintaining effective relationships with clinical investigators, staff, and external researchers and facilitating the collection, analysis, storage, and shipment of samples for collaborative research projects.

Essential Functions:

Necropsy: 60%

• Perform basic necropsy laboratory procedures as described in agreed necropsy and sampling protocols for dissection, specimen photography, specimen collection, data collection, necropsy report writing, and data entry.
• Perform basic necropsy procedures (basic dissection, tissue collection/preservation, tissue trimming, sample collection, etc.) on marine mammals or sea turtles.
• Ensures data entered into Center’s in-house electronic animal record system (Ruby), shipment of samples as dictated through shipping regulations, and record keeping is reflected timely and accurately. This includes archives, samples received and shipped (including histopathology samples), complete tracking documentation, and preparation of pathology materials and data for in-house biobank.
• Pull samples and ship for external and/or internal testing as requested by pathologists for ancillary testing or for approved internal or external research projects, and complete entry of laboratory results into the patient record in Ruby.
• Manage and maintain pathology digital photo archive, including taking necropsy and histopathology photos in accordance with protocols and after training.
• Performs quality control on internal data entry for cases, samples, and various research projects for accuracy within Ruby.
• Maintains necropsy facility, equipment, consumable supplies, PPE, signage, and hygiene following USDA good laboratory practice (GLP) standards.
• Ensures proper adherence to biosafety procedures and protocols in accordance with OSHA and internal policies. May assist in evaluating and developing biosafety protocols.
• Coordinates the disposal of carcasses, biohazard tissues, formalin, and formalin fixed tissues.
• Ensures proper adherence to NOAA and other agencies permitting requirements for necropsy/pathology services at the Center.
• Coordinate schedule of necropsy duty for pathologists, technical staff, and volunteers, as well as teaching hospital participants and teaching opportunities (e.g. wet labs).
• Assists in coordinating review of necropsy protocols and sampling requirements on an annual basis or more frequently as required (e.g. Dependent on disease outbreaks or other unforeseen events).
• Act as liaison with external partners for sea otter and sea turtle necropsies, sample collection, data collection, communication, and paperwork.
• Perform field necropsy of large whales while acting as a liaison with partner agencies such as CAS, including processing samples and assembly of paperwork including necropsy reports.
• Maintain equipment and sample archive for large whale necropsies.
• Reviews and coordinates specimen requests and relationships for collaborative (internal and external) research projects that require pathology specimens or results, including making protocols for sample collection for the necropsy floor.

Histology: 15%

• Perform basic histology laboratory procedures (trimming wet histopathology tissues).
• Maintains the histopathology biobank (wet tissues, slides, paraffin blocks) similar to responsibilities described above for tissue archive, including shipping and receiving samples, sample preparation, data entry and quality control in Ruby.
• Act as liaison on internal projects and cases regarding pathology/histology-based specimens and data, including specimen retrieval.
• Act as liaison on external collaborative projects regarding pathology/histology-based specimens and data, including shipment and receiving samples.

Training & Educational Outreach: 10%

• Trains and assists with training Teaching Hospital Program participants and pathology visitors in gross necropsy skills and anatomy.
• Coordinate scheduling of and may teach wet labs and workshops for visiting participants.
• Schedule and coordinate pathology visitors and Teaching Hospital Program participants.
• Reviews, coordinates, and manages shipments for specimen requests and relationships for teaching (e.g. carcasses, pelts, etc.) as well as necropsy workshops, wet labs, carcasses for teaching, etc.
• Assists with maintaining Teaching Hospital Program materials regarding pathology
• Coordinate the safety training, courses, and compliance for the pathology team.
• Train other staff or technicians on database, necropsy, histopathology, and/or biomaterial archive protocols, including shipping and other skills described above or part of daily tasks.
• May present to donors or other behind-the-scenes visitors as needed.
• May present at internal forums or speak with media as needed.

Leadership & Management: 10%

• Hire and oversee the work of staff; train and mentor staff members, assign duties, and monitor adherence to policies, protocols, and regulations.
• Meet with staff to identify and resolve problems; performs personnel actions, such as approving timesheets and evaluating performance.
• Provide leadership in strengthening internal communications with staff member(s) and the team and to create and promote a positive, supportive, and team-oriented work environment.
• May actively serve on organizational wide leadership committee(s)
• Approves and monitors direct reports expenditures.
• Represent and promote the Center through donor cultivation participation in partnership with the department as opportunities arise.
• Support and prioritize the Center’s DEI objectives and integrate as opportunities arise.

