Associate Chief Medical Examiner

State of North Carolina

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence. The Associate Chief Medical Examiner provides advanced professional forensic pathology services within the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. This position performs medicolegal autopsies, reviews non-central office medical examiner cases, and certifies cause and manner of death in accordance with state statutes and established protocols. Responsibilities include interpreting autopsy findings, consulting with law enforcement and medical professionals, and ensuring accuracy and completeness of official reports. The role also involves providing instruction in forensic pathology to medical trainees and professional audiences. Work is performed in a high-volume, specialized environment requiring precision and adherence to legal and scientific standards.

Requirements

• Eligible to obtain license to practice medicine in the state of North Carolina, board eligible/certified in Anatomic Pathology by the American Board of Pathology, and board eligible/certified in Forensic Pathology by the American Board of Pathology.

Nice To Haves

• Expert-level experience performing medicolegal autopsies using specialized pathology instruments and techniques, ensuring accurate documentation and interpretation of findings.
• Demonstrated proficiency in reviewing histologic slides and toxicology reports to finalize cause and manner of death determinations with precision and consistency.
• Skilled in preparing comprehensive autopsy reports and case reviews using digital case management systems, maintaining accuracy and compliance with legal standards.
• Proven ability to consult with law enforcement and legal professionals on forensic findings, providing clear, evidence-based interpretations in complex cases.
• Advanced capability in mentoring and instructing medical trainees in forensic pathology procedures, utilizing structured training protocols and performance evaluation tools.

Responsibilities

• Perform approximately 200–250 medicolegal autopsies annually and prepare comprehensive written reports of findings.
• Review histologic slides, toxicology results, and medical records to finalize cause and manner of death determinations.
• Certify death investigations and ensure compliance with statutory and procedural requirements for official records.
• Consult with law enforcement, attorneys, and medical professionals regarding autopsy findings and interpretations.
• Provide expert instruction in forensic pathology to fellows, residents, medical students, and allied health professionals.
• Review and approve investigation and autopsy reports from local medical examiners and regional pathologists for accuracy and completeness.
• Serve as senior attending pathologist for autopsies performed by trainees, ensuring quality and adherence to protocols.
• Communicate findings to families, law enforcement, and other stakeholders in a clear and professional manner.
• Participate in quality control processes to maintain consistency and reliability of medicolegal documentation.
• Utilize specialized laboratory equipment and instruments to conduct examinations and maintain operational standards.

Benefits

• The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits.
• Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis).
• Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave.
• In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees