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Forensic Pathologist Assistant Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

DHA

Physician (Radiology-Diagnostic)

Dover, DE · On-site

$400K/yr

... assist in determining cause and manner of death. * Interpret post-mortem imaging of active-duty ... Oversee and interpret all radiological examinations conducted by the Forensic Pathology ...

All JobsForensic Pathologist JobsForensic Pathologist Assistant JobsForensic Pathologist Assistant Jobs in Delaware

Forensic Pathologist Assistant information

See Delaware salary details

$14

$55

$89

How much do forensic pathologist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensic pathologist assistant in Delaware is $55.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.56 and $67.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a forensic pathologist assistant?

Forensic Pathologist Assistants are trained professionals who support forensic pathologists in the examination of bodies to determine the cause and manner of death, particularly in cases involving suspicious or unexplained circumstances. Their duties include assisting in autopsies, preparing and maintaining detailed reports, collecting and preserving evidence, and sometimes testifying in court. They work closely with law enforcement, medical examiners, and other forensic specialists to help provide critical information for legal investigations. These assistants require specialized education, typically a bachelor's degree in a related field, followed by specific on-the-job training.

What does a forensic pathologist assistant do?

A forensic pathologist assistant assists during autopsies and criminal investigations by collecting specimens for analysis in a laboratory. In this career, you often collect and photograph evidence on-site. Your duties also involve careful and thorough documentation to preserve the chain of evidence. You may work in the field, a morgue, or a laboratory setting. You are typically part of a team led by a medical examiner or coroner. Most forensic pathologist assistants find employment with local or state governments.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a forensic pathologist assistant?

To thrive as a Forensic Pathologist Assistant, you need a solid background in biological sciences, experience in laboratory procedures, and typically an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with autopsy tools, laboratory instruments, and case management software is essential, and certification through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) can be beneficial. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to communicate findings clearly are vital soft skills for this role. These capabilities ensure accurate, efficient support for forensic pathologists and contribute to reliable medico-legal investigations.

What are common challenges faced by forensic pathologist assistants in their daily work?

Forensic pathologist assistants often encounter emotionally challenging situations due to frequent exposure to traumatic cases, including homicides and accidental deaths. They must maintain meticulous attention to detail while assisting with autopsies, documenting findings, and managing sensitive evidence. Additionally, the role requires strict adherence to legal and ethical guidelines, which can be demanding in high-pressure or time-sensitive environments. Strong communication and collaboration with pathologists, law enforcement, and other medical professionals are essential to ensure accuracy and integrity throughout the investigative process.

What is the difference between Forensic Pathologist Assistant vs Forensic Autopsy Technician?

AspectForensic Pathologist AssistantForensic Autopsy Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate degree, certification often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentMedical examiner offices, morgues, labsMorgues, medical examiner offices, forensic labs
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist in autopsies, prepare reports, support pathologistsAssist with specimen collection, prepare bodies, maintain equipment

While both roles support forensic autopsies, Forensic Pathologist Assistants typically have formal education and assist pathologists directly, whereas Forensic Autopsy Technicians focus on specimen handling and body preparation with less formal education.

Is it worth becoming a forensic pathologist assistant?

A forensic pathologist assistant supports medical examiners by preparing bodies, documenting findings, and assisting with autopsies, often requiring a relevant degree and certification. The role offers steady employment in forensic laboratories or medical examiner offices, with opportunities for specialization and advancement. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in forensic science and pathology, but it involves exposure to potentially disturbing scenes and irregular hours.
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Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Pathologist Assistant job openings in Delaware as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $115,181 per year, or $55.4 per hour.

