Forensic Neuropathologist

Forensic Neuropathologist

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.

The Vision of the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences is:

• 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.

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.

The duties and responsibilities of the Forensic Neuropathologist include:

• 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. If you need special services or accommodations, please call View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io.

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

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

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.