Forensic Neuropathologist

Brief Forensic Neuropathologist

The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences seeks a Forensic Neuropathologist to conduct crucial components of medicolegal death investigations, provide neuropathology consultations, testify in court, and teach trainees.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Conducts and completes neuropathology components of medicolegal death investigations, including gross examination of brains, spinal cords, eyes, and other specimens as may be indicated.
• Interprets gross anatomic and microscopic pathology.
• Reviews and synthesizes medical records and police reports in the context of neuropathology findings.
• Crafts 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.
• 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.
• Engages in teaching activities at the Department, including mentoring forensic pathology fellows, supervising medical residents, and providing guidance to medical students.

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; Effective communication skills; Ability to communicate complex analytical conclusions and medical decisions in adversarial situations; Excellent time management skills; Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, prioritizing and handling multiple tasks simultaneously; Basic computer skills including Microsoft Office.

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.