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Forensic Science Trainee Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Position Description Mission The Mission of the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences is to ... trainees (forensic pathology fellows, pathology residents, medical residents, and medical students ...

Position Description Mission The Mission of the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences is to ... trainees (forensic pathology fellows, pathology residents, medical residents, and medical students ...

Institute of Forensic Sciences Division: Pathology Services Opening Date: 01/06/2025 Closing Date ... trainees (forensic pathology fellows, pathology residents, medical residents, medical students ...

Position Description Mission The Mission of the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences is to ... trainees (forensic pathology fellows, pathology residents, medical residents, medical students ...

Position Description Mission The Mission of the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences is to ... trainees (forensic pathology fellows, pathology residents, medical residents, medical students ...

Forensic Science Trainee information

What types of hands-on training and mentorship can a Forensic Science Trainee expect during their first year?

As a Forensic Science Trainee, you can expect to receive comprehensive hands-on training that includes shadowing experienced forensic scientists, participating in laboratory analysis, and learning to follow strict evidence handling protocols. During your first year, you'll likely rotate through various sections such as DNA, toxicology, or trace evidence, gaining exposure to different forensic techniques. Mentorship is a key part of the role, with senior staff guiding you through casework, quality assurance procedures, and courtroom testimony preparation. This structured approach helps build your technical skills, attention to detail, and understanding of chain-of-custody requirements.

What is the difference between Forensic Science Trainee vs Forensic Laboratory Technician?

AspectForensic Science TraineeForensic Laboratory Technician
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in forensic science, biology, or chemistry; training programsAssociate's or bachelor's degree in forensic science, biology, chemistry, or related field
Work EnvironmentTraining setting, supervised environment, often in labs or crime scenesFull-time lab work, analyzing evidence under supervision
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, forensic labs, crime scene unitsCrime labs, law enforcement agencies, forensic facilities

In summary, a Forensic Science Trainee is an entry-level position focused on learning and gaining experience, often under supervision. A Forensic Laboratory Technician is a more experienced role responsible for conducting evidence analysis independently. Both roles require relevant degrees, but the trainee position emphasizes training and development.

What does a Forensic Science Trainee do?

A Forensic Science Trainee assists experienced forensic scientists in the collection, analysis, and preservation of physical evidence from crime scenes. They typically work in laboratories or at crime scenes, learning techniques such as fingerprint analysis, DNA testing, and chemical analysis of substances. Trainees gain hands-on experience while following strict protocols to ensure evidence integrity. Over time, they develop the skills necessary to analyze evidence, write reports, and may eventually testify in court as expert witnesses.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Forensic Science Trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Forensic Science Trainee, you need a solid background in biology, chemistry, or forensic science, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, evidence handling procedures, and standard analytical software like LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) is highly valued. Attention to detail, strong analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help trainees accurately process evidence and present findings. These abilities are crucial for ensuring the integrity of evidence and supporting the justice system through reliable scientific analysis.
What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Science jobs in Texas? The most popular types of Forensic Science jobs in Texas are:
What job categories do people searching Forensic Science Trainee jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for Forensic Science Trainee jobs in Texas are:
What cities in Texas are hiring for Forensic Science Trainee jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Forensic Science Trainee job openings:
Infographic showing various Forensic Science Trainee job openings in Texas as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Forensic Neuropathologist

Forensic Neuropathologist

Harris County

Houston, TX • On-site

Other

Posted 22 days ago


Harris County rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 118 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

307th of 668 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Position Description Mission The 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. Vision To 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 reports Provides 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 findings Provides 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 needed Participates 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 conferences Is 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 Divisions Harris 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 neuropathology Maintain a valid Texas Driver's License and maintain ability to safely operate a motor vehicle Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Expertise in forensic neuropathology, forensic pathology, general anatomic pathology, and broad foundational knowledge of other medical and surgical specialties Ability 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 proceedings Must be able to calmly, effectively, and convincingly express complex analytical conclusions and medical decisions in adversarial situations Excellent time management skills, strategies, and abilities; ability to work independently with minimal supervision, prioritizing and handling multiple tasks simultaneously Basic computer skills including Microsoft Office NOTE: 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 office Experience in viewing / interpreting postmortem CT scans and / or neuroradiology scans General Information Position Type, and Typical Hours of Work: Full time; Monday - Friday Consistently requires > 40 hours per week Hours may vary based on needs of Department Must be available to work during severe weather events or other emergencies if necessary Work Environment: Office / morgue setting Potential Exposures: Routine exposure to deaths of adults and children that resulted from violence, natural disease, environmental hazards, and toxins Will be exposed to biohazardous materials and offensive odors Physical Demands: Medium work.

Requires physical strength to push, pull, and lift up to twenty (20) pounds frequently and repeatedly Must be physically able to stand for extended periods Must 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 examinations Reporting Relationships: Reports to: Deputy Chief Medical Examiner Employment 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.


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About Harris County

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Harris County is the third largest county in the United States with more than 4.7 million residents. There are four precincts in Harris County. The four elected commissioners, along with an elected county judge, serve as members of the Harris County Commissioners Court, the administrative head of the county's government.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

2000

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