Associate State Medical Examiner

State of Iowa; Ankeny (IA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage

Paid Time Off (vacation, sick leave, 9

Retirement Plans (IPERS)

Flexible Spending Accounts

Life Insurance & Long‑term Disability

Employee Assistance Program

Employee Discount Programs

Job summary

State of Iowa is seeking an Associate State Medical Examiner to provide expert forensic pathology services across Iowa’s 99 counties. You will determine cause and manner of death, document injuries, and advance the integrity of death investigations.

Responsibilities include performing postmortem exams, maintaining records, preparing reports, and testifying in court. A medical degree and Iowa licensure are required, with state travel and courtroom duties involved.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited school of medicine is required.
• Internship completed and licensure as a physician by the State of Iowa.

Responsibilities

• Perform postmortem examinations to document injuries, determine disease processes, establish cause and manner of death and collect evidence.
• Maintain complete and accurate records of all medicolegal death investigations under IOSME jurisdiction.
• Prepare timely, thorough autopsy reports using ancillary testing, consultations, and detailed medicolegal review.
• Provide expert testimony in court and depositions regarding autopsy findings and investigative conclusions.
• Communicate autopsy results sensitively and clearly to legal next of kin, investigating agencies and support staff.
• Complete and certify death certificates and cremation permits.
• Promptly communicate and advise county medical examiners and law enforcement agencies regarding scene procedures, autopsy requirements, and death certificate wording.

Education

Medical Doctor (M.D.) degree

Job description

Work Location & Schedule

• Typical hoursare Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
• Weekend rotationapproximately every seven weeks(limited hours)
• Statewide travelfor courtroom testimony and depositions; state vehicle is available

What You’ll Do

As an Associate State Medical Examiner, you will provide expert forensic pathology services and serve as a key resource for county medical examiners, law enforcement agencies, and the judicial system. Your work will help determine cause and manner of death, document injuries and disease, and advance the integrity of death investigations across Iowa’s 99 counties.

Key Responsibilities

• Performpostmortem examinations to document injuries, determine disease processes, establish cause and manner of death and collect evidence as authorized by Iowa Code section 331.802.
• Maintain complete and accurate recordsof all medicolegal death investigations under IOSME jurisdiction.
• Prepare timely, thorough autopsy reportsusing ancillary testing, consultations, and detailed medicolegal review.
• Provide expert testimonyin court and depositions regarding autopsy findings and investigative conclusions.
• Communicate autopsy resultssensitively and clearly to legal next of kin, investigating agencies and support staff.
• Complete and certifydeath certificates and cremation permits.
• Promptly communicate and advisecounty medical examiners and law enforcement agencies regarding scene procedures, autopsy requirements, and death certificate wording.

Benefits

Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well‑being and professional growth:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage:Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage!
• Paid Time Off:Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation (96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year).
• Retirement Plans:Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC), Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month).
• Flexible Spending Accounts:Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Insurance Coverage:Benefit from life insurance and free long‑term disability insurance for added peace of mind.
• Employee Assistance Program:Access resources and support through our Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges.
• Employee Discount Programs:Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our employee discount programs.

For additional information on benefits click here.

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Background Checks

Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position.

The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA Employer

HHS values those with “lived experience” and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the DHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired – Relay Iowa 1-800-735-2942 TDD).

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

All work performed on behalf of Iowa Health and Human Services must occur in the State of Iowa.

Graduation from an accredited school of medicine, completion of an internship program and licensure as a physician by the State of Iowa.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.