Suffolk County, NY:
​Medical Examiner's Office Internship Program

The Suffolk County Office of the Medical Examiner’s Office (SCOME) supports the continuing education of students interested in the field of forensic science.  SCOME has opportunities that can allow interns to work side by side with forensic pathologists, toxicologists, forensic death investigators, and other Crime Lab professionals (including forensic scientists specializing in drug chemistry, trace evidence, biological sciences [DNA analysis], firearms examination, and questioned document examination.  The internship program can allow students to observe an autopsy examination, assist in the forensic laboratories, and gain knowledge of forensic investigative techniques.
Applicants for an internship at SCOME must be:
18 years or older
In their 3rd or 4th year of college
Enrolled in one of the following areas or related areas of study:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Microbiology
• Genetics
• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Informatics
• Forensic Toxicology
• Medicine

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Erie County, NY: Toxicology or Investigative Internship

The Erie County Medical Examiner has jurisdiction to investigate the death of every person dying within Erie County, or whose body is found within the county, which is or appears to be: a violent death, whether by criminal violence, suicide or casualty; a death caused by unlawful act or criminal neglect; a death occurring in a suspicious, unusual or unexplained manner; a death caused by suspected criminal abortion; a death while unattended by a physician, so far as can be discovered, or where no physician able to certify the cause of death as provided in the public health law and in form as prescribed by the commissioner of health can be found; a death of a person confined in a public institution other than a hospital, infirmary or nursing home. 
Interns will gain knowledge of forensics by working closely with forensic pathologists, toxicologists, and forensic investigators during the day to day operations of the office. The Erie County Medical Examiner’s Office offers two types of internships.  
Internship Options
Toxicology Internship​

• Accepted interns are typically assigned a project utilizing skills and knowledge for chemical analysis of biological specimens. Interns interact with laboratory staff to develop knowledge of forensic toxicology practices and procedures. Applicants will have chemical laboratory experience and be expected to work between the hours of 8:30 am to 4:30 pm on the days they are available Monday - Friday. Applicants should be pursuing a degree in forensic chemistry or forensic toxicology and have completed coursework in instrumental analysis and organic chemistry. Toxicology internships are not available during the Winter Break. 

Investigative Internships 

• Interns will work closely with Forensic Pathologists and Investigators learning forensic autopsy and investigative techniques. Interns will observe autopsies while assisting staff in taking notes and photographs, setting-up and cleaning-up the autopsy suites. When possible, interns will observe Forensic Investigators during scene investigations and learn death investigative techniques. Interns will be asked to assist in general office duties including requesting medical records and specimens, updating electronic information, uploading photographs into the computer, x-rays, and other tasks as needed. Interns will observe autopsies daily as the case load allows. Applicants should be pursuing a degree in forensic science, natural sciences, criminal justice or a related field. A minimum of 120 hours commitment is needed. Interns will report to the Erie County Medical Examiner’s Office to by 7:30 am on the days they are available Monday – Saturday.