Forensic Neuropathologist Salary Depends on Qualifications Location Houston, TX Job Type Regular Full-time Job Number 15307 Department Institute of Forensic Sciences Division Pathology Services Opening Date 07/17/2025 Closing Date 12/31/2025 11:59 PM Central Max Number of Applicants 100 Description Benefits Questions Position Description MissionThe 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.VisionTo 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 Neuropathologist Overview:The Forensic Neuropathologist conducts crucial components of medicolegal death investigations pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure 49.25, specifically by providing specialized neuropathology examinations for various types of death; providing neuropathology consultation to Assistant Medical Examiners both at the time of autopsy examination and in subsequent more specialized examination settings; providing testimonial evidence in court on various neuropathology subjects; and teaching trainees (forensic pathology fellows, pathology residents, medical residents, and medical students) about various aspects of neuropathology and how those neuropathology findings impact medicolegal death investigation.Duties & Responsibilities:Conducts and completes neuropathology components of medicolegal death investigations pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure 49.25, including gross examination of brains, spinal cords, eyes, and other specimens as may be indicated; interpreting gross anatomic and microscopic pathology; reviewing and synthesizing of medical records and police reports in the context of neuropathology findings; and crafting timely and thorough neuropathology reports to be used as a component of full autopsy reportsProvides gross neuropathology consultation to Assistant Medical Examiners during forensic autopsies, including examination of fresh specimens and formalin-fixed specimens; provides microscopic neuropathology consultation to Assistant Medical Examiners, including both histology of specimens that were examined grossly and other cases where consultation is requested for microscopic findingsProvides expert testimony in criminal and civil court matters relating to neuropathology and medicolegal death investigations, including case involving neuropathology questions arising in cases for which the initial examination was performed by another pathologist; prepares for testimony by attending depositions and pretrial conferences with attorneys as neededParticipates in ongoing quality assurance and quality improvement activities within the Pathology Division, including regular attendance at daily case assignment and review conferences, and weekly quality assurance and consensus conferencesIs fully engaged in teaching activities at the Department including mentoring forensic pathology fellows, supervising medical residents, and providing guidance to medical students, including providing direct supervision and instruction in performance as well as instructional presentations and lectures to the Pathology and Investigations DivisionsHarris 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 Education:Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Osteopathy (DO), or Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)Licensure & Certification:Licensed to practice medicine in Texas (prior to employment)Certification by the American Board of Pathology in anatomic pathology and neuropathologyMaintain a valid Texas Driver's License and maintain ability to safely operate a motor vehicleKnowledge, Skills & Abilities:Expertise in forensic neuropathology, forensic pathology, general anatomic pathology, and broad foundational knowledge of other medical and surgical specialtiesAbility to communicate effectively and politely with lay, technical, medical, and legal audiences; ability to dictate neuropathology findings to seamlessly integrate with completed autopsy reports; and provide testimony as required in civil and criminal proceedingsMust be able to calmly, effectively, and convincingly express complex analytical conclusions and medical decisions in adversarial situationsExcellent time management skills, strategies, and abilities; ability to work independently with minimal supervision, prioritizing and handling multiple tasks simultaneouslyBasic computer skills including Microsoft OfficeNOTE: 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:Two years' experience in forensic neuropathology in hospital or medical examiner's officeExperience in viewing / interpreting postmortem CT scans and / or neuroradiology scans General Information Position Type, and Typical Hours of Work:Full time; Monday - FridayConsistently requires > 40 hours per weekHours may vary based on needs of DepartmentMust be available to work during severe weather events or other emergencies if necessaryWork Environment:Office / morgue settingPotential Exposures:Routine exposure to deaths of adults and children that resulted from violence, natural disease, environmental hazards, and toxinsWill be exposed to biohazardous materials and offensive odorsPhysical Demands:Medium work.Requires physical strength to push, pull, and lift up to twenty (20) pounds frequently and repeatedlyMust be physically able to stand for extended periodsMust be able to effectively don and doff appropriate personal protective equipment (including N95 mask, gown, face protection, as well as self-contained breathing apparatus as required), and be able to wear personal protective gear for extended periods (hours) while conducting intricate postmortem examinationsReporting Relationships:Reports to: Deputy Chief Medical ExaminerEmployment 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 BENEFITSHarris 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 BenefitsMedical CoverageDental CoverageVision CoverageWellness PlanLife Insurance Long-Term Disability (LTD) InsuranceEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)Healthcare Flexible Spending AccountDependent Care Flexible Spending AccountPaid Time Off (PTO)Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)Eleven (11) County-observed holidaysOne (1) floating holiday per yearPaid Parental LeaveSick LeaveRetirement Savings Benefit457 Deferred Compensation PlanThe following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:Professional learning & development opportunitiesRetirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan) Flexible work scheduleMETRO RideSponsor Program** Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.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 of Medicine (MD), Doctorate of Osteopathy (DO), or a Bachelor of Medicine and a Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)? Yes No 02 Please describe your educational background including level of education completed, area of study and completed major and minor programs. 03 Which of the following best describes your verifiable experience in forensic neuropathology in hospital or medical examiner's office? (To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your applications employment history) Less than two (2) years Two (2) years but less than three (3) years Three (3) years but less than four (4) years Five (5) years or more I do not have this experience 04 Please provide details about your verifiable experience in forensic neuropathology in hospital or medical examiner's office. Do not use "Please see Resume" or "See Resume" (To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your applications employment history) Please include your (a) role(s), (b) types of organizations, (c) scope of duties and responsibilities If you do not have this experience, please type "None" in the space provided. 05 Do you have experience in viewing / interpreting postmortem CT scans and / or neuroradiology scans? Yes No 06 Are you Licensed to practice medicine in Texas? Yes No, but able to become licensed prior to employment No, I am not licensed 07 Do you have a Certification by the American Board of Pathology in anatomic pathology and neuropathology? Yes No 08 Which of the following describes your level of proficiency using a personal computer and common office software such as MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook). Please select your level of proficiency based on the following descriptions: Advanced: A person with this level of skills is able to produce very large, complex formal documents that require a table of contents, footnotes, endnotes, bookmarks, and other special elements; a wide range of graphic effects, and use advanced techniques for analyzing and manipulating data. Has full mastery of Macro commands and skills to tie the objects together into a cohesive system by using Macros and Visual Basic for Applications code. Makes interactive presentations by using hyperlinks and action buttons. Intermediate: A person with this level of skills is able to customize toolbars, import and insert graphs, embed Excel data, and elaborate reports. Understands the concepts of databases and is able to work with charts and to use the list management capabilities of Excel. Able to use complex query techniques, create efficient forms and reports, and create Macros to automate these forms. Makes interactive presentations by using hyperlinks and action buttons. Basic: A person with this level of skills is able to use basic formatting, editing, printing functions, and understands the document page setup. Has the ability to enter and correct data, modify a workbook, format a worksheet, and use printing functions. Understands the different database concepts and structures and is familiar with data validation and is able to create a simple presentation in PowerPoint, run it, and print it. Entry Level: A person with this level of skills has the ability to open, create, save and modify documents in Word, send and receive email in Outlook and create spreadsheets in Excel. Format documents for printing, comfortable using the printer menu to preview documents. Has ability to change the font, the margins, insert or delete pages and use the built-in spellchecker and grammar check. Advanced Intermediate Basic Entry Level Not proficient 09 This role requires a Valid Drivers License (Texas upon hire) Do you have a Valid Drivers License? Yes, I have a Valid Texas Drivers License Yes, I have a Valid Drivers License but understand I must obtain a Valid Texas Drivers License prior to start date No, I do not have a Valid Drivers License 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