Forensic Anthropology PostDoc Fellow- Unknown Decedent Identification
Salary
$36.06 Hourly
Location
Houston, TX
Job Type
Grant-funded Full-time
Job Number
17057
Department
Institute of Forensic Sciences
Division
Forensic Anthropology
Opening Date
08/05/2026
Closing Date
8/19/2026 11:59 PM Central
Max Number of Applicants
500
Position Description
Mission
The Mission of the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences is to provide medical examiner and crime laboratory services of the highest quality in an unbiased manner with uncompromised integrity.
Vision
To provide consistent, quality death investigation and laboratory analysis for the benefit of the entire community.
To create a technological strongpoint for legal agencies to facilitate justice in criminal and civil proceedings.
To establish an academic environment for training in the field of Forensic Science.
Brief Forensic Anthropology PostDoc Fellow-Unknown Decedent Identification Overview:
The Forensic Anthropology PostDoc Fellow for Unknown Decedent Identification is a time-limited position for two years that will solely perform tasks specific to the identification of unknown decedents for whom the Department has medicolegal jurisdiction.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Review and update HCIFS unknown decedent case files and recommend cases for exhumation.
Resubmit fingerprints for all possible unknown decedents.
Coordinate potential exhumations with Harris County Bereavement Services.
Develop a biological profile (age, sex, ancestry, stature, etc) for each exhumed decedent.
Extract and submit DNA specimens from exhumed decedents to the HCIFS Forensic Genetics Division.
Coordinate with external forensic genetic genealogy service providers.
Coordinate media releases for unknown decedents with Texas Center for the Missing.
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net.
This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Requirements
TRANSCRIPTS MAY REQUIRED PRIOR TO INTERVIEW; OFFICIAL CERTIFIED ORIGINAL TRANSCRIPTS WILL BE REQUIRED PRIOR TO ANY JOB OFFER.
Education:
Licensure:
Additional Requirements:
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Advanced knowledge and in-depth understanding of anthropological theory, principles, procedures, and techniques as they relate to identification of human remains
Ability to apply knowledge of anthropological theory, principles, procedures, and techniques to practical analysis and curation of human remains
Advanced writing, analytical, and problem resolution skills
Ability to communicate effectively with lay, technical, medical, and legal audiences, and to work independently with minimal supervision, prioritizing and handling multiple tasks simultaneously
Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office
NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
Preferences
Experience:
General Information
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
Temporary | Full-Time
This is a two-year, time-limited position
Work Environment & Physical Demands:
Office / field / morgue setting
Requires physical strength to lift up to 20 pounds in the routine performance of duties
Must be able to sit or stand for prolonged periods
Potential Exposures:
Reports to: Director, Anthropology and Emergency Management
Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.
The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:
Health & Wellness Benefits
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Retirement Savings Benefit
The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:
In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the Countys behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:
www.benefitsathctx.com
01
Do you have a Doctorate degree (by employment start date) from an accredited college or university in Forensic or Biological Anthropology or related field?
02
Please describe your educational background including level of education completed, area of study and completed major and minor programs.
03
Do you have experience in a medical examiner, academic, or similar setting performing anthropology examinations, including the assessment and analysis of human remains and submission of associated reports?
04
If you selected Yes" in regard to the previous question, please describe your professional knowledge and/or experience. NOTE: Please DO NOT use "See Resume" as we do not use resumes for qualifications. (Type N/A if not applicable)
05
This position requires possession of a valid Texas-issued drivers license and ability to safely operate a motor vehicle upon hire. If hired, will you be able to meet this requirement? If currently licensed, please be sure to include all related details in the Certificates and Licenses section of your application.
Required Question
Employer Harris County
Address 1111 Fannin St
Ste. 600
Houston, Texas, 77002
Phone 713-274-5445
Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/harriscountytx
| Location | Houston, TX |