Deputy State Pathologist

Garda; Dublin; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Office of the State Pathologist (OSP) seeks a Medical Practitioner to perform post-mortem examinations and provide expert medico-legal reports in line with national guidelines. The role involves on‑site rota duties, potential scene attendance, and extensive training to develop into a full State Pathologist within two years.

The appointee will deputise for State Pathologists as required and contribute to high‑quality forensic pathology services nationwide.

Qualifications

• Registered medical practitioner in Ireland with requisite qualifications.
• Experience in post-mortem histopathology.
• Ability to communicate medical knowledge to lay persons and to teach at undergraduate/postgraduate levels.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert professional witness testimony in criminal cases and coroner's inquests.
• Offer forensic death investigation advice to Department of Justice, Coroners and Garda Síochána.
• Attend at scene as required and perform post-mortem examinations.
• Deputise for State Pathologists as needed.

Skills

Post-mortem pathology

Histopathology

Medical communication

medico-legal reporting

Education

Medical degree + registration

Job description

The closing date for this vacancy is 15/10/2026, 15:00

Vacancy ID

9208

Department/Authority

Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration

Please note that the language you choose to begin your application with cannot be changed once the "Apply" button is selected. If your application form is in English, your communications will be in English.

Job summary

The main activity of the Office of the State Pathologist (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 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.

Main Duties of the Job

The duties of each State Pathologist include provision of evidence as expert professional witness in any criminal case and/or Coroner’s inquest resulting from a death in which a post-mortem examination has been carried out. Provision of advice on forensic death investigation and other relevant medico-legal matters to the Department of Justice, Coroners and/or Garda Síochána.

To take a full share in the rota and be available to attend at the scene as required and subsequently carry out the post mortem examination.

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.

The appointee will be required to deputise for State Pathologists as and when required.

Applications are invited from medical practitioners who are registered (otherwise than provisionally or temporarily) in the General Register of Medical Practitioners in Ireland or who are entitled to be so registered; and have the requisite additional specified qualifications as outlined in the Information Booklet for this campaign.

Candidates must also demonstrate the following:

• Specific knowledge of Pathology, including histopathology.
• Ability to carry out post mortem examinations to a high standard and in recognition of national guidelines, to construct scientifically accurate, comprehensive and readable medico-legal reports.
• Established experience in post-mortem histopathology.
• Ability to communicate medical knowledge to lay persons and to teach proficiently at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Information about the organisation

The OSP was established in 1975 and is an agency under the aegis of the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and 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 OSP is located in a fully resourced, modern, purpose built premises located 10 minutes outside of Dublin City centre on Griffith Avenue.

Selection Process Details

This is a Top Level Appointments Committee (TLAC) 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.

Recruitment for this role is managed by publicjobs.

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