Forensic Pathologist

New Zealand Government; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora invites applications for a Forensic Pathologist at Christchurch Hospital. The role involves performing coronial post-mortem examinations, preparing autopsy reports, and providing expert court opinions when required.

The service includes teaching and supervision of trainees, with collaboration across a multidisciplinary team. The Canterbury Health Laboratories site hosts modern facilities, including access to PMCT, and aims to advance forensic pathology within

Qualifications

• FRCPA in Forensic Pathology (or international equivalent) required.
• Eligibility for registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand required.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and external agencies.
• Strong communication skills, including report writing and court presentation.
• Working at Health New Zealand (Te Whatu Ora) is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Undertake post-mortem examinations as directed by the Coroner.
• Provide detailed autopsy reports and expert court opinions when required.
• Contribute to teaching and training, including supervision of forensic pathology trainees.
• Engage with universities and external partners to advance forensic pathology services.

Job description

Forensic Pathologist - Christchurch Hospital | Permanent, Full Time

Forensic Pathology South Island is situated within the Health New Zealand framework. Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

About the Role

As a Forensic Pathologist, you will play a vital role in supporting coroners, police, families, and the courts through the delivery of high-quality forensic pathology services. You will undertake post-mortem examinations as directed by the Coroner, provide detailed autopsy reports, and deliver expert opinion in court when required.

You will be part of a service currently conducting approximately 500 coronial post-mortem examinations annually, including around 30 homicides or suspicious deaths. You will also attend a small number of police scenes each year (shared across the team). The case mix is diverse and interesting with farmland, alpine/mountaineering, beach/scuba, and industrial areas all falling within our catchment, ensuring that there is genuine variety on a background of typical suspicious and natural death cases.

This role also offers opportunities to contribute to teaching and training, including supervision of forensic pathology trainees, teaching medical students and police staff, and engaging with the University of Otago. You will play a key role in shaping the future of forensic pathology services as the coronial system evolves.

About the Team / Service / Location

Forensic Pathology South Island is part of Health New Zealand and provides services across the South Island, including all homicides and suspicious deaths. Based at Canterbury Health Laboratories (CHL) in Christchurch, the service has allocation for up to four forensic pathologists and is supported by a highly skilled multidisciplinary team and modern mortuary facilities.

You will work in an up-to-date and well-equipped environment, including access to a dedicated post mortem CT scanner.

You will be supported by:

• Seven experienced autopsy technicians
• An administrator and service manager
• A full range of diagnostic services including histopathology, microbiology, genetics, biochemistry, haematology, and radiology
• Strong relationships with perinatal pathology services, on-site anatomical pathology colleagues, anthropology expertise through the University of Otago
• A dual-trained forensic pathologist and radiologist on staff to provide immediate expert interpretation of the PMCTs of your cases as required, as well as offering opportunities for increasing innovation in minimally invasive PM examinations
• Impending arrival of a dual-trained forensic pathologist and neuropathologist on staff

Christchurch offers an outstanding lifestyle with easy access to beaches, mountains, and outdoor adventure, alongside a vibrant and growing city. The favourable FTE to case number when fully staffed affords the genuine opportunity to pursue professional and research interests within forensic pathology and allows for an excellent quality of life outside of work. The department is located within Christchurch Hospital on the periphery of the city centre, minutes' walk from shops and restaurants. Hagley Park surrounds the hospital and is a wonderful place to revive the senses year-round (and to watch a cheeky game of cricket in the summer!).

About you

As a Forensic Pathologist, you will bring:

• FRCPA in Forensic Pathology (or international equivalent in forensic pathology)
• Eligibility for registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand
• Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and external agencies
• Strong communication skills, including report writing and court presentation
• Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and serve our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

If you have any questions about the role, please feel free to contact either Dr Andrew Gilkison or Dr Melissa Thompson via [e-mail]