Adjunct Laboratory Technician (Human Anatomy)

Role Overview

This position supports the daily operation of the human anatomy laboratory within the School of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, ensuring that teaching spaces, specimens, and equipment are consistently ready for practical sessions. Reporting to the Senior Laboratory Technologist responsible for the Anatomy Laboratory, the technician handles specimen preparation, dissection station upkeep, and routine safety checks so that faculty and students can focus on hands-on learning. The role is essential for maintaining a respectful, hygienic, and regulation-compliant environment where human remains are handled with care and professionalism.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare preservative mixtures, reagents, and biological specimens ahead of scheduled practical classes and examination sessions.
• Keep the gross anatomy laboratory clean, sanitized, and organized, including sterilizing instruments and decontaminating work surfaces after each teaching block.
• Set up dissection stations and assist with cadaver dissection, pro-section preparation, and specimen orientation for instructional use.
• Monitor and record inventory levels for laboratory consumables, reagents, and equipment; document breakages, shortages, and incidents using official reporting forms.
• Dispose of biological waste, used samples, sharps, and specimens in line with institutional protocols and WHO Good Laboratory Practices.
• Support the collection, identification, preservation, and labeling of anatomical specimens used in teaching and practical assessments.
• Maintain orderly storerooms and working areas, verifying that all chemicals, tools, and apparatus are returned and stored safely after each exercise.
• Keep current with health and safety regulations affecting anatomy laboratory work, and carry out additional duties assigned by the supervisor, including community engagement activities.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Certificate or Diploma in Mortuary Sciences from a recognized institution, with practical experience preparing human anatomy or pathology specimens.
• Prior employment or attachment in an anatomy laboratory is a distinct advantage.
• Proven ability to maintain laboratory equipment, handle biological specimens, and follow strict safety and hygiene procedures.
• Strong commitment to confidentiality, integrity, and professionalism when working with human remains and sensitive materials.
• Effective teamwork, interpersonal, and communication skills, including the ability to work well with colleagues and negotiate schedules or resource needs when necessary.
• Self-motivated, dependable, adaptable, and detail-oriented in managing daily laboratory routines and unexpected demands.
• Working knowledge of WHO Good Laboratory Practices or equivalent quality and safety standards is preferred.