Forensic Anthropology PostDoc Fellow 2026-2028
Harris County
Houston, TX
Description
Position Description
Brief Position Overview:
The Forensic Anthropology PostDoc Fellow will be trained in the fundamental philosophy, skills, and knowledge needed to carry out proper anthropology analyses in a Medical Examiner context, conducting all aspects of supervised anthropological casework, following established protocols and best practices, including autopsy consults, identification of unknown decedents, biological profile estimation, osseous/cartilaginous trauma analysis, scene response, pediatric skeletal examinations, and postmortem radiography.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Assists with routine daily casework under the supervision of staff anthropologists involving skeletal remains and autopsy specimens, including: trauma analyses, determination if skeletal remains are human or non-human, determination if skeletal remains are of forensic or historical significance, development of biological profiles of human remains, and assessment of human remains for the presence of pathological conditions or traumatic injury
- Prepares reports on anthropological casework, and submits reports and bench notes to supervising forensic anthropologist for review
- Assists in the processing of unidentified decedents including taking identification quality radiographs, collecting and submitting DNA samples, submitting fingerprint cards, constructing and disseminating unidentified decedent descriptions, and reviewing unidentified decedent case files for completion
- Responds to death scenes with staff anthropologists to document, recover, and identify human/non-human remains, collects and preserves physical and biological evidence, excavates or supervises excavation of human remains
- Other duties as assigned
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:
- Doctorate degree (by employment start date) from an accredited college or university in Anthropology, Forensic or Biological Anthropology, or related field
Experience:
- Hands on experience in the medicolegal setting
- Experience with skeletal trauma analysis
- Experience with fleshed human remains
- Experience communicating with law enforcement/ members of the medicolegal community in a professional capacity
- Experience writing medico-legal reports
- Experience in the analysis of healing bone lesions
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Advanced knowledge and in-depth understanding of anthropological theory, principles, procedures, and techniques as they relate to identification of human remains and bone pathology/ trauma analysis
- Ability to apply knowledge of anthropological and forensic theory, principles, procedures, and techniques to practical analysis and curation of human remains
- Advanced writing, analytical, and problem resolution skills
- Basic computer skills including Microsoft Office
- Ability to communicate effectively with law, technical, medical and legal audiences, and to work independently with minimal supervision, prioritizing and handling multiple tasks simultaneously
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)
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
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
- This is a two-year, time-limited position
- Hours may vary based on needs of Department, weekend and holiday rotation as needed
Start Date:
- July 1, 2026
Physical Demands:
- Requires physical strength to push, pull, and lift up to 30 pounds frequently and repeatedly
Work Environment:
- Must be available to work during severe weather events or other emergencies if necessary
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.
HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.
The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:
Health & Wellness Benefits
- Medical Coverage
- Dental Coverage
- Vision Coverage
- Wellness Plan
- Life Insurance
- Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
- Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
- Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
- One (1) floating holiday per year
- Paid Parental Leave
- Sick Leave
Retirement Savings Benefit
- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:
- Professional learning & development opportunities
- Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
- Flexible work schedule*
- METRO RideSponsor Program*
- Participation may vary by department.
In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:
www.benefitsathctx.com