Ast/Asc/Full Professor Health Program Fixed Term
The Chief and Deputy Chief Medical Examiners/Forensic Pathologists will lead the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM)s expanding forensic pathology program overseeing medicolegal death investigation services for Kent and Ottawa Counties and providing consultative autopsy expertise for other Michigan jurisdictions. Based in Grand Rapids Michiganone of the Midwests most vibrant and livable citiesthis is an opportunity to shape a modern accredited medical examiner system within a Big Ten AAU-member university known for innovation integrity and public service.
As Chief the successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring NAME accreditation standards are upheld providing leadership in forensic pathology operations policy development and quality assurance. The Chief must be a pathologist certified in Forensic Pathology by the American Board of Pathology (or international equivalent) licensed to practice medicine or osteopathy in Michigan and have a minimum of two years of forensic pathology experience beyond fellowship training. The position includes the authority to appoint and supervise Deputy and Associate Medical Examiners ensuring that qualified pathologists are available for autopsy coverage when the Chief is unavailable. The Chief will lead a team currently staffed at 2.5 FTEs fostering a collegial academically integrated environment that supports both public service and education.
Both roles will perform forensic autopsies medicolegal death investigations and related professional services as required under Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL 52.201 et seq). In addition they contribute to hospital-based pathology including hospital autopsies and support the education and training of medical students residents and fellows. These roles require extensive interaction with county health departments hospitals law enforcement agencies the legal community and other external partners. The physicians also serve as expert witnesses in court proceedings participate in hospital trauma conferences and deliver didactic teaching.
This is more than a public officeits a unique opportunity to build and oversee a new collaborative forensic pathology program at MSU working closely with the universitys forensic anthropologists developing a forensic pathology fellowship and contributing to statewide and international forensic education through MSUs Global Health Institute. The roles also include faculty appointment and expectations for teaching mentorship and scholarly activityincluding research publications and presentations that advance public health and forensic science.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin citizenship age disability or protected veteran status.
Doctorate -Forensic Pathology
CV/resume and cover letter.
11/10/2025
Physically intensive job lifting decedents from cart to table assisted by others. Moving decedents on carts- pushing/pulling.
Working with human decedents. Exposure to human blood serum tissue and other body fluids and materials. TB risk or work within 3 feet of human patients. Wearing a respirator.
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