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Forensic Pathologist Assistant Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

County of Chester, PA

PT Coroner's Transporter

PA · On-site

$15.68/hr

Occasionally assist the Autopsy Technician and Forensic Pathologists with the moving of bariatric decedents during examinations * Operate a county emergency vehicle in accordance with Coroner Office ...

County of Chester, PA

TEMP Coroner's Transporter - PT

PA · On-site

$15.68/hr

Occasionally assist the Autopsy Technician and Forensic Pathologists with the moving of bariatric decedents during examinations * Operate a county emergency vehicle in accordance with Coroner Office ...

All JobsForensic Pathologist JobsForensic Pathologist Assistant JobsForensic Pathologist Assistant Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Forensic Pathologist Assistant information

See Philadelphia, PA salary details

$14

$55

$90

How much do forensic pathologist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensic pathologist assistant in Philadelphia, PA is $55.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.89 and $67.93 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 Philadelphia, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $116,128 per year, or $55.8 per hour.

Board Certified Forensic Pathologist

Montgomery County MD

Norristown, PA • On-site

$270K - $310K/yr

Other

Re-posted 25 days ago

Montgomery County (Maryland) rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

386th of 852 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Salary: $270,000.00 - $310,000.00 Annually
Location : Eagleville, PA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-314
Department: Coroner
Opening Date: 06/01/2026
SUMMARY
The Office of the Coroner in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania is seeking a Full-time Board Certified Forensic Pathologist to examine traumatic, sudden and unexplained deaths involving cases in the public interest, including those affecting the criminal justice and public health systems. The Forensic Pathologist will perform postmortem examinations in compliance with the NAME Forensic Autopsy Standards, document findings in narrative reports, and offer objective consultation and/or court testimony to outside agencies, including criminal court officials and law enforcement. This position must also be available to receive and respond to telephone inquiries from home, while working on-call.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Performs autopsies to determine the cause and manner of death and documents written reports of findings supported by the medicolegal death investigation.
  • Examines the body structures and internal organs of human bodies in order to trace the cause of death, disease or illness.
  • Reviews items related to autopsies such as hospital charts, deputy coroner reports, law enforcement agency reports, and postmortem results.
  • Directs the determination and certification of causes of death.
  • Directs the preservation of the chain of evidence.
  • Advises health departments, and government agencies involved in death investigations with relevant findings.
  • Serves as an expert witness in depositions, grand jury sessions, trials, and conferences with attorneys.
  • Provides expert witness capabilities for all forensic criminal and civil actions associated with cases investigated and any other forensic needs within Montgomery County jurisdiction.
  • Participates in conferences with family members, law enforcement, attorneys, and other individuals to provide information on investigations and autopsies.
  • Provides training to forensic technicians, investigators, photographers, interns, and other personnel assisting in the medicolegal death investigation.
  • Provides assistance and guidance to the organ donor centers.
  • Participates in regional disaster preparedness.
  • Presents lectures for students, officers, and the general community.
  • Maintains current knowledge of industry, regulatory and legislative developments affecting the operations of the Coroner's Office.
  • Write policy and SOP's as it relates to the daily operation of the Coroner's office and staff.
  • Develop a fully-accredited post-graduate Forensic Pathologist Fellowship training program to include academic and hands-on instruction in the field of forensics, anthropology, odontology, criminalistics, toxicology and firearms.
  • Participate in weekly / monthly meetings and provide feedback for death review teams and social media content.
  • Assist Program Director with the implementation of continuing education lectures, presentations and sourcing educators and topics.
  • Complete requirements for office accreditation to include IACME, NAME.
  • Conduct research for the purpose of publishing studies of new concepts and advances as it relates to the field of forensic sciences.
  • Search and apply for grants specific to medicolegal investigations, office functions and personnel.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
  • Must be a licensed as a physician to practice medicine in the State of Pennsylvania.
  • Must be a pathologist board certified by the American Board of Pathology in anatomic, and forensic pathology.
  • Skilled in performing autopsies, external examinations, and medical records reviews of decedents, with three years of experience working in a Coroner or Medical Examiner's Office.
  • Knowledge of anatomy, pathology, anthropology and other related disciplines for identification and investigative purposes.
  • Knowledgeable of firearms and other instruments of death.
  • Knowledgeable of rules of evidence and court procedures.
  • Knowledgeable of vehicular crash analysis.
  • Adhere to NAME autopsy performance standards and requirements.
  • Knowledgeable of federal, state, and local laws related to the operation of the county coroner's function.
  • Must have a valid PA driver's license.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the essential functions of this job, the incumbent is frequently required to lift, move or carry objects up to 50 pounds; ascend or descend ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles; utilize feet and legs or hands and arms; maintain body equilibrium to prevent falling when walking, standing, crouching, or navigating narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces; bend body downward and forward by bending spine and legs; move about on hands and knees or hands and feet; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects; and to reach with hands and arms. Occasionally incumbent maybe required to push/pull objects in excess of 100 pounds.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
  • Employee may be exposed to health and environmental hazards.
  • Standard work hours must be flexible, and may include days, evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays. May be greater than 37.5 hours per week, and may be called to report to duty at any time.
  • Work is performed inside and outside. Exposure to cold, heat and elements of weather and nature may be encountered.
  • May be exposed to significant workplace pressure and irregular hours.

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