Medicolegal Death Investigator I

State of North Carolina•4312 District Driv Wake, NC

8d•$55,490 - $83,235•Onsite

About The Position

The Medicolegal Death Investigator I position supports the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) by conducting medicolegal death investigations and assisting with postmortem examinations to determine cause and manner of death. The role involves communicating with law enforcement, hospitals, funeral homes, and families to gather case information and ensure proper evidence handling. Work includes attending death scenes, collecting and documenting evidence, performing radiography and fingerprinting for identification, and submitting biometric samples to appropriate agencies. This position also contributes to training initiatives and may participate in emergency responses, including mass‑fatality events.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in science (biology, chemistry, nursing, anthropology, forensic sciences, biochemistry, or related sciences field), or criminal justice from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of medicolegal death investigation experience or specialized (e.g., unidentified decedent, etc.) experience OR An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience conducting death scene investigations, including evidence collection, detailed documentation, and coordination with law enforcement under established chain‑of‑custody requirements.
Proven skill performing postmortem identification tasks such as radiographic imaging, fingerprinting, and skeletal analysis, with consistent application of forensic procedures to support case findings.
Intermediate proficiency using electronic case management systems to enter, track, and maintain investigative data in a high‑volume medicolegal environment.
Documented experience preparing investigative reports and supporting case determinations through accurate photography, injury documentation, and collection of toxicology and biometric specimens.
Demonstrated skill delivering training or guidance in medicolegal investigation topics, including jurisdictional principles, identification techniques, and scene documentation practices.

Responsibilities

Conduct death scene investigations and collect evidence to support medicolegal determinations.
Perform postmortem procedures such as radiographic imaging, fingerprinting, and skeletal analysis to assist with identification.
Submit DNA and fingerprint samples to state and federal agencies for processing and comparison.
Communicate with law enforcement, medical providers, and other agencies to gather case information and coordinate investigative activities.
Receive and document incoming death reports, determine jurisdiction, and enter case data into the medical examiner system.
Assist with external examinations through photography, evidence documentation, and collection of toxicology specimens.
Support training efforts for interns and professionals in medicolegal death investigation and forensic identification.
Manage cold case investigations by researching historical data and applying updated forensic methods.
Provide testimony in court regarding investigative findings and evidence handling when required.
Participate in mass‑fatality operations, including scene coordination and multi‑agency communication.