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Forensic Pathologist Assistant Jobs in Federal Way, WA

Forensic Pathologist Assistant information

See Federal Way, WA salary details

$16

$61

$100

How much do forensic pathologist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensic pathologist assistant in Federal Way, WA is $61.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48.61 and $75.14 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.

What are popular job titles related to Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs in Federal Way, WA?

For Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs in Federal Way, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs in Federal Way, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs in Federal Way, WA are:

What cities near Federal Way, WA are hiring for Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs?

Cities near Federal Way, WA with the most Forensic Pathologist Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Forensic Pathologist Assistant job openings in Federal Way, WA 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 $128,516 per year, or $61.8 per hour.

Research Scientist/Engineer 2, BRaIN Research Laboratory

University of Washington

Seattle, WA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead complex procedures related to research donor brain procurement, dissection, preservation, and analysis.

  • Monitor and direct junior staff to ensure correct procedures are followed and prepare, process, and ship specimens accurately.

  • Organize and maintain databases on research projects, participate in laboratory projects, and assist with research-related duties.


University Of Washington School Of Medicine rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

82nd of 631 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Description
The Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist/Engineer 2 to join their team.
About this Opportunity
The University of Washington Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology (DLMP) is a broad and dynamic department that strives for a consistent level of high achievement in all its activities. The Department offers full diagnostic services in all areas of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, is a top ranked research organization as measured by research awards from the National Institutes of Health and offers an array of specialized educational training programs.
DLMP brings together state-of-the-art technology and highly trained, world-renowned personnel to provide comprehensive diagnostic and personalized service to physicians, community hospitals, independent laboratories, and other health care organizations. Our operations are based at the University of Washington Medical Center, Harborview Medical Center, South Lake Union, Northwest Hospital and the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. Faculty members also serve at Seattle Children's Hospital, the Veteran's Administration Puget Sound Healthcare System, and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. These collaborative efforts have generated innovative translational studies in the basic mechanisms of disease as they apply to diagnostic laboratory medicine and pathology.
The UW BioRepository and Integrated Neuropathology (BRaIN) Research Laboratory has an outstanding position for a Research Scientist/Engineer 2. This is an excellent opportunity for the scientist to participate in a team whose goal is to support human brain research from initial donation to state-of-the-art cell and molecular tissue research.
This is a full-time day shift position located at the Harborview Medical Center campus. The specific work schedule will be discussed with the hiring manager.
The salary information is provided below.
Key Responsibilities
Lab Operations
  • Lead complex procedures associated with research donor brain procurement, dissection, preservation and analysis, and will lead an on-call team for these cases.
  • Monitor and direct junior staff to ensure correct procedures are followed.
  • Independently dissect and assess key anatomical structures (> 90) to isolate for histopathologic examination with minimal supervision.
  • Prepare, process, and ship specimens/samples accurately under well-defined requirements.
  • Provide support for in silico 3D reconstructions of gross brain images and tissue and fluid-based immunoassays.
  • Required to use care and maintain instruments; perform preventative maintenance on instruments according to prescribed protocols.
  • Perform quality control and quality assurance.
  • Prepare stock solutions and media, troubleshoot as needed, and maintain accurate records of laboratory inventory.

Project Management
  • Participate in other laboratory projects, which may include tissue clearing and staining for three-dimensional microscopic reconstructions, downstream analytical approaches including solution-phase quantitation and digital image analysis, and human cell culture projects.
  • Organize and maintain databases on research projects and navigate the laboratory and pathology computer networks, participate in lab and other meetings, provide regular progress updates, review work lists and prioritize work in conjunction with the PI and interaction with the research team and collaborators.
  • Assist with a variety of special projects, and research related duties as assigned in a research environment where innovation and novel analytic applications form the foundation of an integrated model of precision neuropathology.

Administrative
  • Contribute to maintaining updated protocols in the lab and will interface with senior research scientists and the PI, particularly with respect to methods and manuscript preparation.
  • Perform research and assist in development of new procedures.

This position has operational access to patient health information and clinical materials including pathology specimens and archival blocks and slides, and for these activities must adhere to the covered entity HIPPA Privacy and CLIA rules and has 'dotted line' reporting to the CLIA certificate holders and applicable clinical laboratory management staff.
Required Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree with coursework in neuroscience, anatomy, biology, other biological sciences or related field and two years of experience as a grossing technician at a surgical pathology laboratory, necropsy lab experience, cadaver lab, forensic background, or experience with biospecimen handling and exposure to blood borne pathogens, with a neuroanatomy background (performing dissections on human or animal models), or procurement experience (such as organ harvesting), or veterinary technician work
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with any or all the following: Autopsy pathology, brain removal techniques, spinal cord or globe procurement, tissue dissection, surgical pathology, biohazardous tissue handling, and neuroanatomy.
About the Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology
A regional resource for clinical laboratory services required for innovative patient care, research and educational programs, the Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology at UW Medicine combines the sophisticated testing and informatics capabilities of fully accredited laboratories with the resources of an academic institution in its delivery of clinical and anatomic pathology services. Recognized for excellence in clinical training, world-class research initiatives, and a commitment to community service, we serve labs and medical facilities both nationally and internationally.
Please visit our website to learn more about our department.
About the UW
Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives - on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.
Compensation, Benefits and Position Details
Pay Range Minimum:
$68,736.00 annual
Pay Range Maximum:
$90,000.00 annual
Other Compensation:
Benefits:
For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/
Shift:
First Shift (United States of America)
Temporary or Regular?
This is a regular position
FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):
100.00%
Union/Bargaining Unit:
UAW Research
About the UW
Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives - on our campuses, in our state and around the world.
UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.
Our Commitment
The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.

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