Forensic Pathologist

Mecklenburg County Government; Charlotte, Northern (NC, KY); Hybrid; USD 233,000 - 279,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits package

Pension with county retirement plan

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Mecklenburg County Government seeks a forensic pathologist to perform autopsies, prepare reports, and certify deaths for the state system. The role involves handling evidence and testifying in court, with responsibilities extending to maintaining records and liaising with law enforcement and funeral professionals.

Applicants must be board-certified in forensic pathology or eligible for board examinations, hold an NC medical license, and have robust experience in interpreting lab results and

Qualifications

• MD degree with accreditation in forensic pathology.
• Must be ABP-certified in Anatomic Pathology and Forensic Pathology, or complete board exams within two years.
• Active medical license to practice in NC is required.

Responsibilities

• Perform autopsies and physical examinations to determine cause and manner of death.
• Prepare concise narrative descriptions of autopsy findings.
• Maintain case records and chain of custody for decedents' remains and evidence.
• Interpret histological, toxicological, chemical, and microbiological results.
• Testify in deposition and in court as an expert witness, presenting findings clearly.

Skills

Autopsy procedures

Court testimony

Record keeping

Interdepartmental liaison

Education

Medical degree (MD)

Forensic pathology training

ABP board certification

Job description

Follow Your Calling, Find Your Career!

Salary Range: $233,000.00 - $279,000.00+ annually. This is an exempt position. Pay rates are based on education, skill, experience level and internal equity.

Mecklenburg County is home to nearly 1.23 million residents and is the most populous county between Atlanta, Georgia and Washington, D.C. The County includes the City of Charlotte as well as Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Matthews, Mint Hill, and Pineville. The Charlotte region is an attractive destination for corporate headquarters and is home to eight of the thirteen Fortune 500 companies in North Carolina. Charlotte Douglas International is the world’s 7th busiest airport and American’s Airline’s second largest hub, making Charlotte attractive to both residents and employers. With a world-renowned park and recreation system, a range of professional and minor league sports teams, and diverse communities, people who come to Mecklenburg County find an energized downtown and a variety of living options. Come be a part of Mecklenburg County Government and help us provide a community of pride and choice for people to LIVE, LEARN, WORK, and RECREATE.

OVERVIEW OF THE MECKLENBURG COUNTY MEDICAL EXAMINER’S OFFICE (MCMEO)

MCMEO is a County operated department that functions as part of a state-wide medical examiner system in NC. The office serves the residents of Mecklenburg County and one other regional county under contract with the State of NC. The office is located on the northern side of Charlotte with easy access by several major highways. The free-standing state-of-the-art facility was completed in late 2008 and still remains in great condition with some recent remodels and upgrades including the addition of a LODOX machine. The staff currently perform approximately 1,500 autopsies / examinations annually. Caseload is kept within NAME guidelines. The office is supported by a business manager, 2 administrative staff, 13 medicolegal death investigators, a morgue technician/assistant, and 3 forensic autopsy technicians.

POSITION SUMMARY

The position will be responsible for performing forensic examinations, completing appropriate forms/autopsy reports in a timely manner, certifying the death in the State electronic death registration system, collection, and release of evidence to law enforcement, and testifying in court.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Perform autopsies and physical examination to determine the cause and manner of death
• Prepare clear, concise narrative descriptions of autopsy findings
• Maintain Medical Examiner records and establish policies for the documentation of the chain of custody for decedents' person effects, evidence and human remains
• Interpret histological, toxicological, chemical, hematological and microbiological laboratory results
• Testify in deposition and in court as an expert witness, effectively presenting and communicating findings in a logical manner
• Maintain cooperative liaison with all elements of criminal justice system as well as with funeral directors and their staff
• Assist in establishing, evaluating and monitoring policies and operational procedures for handling potentially infectious autopsy cases and hazardous chemicals and equipment to assure optimal protection of personnel
• Conduct regular evaluations of facilities and equipment to ensure that facilities and equipment are properly maintained and meet applicable operational standards
• Provide information to citizens, news media and the general public in accordance with County, department, and division policy

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience: Minimum of one year of related work experience.
• Education: Graduation from accredited school of medicine orosteopathy and forensic pathology training. Must be certified by the AmericanBoard of Pathology in Anatomic Pathology and Forensic Pathology, or take andpass the board examinations within two years of hire. Must have an activelicense to practice medicine in the State of North Carolina as required.
• Licenses: Obtain and maintain a NC Medical License. May require maintaining a valid NC or SC driver’s license and a County Driving Privileges.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Working experience beyond the fellowship year
• Board certification is a plus
• Specialized training in pediatrics/child abuse, neuropathology, or other area
• Prior supervisory experience

BENEFITS

• The department covers NC medical license renewal, costs of CME programs/conferences, costs of obtaining/maintain ABP board certification, NAME membership, and other approved professional activities.
• Mecklenburg County offers a generous benefits package to include medical, dental, vision, life, short- and long-term disability, accident, cancer, critical illness, medical bridge, and pet insurance; paid holiday, vacation, and sick leave; NC Local Governmental Retirement Benefit (pension); 401K/457 retirement plans with 5% employer match.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT

To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT

This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions. Other duties may be assigned based on business need and the supervisor’s request. Mecklenburg County reserves the right to revise the job description at any time. Designated positions may be required to assist in emergency and/or disaster situations.