2025/159 Trainee Pathology Anatomical Technician – Permanent, Full Time
INTERNAL & EXTERNAL COMPETITION. Applications are invited for the following position within the Rotunda Hospital. Ref No: 2025/159. The purpose of this post is to support the clinical needs of patients in cooperation with the consultant histopathologist, laboratory manager, chief medical scientist, senior medical scientist and staff grade medical scientists.
Key Responsibilities
* Assist with post‑mortem examinations and support the pathologists during the procedure.
* Prepare bodies for post‑mortem examination according to the instructions of the pathologists.
* Maintain cleanliness, disinfection, and safekeeping of mortuary equipment and instruments.
* Reception, identification, storage, and accurate record‑keeping of all bodies received.
* Coordinate the discharge of deceased to authorised funeral directors in accordance with law and safety procedures.
* Maintain accurate mortuary and autopsy registers and assist in compiling related statistics.
* Ensure compliance with health and safety, Fire Policy, GDPR, Human Tissue Act 2024, ISO 15189 and other mandatory policies.
* Provide liaison with hospital staff, relatives, funeral directors, Garda, Medics, and the Coroners Office.
* Arrange and facilitate relative and Garda viewing of the deceased, handling bereaved families with sensitivity and cultural awareness.
* Undergo safety precautions for the post‑mortem room and mortuary, ensuring correct PPE is worn at all times.
* Support work outside normal hours when required by the coroner, Garda or pathologist.
* Participate in and help train new staff under the guidance of the mortuary manager.
* Perform other duties as appropriately assigned by hospital management, in line with quality manuals.
* Assist in the collection, logging, and analysis of placental specimens from the labour ward.
* Manage stocks of disposable materials and instruments, liaising with administrators for supplies.
* Maintain confidentiality regarding patient and staff information.
Qualifications
* Level 3 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology awarded by the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH).
* Equivalent qualification approved by the Minister of Health.
* Applicants wishing to develop a career in this field may be considered.
Training and Development
The trainee will work toward the RSPH Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Science (Anatomical Pathology Technology) and has the opportunity to complete training within two years. Training combines theory and practical work with a mentor and includes a portfolio of evidence of competence. The trainee will undertake five theory modules covering Human Anatomy & Physiology, Governance & Administration, Health & Safety, Microbiology & Infection Control, and Principles of Effective Communication.
Skills, Competencies and Knowledge
* Good character and professional appearance, with awareness of behaviour impact on others.
* Basic knowledge of human anatomy and strong grasp of health and safety practices, including infection control and manual handling.
* Excellent attention to detail in data recording and specimen handling.
* Ability to remain calm, focused and professional in emotionally charged or distressing situations.
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with compassion when supporting bereaved families.
* Empathetic, respectful, and non‑judgmental approach to diverse cultural backgrounds.
* Team‑working skills in liaising with pathologists, Garda, funeral directors and the Coroners Office.
* Written communication skills for record keeping.
* Initiative and capability to work with minimal supervision.
* Organisational and time‑management skills.
* Confidence in own judgement.
* Cultural awareness and sensitivity to religious and cultural practices surrounding death.
* Proactive, self‑motivated attitude with willingness to learn and develop professionally.
* Basic IT skills and understanding of confidentiality and data protection.
* Knowledge of legal and ethical frameworks, including Human Tissue Act 2024.
Employment Details
Seniority level: Internship
Employment type: Full‑time
Location: Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland (Rotunda Hospital)
Application Instructions and Closing Date
Applications should be made via the Rotunda Hospital platform and include a current Curriculum Vitae and cover letter. All informal enquiries may be directed to the hospital administration. Closing Date: Friday 28th November 2025.
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