Deputy State Pathologist

Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration; Dublin; On-site; EUR 161,000 - 197,000; Full time

Job summary

The Office of the State Pathologist within the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration invites applications for a Consultant Forensic Pathologist. The role is based in Dublin and requires a fully registered medical practitioner with histopathology fellowship or equivalent recognition.

A minimum of six years' clinical experience is expected. The appointee will perform post mortem examinations, prepare expert reports for coronial matters, and participate in national service coverage.

Qualifications

• Must be a medical practitioner registered with the General Register or eligible for full registration in Ireland.
• Fellowship in histopathology or an equivalent qualification recognized for publicjobs.
• Minimum six years' post-qualification experience in medical practice.

Responsibilities

• Perform post mortem examinations as required by the State Pathologist’s Office.
• Prepare post mortem reports for coroners and Garda investigations.
• Attend inquests and court proceedings to provide expert forensic pathology input.
• Contribute to forensic education and professional training within the OSP.

Skills

Communication skills

Medical judgement

Team collaboration

Education

Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists UK in Histopathology

Eligibility for full registration with Irish Medical Council

Job description

Employer: Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration

Location: Dublin

Closing Date: 3pm, Thursday, 15th October 2026

Salary: Starting at €179,197

About the Employer:

The Office of the State Pathologist (OSP) in Ireland was established in 1975 and is an agency under the aegis of the Department of Justice, Home Affairs & Migration.

The Office provides independent expert advice on all matters pertaining to forensic pathology and delivers a nationwide, 24/7 year-round service throughout the Republic of Ireland.

The main activity of the OSP is the performance of post mortem examinations in cases of sudden, unexplained deaths where a criminal or suspicious element is present. In approximately 5-10% of cases, this also involves a scene visit. The number of formal forensic cases, colloquially known as State cases, conducted by the Department ranges between approximately 180 -220 cases annually with approximately 40-50 cases classified as homicides. The forensic pathologists provide a post mortem report to the relevant coroner in such cases and attend at the inquest and at any court proceedings arising out of a Garda (Irish police) investigation to provide their expert opinion.

The workload of the OSP also includes review of skeletal remains, review of external cases for expert opinion and the provision of service for non-suspicious coronial post mortem examinations at Dublin District Mortuary. The latter is on a rotational basis and only when the forensic workload allows it. The OSP is located on the same premises as the Dublin District Mortuary, which conducts approximately 1000 coronial post mortem examinations annually.

The Consultant Forensic Pathologists of the OSP are also required to facilitate forensic education by providing formal teaching to the principal medical schools in Ireland, An Garda Síochána, the Military Police and other relevant front-line workers as required.

About the Role:

This is a unique and exciting opportunity for a newly qualified or suitably experienced medical professional to join an energetic, proactive team of forensic pathologists in the Office of the State Pathologist, which is based in Griffith Avenue, Whitehall, Dublin 9, in the Republic of Ireland. It is, however a national service and the appointee, once fully qualified, will be required to provide cover on a national basis in accordance with the directions of the Chief State Pathologist.

This position provides a unique opportunity to develop valuable skills, international qualifications and experience in forensic pathology. The successful candidate will be required to complete an extensive training regime, consisting of formal education (including blended learning diploma qualifications), mentoring, and practical experience. It is expected that the successful candidate will complete the training regime within a two-year period, at which point they will become a full State Pathologist.

About You:

The person appointed will:

1. (a) Be a medical practitioner who is registered (otherwise than provisionally or temporarily) in the General Register of Medical Practitioners in Ireland or who is entitled to be so ` registered;

AND

(b) (i) Have a Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists UK in Histopathology.

OR

(ii) Hold a qualification which would be acceptable to publicjobs as being at least equivalent to the requirements specified in sub-paragraph (b)(i) above (e.g. fellowship in histopathology or forensic pathology from another country/region);

AND

(c) (i) Have had, since becoming entitled to full registration, at least six years’ satisfactory experience in the practice of the medical profession;

AND

(ii) Also possess the requisite knowledge and ability (including the ability to communicate effectively) and be suitable to discharge the duties of the position.

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 3pm on Thursday, 15th October, 2026.

We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and encourage applications under all nine grounds of the Employment Equality Act.