Medical Photographer Trainee
Photography in medicine and the applied sciences is an interesting and challenging career path. Biomedical photographers are often problem solvers, proficient in several areas of the photographic process. From lab to studio or location to operating room, the photographer must be competent and professional. The photographs we make will be used for teaching purposes or reproduced in journal articles as well as to illustrate text books. The biomedical photographer needs to be well versed in the general areas such as portraiture, architectual and product photography. He or she also needs knowledge in the special areas, such as photomicrography, macro photography, operating room procedures, specimens and public relations to mention just a few.


Major Duties:
The trainee will learn and perform many types of photographic methods utilized in the field of biomedical photography on a day-to-day basis:
•   High volume production of numerous types of copy slides for teaching purposes. Producing 4x5 negatives and their subsequent prints of polyacrylamide gels, x-rays, continuous tone and line copy for book and journal publications.
•   Utilizing varied types of camera equipment and formats to produce photographs of small objects, microscopic subjects, and biological specimens as well as document patients in the operating room, autopsy room, and various clinics throughout the hospital and medical school.
•   Operating and maintaining B&W and color roller transport processors for E-6 and E-4 film development.


Factors for Postition:
Knowledge Required by the Position
A minimum of an Associate's degree is required for this position. Applicants with 3 to 5 years work experience will be considered with a submission of a portfolio for review. Knowledge of small, medium, and large format camera handling, exposure, B/W and color film development and printing is necessary. Utilization of special equipment and techniques will be learned on-the-job. Knowledge of basic biology and anatomy is useful.


Supervisory Controls:
The supervisors make assignments for the various work stations, inform trainees regarding client's specific instructions, and offer training and advice on how to accomplish the work in the best possible manner. The trainee performs routine work on his own initiative while complex work is overseen by the supervisor. Work is reviewed by the supervisor, at random, for quality with the ultimate reviewer being the actual client.


Guidelines:
Photographic procedures are pre-established in regard to routine work and equipment maintenance. The trainee will use his own judgment in regard to more complex and creative assignments within the parameters of the client's request.


Complexity:
Much of the work requires the following specific instructions, i.e., size, contrast, and quantity. A large portion of the work will require artistic judgment and photographic skill on the part of the trainee to produce pleasing, useful, and informative photographs for the client.


Scope and Effect:
Photographic work is used to aid in teaching purposes and to facilitate the advancement of medical science by providing visual references to support research and provide a means of communication and information when the research is made available to colleagues and the public.


Personal Contacts:
Personal Contacts are with other trainees and staff working in the laboratory as well as with customers who have photographic requests. Contacts are for the purpose of exchanging information and ideas with other staff members, and providing information and advice to clients in regard to their photographic needs. Trainees will rotate through three different labs - Pathology, Turner and Homewood.


Physical Demands:
The work involves considerable standing at the various work stations. Some lifting of containers, cartons, and equipment is also required (items can weigh up to 50 pounds).


Work Environment:
The trainee will adhere to the prescribed safety precautions while working with machinery, cameras, and photographic chemicals.


Salary:
The students in the two-year training program receive full employee benefits. At the end of the first year, the trainee receives a raise and is required to submit an updated resume and portfolio for review. While a position in our department is not guaranteed at the completion of the two year program, our placement rate is excellent.