Forensic Scientist 1- DNA Technician (QC)

SNA INTERNATIONAL

Dover, DE

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Description
SNA International seeks a bright, collaborative Forensic DNA Technician in the Quality Control Section with a strong work ethic to join our team. SNA International's team works together in pursuit of the same cause: build a safe and just world by empowering organizations in the use of forensics, biometrics and identity intelligence.
The DNA Technician in the Quality Control Section at AFDIL assists in program maintenance and development at the direction of their Validation & Quality Control Manager. The DNA Technician may perform investigative studies on biological materials using DNA typing technologies; carry out DNA typing casework in support of routine casework and special projects; and support the logistical or resource management activities of the DNA Registry and will participate in the organization and presentation of educational activities.
Critical Work Responsibilities:
  • Assist in the expansion of the AFDIL technical program to accelerate service work capabilities, which may include the setup and make operationally ready a wide variety of laboratory instruments and equipment
  • Assist in quality assurance activities such as standards maintenance, equipment preventive maintenance, reagent quality control testing and validation, proficiency testing, and accreditation and certification.
  • Perform laboratory processing using the AFDIL most current forensically validated and accredited procedures on various tissue and fluid.
  • Prepare reagents and maintain documentation of reagent prep and Quality Control testing in accordance with AFDIL SOPs.
  • Perform laboratory house-keeping activities such as preparing common laboratory reagents, maintaining appropriate stock levels of expendable supplies, ordering reagents/supplies when needed, recording temperatures, monitoring laboratory equipment, and general cleaning duties within the laboratory.
  • Maintain accurate and complete chain of custody for evidence.
  • Accession of forensic evidence in the Laboratory Information Management System (LISA); maintain accurate and complete chain of custody for evidence; responsible for data entry into LISA and the Armed Forces Medical Examiners Tracking System (AFMETS); preparation of correspondence/documents ensuring proper format, mathematical correctness, grammar, punctuation, and spelling; and preparation & editing of recurring reports regarding case status and case tracking.
  • Assist in developing, optimizing and/or validating new forensic DNA test methods.
  • Prepare correspondence and/or documents ensuring proper format, mathematical correctness, grammar, punctuation, and spelling..
  • Assist with internal and external audit preparation and participation.
  • Perform service casework involving nucDNA and mtDNA quantification, typing and profiling procedures as required.
  • Self-direct workflow to ensure that all duties are completed weekly.
  • Generate documents and reports and assist other sections as deemed necessary by supervisor.
  • Maintain Privacy Act considerations at all times in the handling of specimens and the information contained within them.
  • Support validation projects focusing on systems with increased sensitivity and discrimination power and advanced development of automated systems.
  • Support research projects focusing on various research projects to include population databasing and working to increase sensitivity, discrimination power, and automated systems for casework applications.
  • Participate in completing required work as stated within Individual Training Plans (ITPs) to be signed off for performing laboratory procedures and data analysis.

Minimum Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Forensic Science, Biology, or Chemistry is desired or Bachelor's degree in related field
  • Must be able to successfully complete a National Agency Check with Inquiries (NAC-I).
  • Have the ability to work independently on multiple tasks with minimal supervision.
  • Possess personality traits and professionalism necessary to maintain team cohesion and to set a good working example.
  • General knowledge of forensic DNA analytical methods, especially nucDNA and mtDNA profiling.
  • Ability to maintain minimum standards of technical proficiency as demonstrated by acceptable performance by internal and external proficiency testing programs.
  • Professional knowledge and understanding of the principles and theories of, and the skills to operate and maintain a wide variety of sophisticated analytical instrumentation.
  • Knowledge of various requirements necessary for achieving or maintaining accreditation by outside inspection agencies to include the College of American Pathologists (CAP), the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors-Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD-LAB), the DoD Mitochondrial DNA Quality Assurance Oversight Committee, and the International Standards Organization (ISO 17025 criteria).

Physical Demands:
  • Sit or stand at automated computer management systems, computers or laboratory stations for extended periods of time.
  • Operate automated and/or robotic instrumentation
  • Perform laboratory house-keeping activities
  • Work with possible exposure to noxious odors, hazardous chemicals, poisons, radioisotopes, corrosive reagents, infections tissue, and X-ray, laser and ultraviolet rays.
  • The successful candidate must be self-motivated, detail oriented and able to work well in a team laboratory environment.
    Please submit a cover letter along with your CV. CVs without a cover letter will not be considered.
    SNA International is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

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