Forensic Anthropology Postdoctoral Fellow

Hennepin County • Minnetonka, MN

10d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Hennepin County Medical Examiner's (HCME) Office is seeking a Forensic Anthropology Postdoctoral Fellow to provide advanced anthropological services in support of medicolegal death investigations. Under the direction of the HCME's American Board of Forensic Anthropology (ABFA) certified Forensic Anthropologist, the fellow will perform anthropological casework, consult with forensic pathologists, attend autopsies, and contribute to skeletal examinations, identifications, and trauma interpretation. The fellowship provides comprehensive training within a medical examiner setting, including work on long-term unidentified cases and mass fatality responses, and is structured to support professional progression toward ABFA certification. Current Hennepin County employees who refer a candidate hired into an open competitive position may be eligible for a $500 referral bonus. For more information visit employee referral program . Find us here at upcoming career fairs!

Requirements

• Ph.D. in anthropology or a related field, with specialization or ABFA-mentored training in forensic anthropology/anatomy; a Ph.D. must be conferred prior to the start date.
• Ability to wear a respirator and other personal protective equipment for extended periods of time.

Nice To Haves

• A submitted application for ABFA Analyst certification, or equivalent licensure.
• Education and/or training in skeletal analysis and applying forensic anthropology methods.
• Working with human remains in varied decompositional states, including recent deaths in a medical examiner or coroner setting.
• Working on forensic anthropology cases within a medicolegal environment.
• Strong technical writing and organizational skills.
• Skill in use of computers, related computer software, digital photography, and information access and entry.

Responsibilities

• Conduct biological profile estimation (age-at-death, assigned sex-at-birth, population affiliation, stature).
• Analyze skeletal trauma, pathological conditions, and taphonomic changes while completing comprehensive photographic documentation and medical imaging and preparing detailed anthropological reports .
• Consult with forensic pathologists and referring coroners on a case-by-case basis to determine appropriate actions and analyses.
• Participate in interdisciplinary case reviews with HCME staff.
• Perform skeletal analyses for the purpose of decedent identification and/or skeletal trauma assessment, including the collection of osseous tissues for DNA, radiocarbon, and/or stable isotope testing.
• Participate in internal and external training and community engagement activities.
• Work toward ABFA Analyst and Diplomate certification through structured mentorship.
• Contribute to special projects and/or assignments as directed by the Chief Medical Examiner or designee.

Benefits

• Benefit earning position

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree