Criminalist IB (Forensic Pathology Coordinator)

NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene; New York (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Office of Chief Medical Examiner within the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is seeking a Criminalist. The role supports forensic pathology operations, coordinates case updates, and helps manage the intake process for students and staff.

Ideal candidates will have a strong background in criminalistics or related forensic sciences, with progressive experience requirements across assignment levels. The position is essential and may require 24-hour availability during emergencies.

Qualifications

• A baccalaureate degree with specialization in criminalistics, forensic science, chemistry, biology, physics, molecular genetics, or related field.
• Assignment Level I-B requires at least one year of satisfactory full-time experience in criminalistics, forensic science, or analytic chemistry.
• Level II requires one additional year of qualifying experience, for a total of two years, or a comparable education/experience mix.
• Level III requires two additional years of experience, or a total of three years of experience.
• Assignment Level IV requires four years of experience.

Responsibilities

• Prepare reports and documentation per accreditation requirements and procedures.
• Liaise with the office and medical examiners to deliver case updates.
• Coordinate intake processes and rotations for medical students and residents.
• Organize didactic lectures and grand rounds.
• Assemble data from scientific testing.
• Serve as Testing Results liaison for labs and OCME.
• Conduct monthly mortuary inspections and maintain inventory of samples.
• Coordinate neuro and cardiac pathology exams and related paperwork.
• Assist Medical Examiners and Forensic Investigation Staff with medical records requests.
• Receive evidence from the Evidence Department for analysis.
• Handle routine inquiries on behalf of the Deputy Chief Medical Examiner.
• Perform forensic administrative duties as required.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Education

Criminalistics/Forensic science degree

Job description

The Office of Chief Medical Examiner investigates cases of persons who die within New York City from criminal violence, by accident, by suicide, suddenly when in apparent health, when unattended by a physician, in a correctional facility or in any suspicious or unusual manner or where an application is made pursuant to law for a permit to cremate a body of a person.

Our core purpose is to protect public health and serve impartial justice through forensic science and medicine. We exist to provide answers in support of families and communities during times of profound need.

The core values of CARES guide our work for communities and inform our behavior toward each other and all those we serve.

• Commitment: Dedicated to the mission at all times
• Accountability: Responsible to each other and the community
• Resilience: Adapt in the face of adversity
• Excellence: Achieve and maintain the highest quality
• Service: Innovate to meet evolving needs

Under The Direction Of The Lead Forensic Pathology Coordinator, Performs Professional Forensic Work To Support The Operations Of The Office Of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) Forensic Pathology & Family Service Center. Typical Tasks Include But Are Not Limited To The Following

• Prepare reports and documentation in accordance with Federal and State accreditation requirements and department procedures
• Act as a liaison for the office and medical examiners, facilitating communication with internal and external stakeholders to follow up on and deliver case updates
• Help coordinate the intake process and facilitate the monthly rotations of medical students and residents
• Organize and support the daily setup of didactic lectures and grand rounds
• Assemble data related to results of scientific testing
• Serve as Testing Results liaison for DOH Public Health Laboratories, private laboratories, and OCME
• Perform monthly mortuary inspections for supplies and maintain an inventory of biological samples
• Coordinate neuro and cardiac pathology exams, handle associated paperwork and tasks, and address any issues in specimen troubleshooting with other departments involved
• Assist Medical Examiners and Forensic Investigation Staff in handling requests for medical records and reports
• Receive evidence from Evidence Department for analysis by Medical Examiners
• Handle routine inquiries on behalf of the Deputy Chief Medical Examiner
• Perform forensic administrative duties to the office and Medical Examiners as required

SPECIAL NOTE

• Selected candidates will be required to provide a DNA sample by swabbing.
• This position has been identified as “essential.” During ALL weather & emergency events, “essential” positions may require 24-hour availability.

Please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted for this position.

**FINAL APPOINTMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT & BUDGET APPROVAL**

CRIMINALIST - 21849

Minimum Qualifications

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college, with specialization in criminalistics, forensic science, chemistry, biology, physics, molecular genetics, genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, entomology, anthropology, ecology or a closely related scientific or engineering field.
• For Assignment to Assignment Level I - B

In addition to meeting the "Qualification Requirements For All Assignment Levels" above, to be assigned to Assignment Level I-B individuals must have at least one year of satisfactory full-time experience in criminalistics, forensic science or analytic chemistry, or a satisfactory equivalent combination of education and experience.

• In addition to meeting the "Qualification Requirements" above, to be assigned to Assignment Level II, individuals must have one of the following:
• One year of experience gained as a Criminalist at Assignment Level I-B; or 2. One additional year of qualifying experience in criminalistics or forensic science, for a total of two years of such experience; or 3. A satisfactory combination of education and experience totaling two years of experience as described above.
• In addition to meeting the "Qualification Requirements" for Assignment Level I-B above, to be assigned to Assignment Level III, individuals must have one of the following:
• Two years of experience gained as a Criminalist at Assignment Level I-B, II, and /or III; or 2. Two additional years of qualifying experience in criminalistics or forensic science, for a total of three years of such experience; or 3. A satisfactory combination of education and experience totaling three years of experience as described above.
• For Assignment to Assignment Level IV

Requirements

• Three years of experience gained as a Criminalist at Assignment Level I-B, II, and /or III; or 2. Three additional years of experience in criminalistics or forensic science, for a total of four years of such experience; or
• A satisfactory combination of education and experience totaling four years of experience, as described above.

Preferred Skills

Excellent organizational and communication skills. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Applications.

Residency Requirement

New York City residency is not required for this position.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.