Assistant Chief Medical Examiner
About The Position
The Assistant Chief Medical Examiner performs supervised medical examinations and related medicolegal work to support the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The position conducts 200 to 250 autopsies annually under the direction of senior forensic pathologists and documents findings for use in official reports, legal proceedings, and consultations with partner agencies. Work includes correlating autopsy results with toxicology, histology, and investigative information to determine cause and manner of death. The Assistant Chief Medical Examiner reviews medical examiner case files from an assigned region and provides case consultations for county medical examiners. The role functions within an accredited fellowship program that incorporates structured training in forensic pathology, postmortem sciences, and medicolegal operations.
Requirements
- Licensed to practice medicine in the state of North Carolina and successfully completed residency in anatomic pathology.
Nice To Haves
- Documented experience performing high‑volume autopsy casework, including conducting detailed examinations of organs, tissues, and injuries and recording gross and microscopic findings using standardized medicolegal procedures.
- Demonstrated proficiency at the intermediate level in preparing comprehensive autopsy reports that integrate investigative information, histological results, and toxicology data for use in official determinations of cause and manner of death.
- Established record of conducting case reviews for medical examiner files, including verifying investigative documentation and completing final death certifications in accordance with medicolegal standards.
- Practical experience presenting autopsy findings through written summaries and verbal testimony for criminal hearings, courts of law, and public safety agencies, ensuring clarity and accuracy in medico‑legal communication.
- Demonstrated capability using specialized pathology instruments and equipment in all phases of postmortem examination, with documented competence performing dissection, microscopy, and preparation of diagnostic materials.
Responsibilities
- Performing 200 to 250 supervised autopsies annually and documenting all gross and microscopic findings in accordance with established protocols.
- Conducting detailed examinations of organs, tissues, and injuries and correlating findings with toxicology, histology, and investigative information.
- Preparing written autopsy reports and providing verbal summaries for agencies involved in criminal and civil proceedings.
- Reviewing regional medical examiner case files and completing final certifications of cause and manner of death.
- Participating in scheduled didactic sessions and supervised training in forensic pathology, postmortem toxicology, forensic anthropology, and crime scene investigation.
- Consulting with county medical examiners and regional pathologists to support case reviews and medico‑legal determinations.
- Testifying in court as needed regarding autopsy findings and medico‑legal conclusions.
- Utilizing specialized pathology equipment and laboratory instruments to perform examinations and prepare diagnostic materials.
- Supporting educational activities for medical students, residents, and other trainees participating in rotations within the medical examiner system.
Benefits
- health insurance options
- standard and supplemental retirement plans
- NCFlex program
- paid vacation
- sick leave
- community service leave
- paid parental leave
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
