Forensic Anthropology PostDoc Fellow- Unknown Decedent Identification

Position Description

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.

To provide consistent, quality death investigation and laboratory analysis for the benefit of the entire community.

To create a technological strong point 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 Anthropology Post Doc Fellow-Unknown Decedent Identification Overview:
The Forensic Anthropology Post Doc Fellow for Unknown Decedent Identification is a time-limited position for two years that will solely perform tasks specific to the identification of unknown decedents for whom the Department has medicolegal jurisdiction.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Review and update HCIFS unknown decedent case files and recommend cases for exhumation.
• Resubmit fingerprints for all possible unknown decedents.
• Coordinate potential exhumations with Harris County Bereavement Services.
• Develop a biological profile (age, sex, ancestry, stature, etc) for each exhumed decedent.
• Extract and submit DNA specimens from exhumed decedents to the HCIFS Forensic Genetics Division.
• Coordinate with external forensic genetic genealogy service providers.
• Coordinate media releases for unknown decedents with Texas Center for the Missing.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you need special services or accommodations, please call  or email  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.

Transcripts may required prior to interview; official certified original transcripts will be required prior to any job offer.

Education:

• Doctorate degree (by employment start date) from an accredited college or university in Forensic or Biological Anthropology or related field

Licensure:

• 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:

• Advanced knowledge and in-depth understanding of anthropological theory, principles, procedures, and techniques as they relate to identification of human remains
• Ability to apply knowledge of anthropological theory, principles, procedures, and techniques to practical analysis and curation of human remains
• Advanced writing, analytical, and problem resolution skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with lay, technical, medical, and legal audiences, and 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.

Experience:

• Experience in a medical examiner, academic, or similar setting performing anthropology examinations, including the assessment and analysis of human remains and submission of associated reports

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

• Temporary | Full-Time
• This is a two-year, time-limited position

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

• Office / field / morgue setting
• Requires physical strength to lift up to 20 pounds in the routine performance of duties
• Must be able to sit or stand for prolonged periods

Potential Exposures:

• Routine exposure to deaths of adults and children that resulted from violence, natural disease, environmental hazards, and toxins

Reports to:

Director, Anthropology and Emergency Management

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.