Other Duties as Assigned: 5%

• Perform special projects and research as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility:
1 – Necropsy Technician

May include supervisory responsibility for temporary necropsy technicians as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Commitment to the mission of The Marine Mammal Center.
• Knowledge of physiology and anatomy. Basic applied knowledge of mammal and sea turtle anatomy and physiology is preferred.
• Knowledge of histopathology and histology trimming/processing and methods and techniques of veterinary clinical procedures (e.g., Venipuncture).
• Experience working with and handling animals/specimens in a research environment (sterile techniques, tissue harvests, collection of specimens, and other animal-related procedures).
• Experience in necropsy procedures for collection of tissue samples for histopathologic evaluation and experience with technical aspects of animal necropsy including dissection, tissue collection, and instrument/equipment maintenance.
• Experience with biohazard waste management and zoonotic disease/specimen management. (Required)
• Working understanding of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Marine Fisheries Services (NMFS).
• Skills to train staff, volunteers, and training participants in all methods/techniques and concepts pertinent to the Center’s necropsy caseload and protocols.
• Ability to record, manage, analyze data, and perform statistical analysis as well as organize data and prepare written summaries, develop animal protocols, and necropsy/postmortem reports.
• Ability to apply concepts and practices associated with guidelines.
• Ability to maintain a clean and tidy laboratory and necropsy facility and operate equipment safely and competently to carry out tasks.
• Excellent written, verbal, and active listening communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and maintain open communication in a team environment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction to manage projects, priorities, fulfill commitments, and meet deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills including attention to detail, problem-solving, multi-tasking, and time-management skills.
• Ability to solve problems efficiently and effectively, making determinations and judgment calls while prioritizing work activities.
• Adapts to and learns from change, challenges, and feedback; demonstrates flexibility in approaches to work; helps others adapt to new tasks and processes.
• Skills using Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Word).
• Skills using videoconference technology (Slack, Teams, Zoom).
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, which may include staff, volunteers, training participants, and members of the public.
• Ability to communicate and interact effectively with people across cultures, ethnic groups, and identities.
• Ability to practice self-awareness and respect while engaging with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Willingness to support and participate in The Marine Mammal Center’s diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

Qualifications and Experience:

• This position requires a combination of education and/or experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in animal science, biology, anatomy, or related field; or a relevant qualification such as Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT), Laboratory Technician (LAT), or Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG) certification or veterinary technician training and curriculum in a certified program; and 4 years of experience in a laboratory or related animal science with at least 2 years necropsy experience preferred; and 2 years of supervisory experience.
• Respirator Fit Test required which will be provided upon hire and ongoing as necessary.
• Valid driver license with acceptable motor vehicle record to maintain standards of insurability.
• Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination or waiver (medical or religious)

Work Environment & Physical Requirements: 

• This position requires work in a necropsy and laboratory environment, which requires use of sharp objects, working around mechanical parts, working with or near known or unknown toxic or caustic chemicals and/or biological hazards, exposure to fumes and airborne particles, and working with strong odors associated with animals and carcasses.
• This position requires work in an environment that involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials or chemicals and situations that require extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment and completion of training procedures.
• This position operates in a professional office, laboratory, and hospital environment both indoors and outdoors with access to other parts of the facilities via outdoor pathways.
• Working in outdoor weather conditions and elements may be required for field necropsies.
• Routinely uses standard office equipment requiring repetitive motion.
• Ability to work at a desk for extended periods of time using a computer.
• Ability to participate in cetacean mortality investigations, requiring training and use of sharp instruments.
• Ability to perform physical work requiring manual dexterity, agility, strength, and coordination including ability to move up to 50 pounds (22kg). Ability to crouch down and work with large carcasses.
• Ability to spend extended periods on your feet, walking, and climbing stairs (potentially in inclement weather conditions).
• Exposure to allergens and zoonotic diseases.
• Involves strong smells associated with dead animals (carcasses) and the care of live animals.

OUR MISSION

The Marine Mammal Center advances ocean health through marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, research, and education.

ABOUT THE MARINE MAMMAL CENTER

For more information, please visit our “About Us” page at www.marinemammalcenter.org

TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter and resume and provide a brief description about how your experience aligns with the role.

Note that applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

The Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, age (40 and over), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic protected by Federal and State law, including considerations of intersectionality where multiple protected characteristics overlap.

We are committed to providing a fair and accessible hiring process. If you need reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know.