CUSM Students Only* Anatomy Lab Student Assistant

Position Purpose 

Under the direct supervision of the Lab Director and Lab Manager, the Anatomy Lab Student Assistant will assist with medical education instruction across all classes (M1, M3, & M4) in various settings.  Students will be primarily utilized to serve the M1 cohort in their pre-clerkship courses (including anatomy, histology, pathology, microbiology, physiology, and immunology laboratories).

Essential Functions

• Provide educational support to instructors for M1 curricula – namely during scheduled lab sessions each week (TBD).
• Provide direct support to the Anatomy Lab Manager in circumstances of laboratory setups, laboratory maintenance, and donor deliveries, when necessary.
• Provide consistent and reliable availability to M1s as a study resource – by means of (1) office hours in the ANAT Lab, (2) e-mail/team contact, (3) course reviews/mock practicums, etc. Maintain current knowledge of 55-series materials and review items as necessary.
• Collaborate with other Student Assistants to create course reviews/mock practicums at the end of each block for M1 students.
• Assist the Anatomy team with the preparation, implementation, and tear-down of M4 elective courses (SURG-8411) and workshops (Intern Prep Course/IPC).
• Maintain laboratory safety standards and donor protection during laboratory activities – whether alone or guiding other students.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Educational Qualifications  

• Enrollment as a current CUSM MD student in good academic standing.
• Successfully completed and passed all courses in the 55 series pre-clerkship education, entering the 2025-2026 academic year as an M2 student.

Skills and Abilities 

• Must be knowledgeable in anatomy, histology, pathology, microbiology, physiology, and immunology.

• Must abide by laboratory safety standards as outlined by the laboratory safety manual.
• Must be comfortable handling donor cadavers (both plastinated and unpreserved) with an immense degree of respect and privacy.
• Must be willing to assist with laboratory maintenance (i.e., occasional deep cleaning, scanning for repairs, familiarizing oneself with safety equipment).
• Ability to uphold a high level of professionalism with other students, faculty, and staff.
• Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate information and concepts efficiently and concisely.
• Ability to balance the needs of multiple students at any one time.
• Approachable demeanor and willingness to help when requested. 

• Exceptional written and spoken communication skills.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Qualifications

•             Previous experience working with cadaveric tissues or donors. 

•             Previous experience as a tutor/student assistant. 

Other Requirements 

Items Used 

University standard equipment including lecture rooms, laboratory, and surgical settings.

Physical Requirements 

• Sit: Constantly
• Stand: Frequently
• Walk: Frequently
• Bend: Occasionally
• Squat: N/A
• Climb: N/A
• Crawl: N/A
• Lift: Up to 50 pounds

Mental Requirements 

• Read/Comprehend: Constantly
• Write: Constantly
• Perform Calculations: Occasionally
• Communicate Orally: Constantly
• Reason and Analyze: Constantly

Environmental Requirements 

• Is exposed to excessive noise: No
• Is around moving machinery: No
• Is exposed to marked changes in temperature and/or humidity: No
• Drives motorized equipment: No
• Works in confined quarters: No
• Dust: No
• Fumes: Yes

Disclaimer:

The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required to employees assigned to this job. 

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Job Description Preparation Date:  March 31, 2025

Diversity and Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement

California University of Science and Medicine (CUSM) supports the principles of equal opportunity, inclusion and diversity in employment and education. The University seeks to ensure that no person will encounter discrimination in employment or education on the basis of age, skin color, ability status, biological sex, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, immigration status, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual identity, or Veteran's status. This policy is applicable to both the employment practices and administration of programs and activities within the University. It is the policy of the University that no person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or in any way be subject to discrimination in any program or activity at the University. Further, CUSM is committed to being an antiracist institution that continuously works to end oppression in all forms. Therefore, CUSM actively maintains institutional structures and learning opportunities to prevent bias or discrimination incidents and address them with individual and collective accountability should they occur.