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Forensic Pathologist Assistant Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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Forensic Pathologist Assistant information

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$14

$53

$87

How much do forensic pathologist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensic pathologist assistant in Illinois is $53.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.16 and $65.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

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.
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Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Pathologist Assistant job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,517 per year, or $53.6 per hour.

Pathologist, Autopsy

Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians

Campus, IL

$269K - $321K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Job Description:

Pathologist, Medical Director of Decedent Affairs

(Academic Clinician)

Department of Pathology

Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Inc.

Harvard Medical School, Boston

The Department of Pathology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) is recruiting a full-timeacademicAutopsypathologistto serve as the Medical Director of DecedentAffairs.The role provides medical leadership for the hospital's decedent management processes, including adult and perinatal pathways.The candidate will be appointed to the full-time faculty of Harvard Medical School at an academic rankcommensuratewith experience (Instructor, Assistant Professor or Associate Professor).Recent fellowship graduates and mid-career/senior physicians are strongly encouraged to apply.

As a teaching hospitalofHarvard Medical School, BIDMC and the Department of Pathologyprovidea clinically advanced and supportive academic environment for residents, fellows, and faculty.We'realso proud and excited to be an integral part of the landmark collaboration among Dana-FarberCancer Institute (DFCI), Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), and Harvard Medical FacultyPhysicians (HMFP) toestablishNew England's only freestanding adult inpatient cancer hospital. Thecollaboration willprovideunparalleled opportunities forpathologistsandotherphysician specialtiesto be part of DFCI's internationally recognized cancer team.

The successful candidate will join a collegial team of faculty, fellows, and residents committed to world-class diagnostics, education, and discovery.The position also includes clinical coverageof the autopsy service andthesurgicalpathology service(s)if applicable, depending onthe candidate'sinterest and qualifications.

Qualifications:

  • Candidates mustpossessandMD or DO(or equivalent), board certificationin Pathology(AP or AP/CP) anda validCommonwealth of Massachusettsmedical license or the ability to obtain one.

  • Experience leading orparticipatingin an academic or forensic pathology service;candidates with forensic pathologyfellowship training are encouraged to apply.

  • Demonstrated ability to lead complex, multi-stakeholderdecedent managementprocesses, preferably within acute care or academic medical environments.

  • Outstanding communication, organizational, and team-building skills, with the ability to collaborate across service lines and communicate effectively with grieving families.

  • Experience in quality improvement, informatics, regulatory compliance, or operational leadershipstronglypreferred.

Who We Are

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, a 743-bed hospital and Level 1 Trauma Center, is a founding member of Beth Israel Lahey Health (BILH).BILH, a health care system with 14 hospitals, brings together academic medical centers and teaching hospitals,communityand specialty hospitals, and more than 4,000 physicians and39,000 employeesin a shared mission to expand access and advance the science and practice of medicine through groundbreaking research and education.

Harvard Medical Faculty Physiciansat Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (HMFP) is one of the largest physician organizations in New England, dedicated to excellence and innovation in patient care, education, and research. As a physician-led organization, HMFP partners with more than 2,400 providers to support the delivery of exceptional care, promote professional development and foster balance at work and home. HMFP physicians have faculty affiliations with Harvard Medical School (HMS) and provide care throughoutBILHsystem andadditionalhospitals across Massachusetts.

Research

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center consistently ranks as a national leader among independent hospitals in National Institutes of Health funding. With research funding totaling over $250 million, annually, BIDMC's 2000+ researchers and staff run more than 2500 active clinical research studies in 52 areas of research.

For further questions or confidential position inquiries, please contact Dr.Jonathan Hecht,(jlhecht@bidmc.harvard.edu).

Candidates should apply directly to WorkdayandsubmitCV and other required materials:Requisition R1502

Pay Range:

$269,000 - $321,000

The base pay range reflects what Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (HMFP) reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for this role at the time of posting and may be modified from time to time. Actual compensation within this range may be determined based on several factors, including academic appointment, work experience, specialty training, geography of work location, anticipated productivity, FTE basis, and role expectations. In addition to base compensation, this role may be eligible for performance-based incentives, which may include bonuses for productivity and quality HMFP also offers a comprehensive and generous employee benefits program to eligible employees, including health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, as well as retirement plan(s) with employer contributions.

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