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Trainee Autopsy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... trainees, including providing direct supervision and instruction in autopsy performance as well as providing instructional presentations and lectures Participates in administrative aspects of the ...

... trainees, including providing direct supervision and instruction in autopsy performance as well as providing instructional presentations and lectures Participates in administrative aspects of the ...

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Trainee Autopsy information

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$25.5K

$43.5K

$63.5K

How much do trainee autopsy jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee autopsy in the United States is $43,530.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,000.00 and $51,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What training do you need to perform a trainee autopsy?

To perform a trainee autopsy, individuals typically need a medical degree such as a medical doctor (MD) or a forensic pathology residency, along with specialized training in forensic or anatomical pathology. This training includes understanding human anatomy, pathology, and the use of autopsy tools, often gained through supervised practice in a medical or forensic setting.

What is the difference between Trainee Autopsy vs Autopsy Technician?

AspectTrainee AutopsyAutopsy Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; specialized training or certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentLearning environment in medical examiner or morgue settingsAssisting with autopsies in morgues or forensic labs
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting pathologists, preparing bodies, learning autopsy proceduresPreparing equipment, assisting during autopsies, maintaining lab cleanliness

In summary, a Trainee Autopsy is an entry-level role focused on learning and assisting under supervision, while an Autopsy Technician typically has more hands-on responsibilities and may require additional training or certification. Both roles are essential in forensic and medical examiner settings, but the Trainee Autopsy emphasizes learning and support.

How to become a trainee autopsy with no experience?

To become a trainee autopsy, candidates typically need a background in biology, anatomy, or a related field, along with strong attention to detail and manual dexterity. Gaining experience through volunteering or internships in medical or forensic settings can improve prospects, and some positions may require certification or training programs offered by medical examiner offices or forensic institutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a trainee autopsy technician?

To thrive as a Trainee Autopsy Technician, you need a background in biological sciences or forensic science, attention to detail, and knowledge of anatomy, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with laboratory instruments, safety protocols, and digital record-keeping systems is crucial. Strong communication, discretion, and the ability to work well under pressure are important soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure accurate post-mortem examinations, maintain legal and ethical standards, and support effective collaboration within forensic teams.

What are some common challenges faced by trainee autopsy professionals during their initial months on the job?

Trainee Autopsy professionals often encounter challenges such as adapting to the emotional aspects of working with deceased individuals and managing exposure to potentially distressing cases. Additionally, learning to accurately document findings and follow strict procedural protocols requires attention to detail and patience. Building effective communication skills is also important, as trainees frequently work alongside pathologists, law enforcement, and other healthcare professionals. Support and mentorship from experienced team members can help new trainees overcome these challenges and grow in their roles.

How to become a trainee autopsy?

To become a trainee autopsy, candidates typically need a background in biology, anatomy, or a related health science field, along with relevant coursework or experience. Many positions require completion of an undergraduate degree and may involve on-the-job training or internships in a medical examiner's or pathology department. Certification or licensing is not usually required for trainees but may be necessary for advanced roles.

What is a trainee autopsy?

A trainee autopsy refers to a post-mortem examination performed or observed by a medical professional who is in training, such as a pathology resident or forensic pathology fellow. Trainees learn to examine bodies to determine the cause of death, document findings, and understand disease processes under the supervision of experienced pathologists. This hands-on experience is essential for developing the skills needed to accurately assess and report on autopsy cases, while ensuring that all procedures adhere to legal and ethical standards.
More about Trainee Autopsy jobs
What cities are hiring for Trainee Autopsy jobs? Cities with the most Trainee Autopsy job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Autopsy jobs? The most popular types of Autopsy jobs are:
What states have the most Trainee Autopsy jobs? States with the most job openings for Trainee Autopsy jobs include:
Infographic showing various Trainee Autopsy job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,530 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Assistant Medical Examiner

Harris County

Houston, TX • On-site

$300K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Harris County rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 122 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

415th of 845 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 Assistant Medical Examiner Overview: The Assistant Medical Examiner conducts medicolegal death investigations pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure 49.25, including external examination of decedents as well as complete and partial autopsies, with appropriate evidence collection; provides testimonial evidence in court regarding medicolegal death investigations and evidence collected from bodies; and teaches trainees (forensic pathology fellows, pathology residents, medical residents, medical students, nursing students) about various aspects of medicolegal death investigation. Duties & Responsibilities: Conducts and completes medicolegal death investigations pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure 49.25, including performing autopsies and external examinations of decedents; collecting histologic, toxicologic, and physical evidence; interpreting gross anatomic pathology and microscopic pathology; interpreting toxicologic results; reviewing and synthesizing of medical records and police reports; crafting timely and thorough autopsy reports; and signing death certificates on a timely basis Provides expert testimony in criminal and civil court matters relating to medicolegal death investigations (including substitute testimony for other Assistant Medical Examiners who may not be available for testimony); prepares for testimony by attending depositions and pretrial conferences with prosecutor, plaintiff, and defense 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, nursing students, and other trainees, including providing direct supervision and instruction in autopsy performance as well as providing instructional presentations and lectures Participates in administrative aspects of the medical examiner operation, including weekly administrative meetings, and performing other tasks as required (participation in regular review / revision of standard operating procedures, participation in various accreditation preparation activities) This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are requested of the employee for this position

Management may, at its discretion, assign, or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, or any other protected class in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. 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: Licensed to practice medicine in the state of Texas by the date of employment Certification by the American Board of Pathology in anatomic pathology by the date of employment Maintain a valid Texas Driver's License and ability to safely operate a motor vehicle Additional Requirements: Must pass criminal background check and drug / alcohol screening (prior to and randomly after employment) Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Expertise in forensic pathology, general anatomic pathology, and broad foundational knowledge of other medical and surgical specialties Ability to communicate effectively with lay, technical, medical, and legal audiences; ability to provide empathetic consultation with family members of decedents, dictate autopsy findings, edit 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. General Information Location: Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences - 1861 Old Spanish Trail Houston, TX 77054 Position Type, and Typical Hours of Work: Full time; Monday-Friday, plus weekend and holiday rotation.

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: Morgue / office setting Routine exposure to deaths of adults and children that resulted from violence, natural disease, environmental hazards, and toxins Will be exposed to biohazardouses materials and offensive odors Physical Demands: Medium work. Requires physical strength to push, pull, and lift up to 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 Additional Information: Reports To: Deputy Chief Medical Examiner FLSA Status: Exempt 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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