Forensic Medical Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

University of New Mexico, School of Medicine located in Albuquerque, NM at the Health Sciences Center is seeking a dynamic leader to serve as Chief Medical Investigator at the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator (OMI).

The Chief is selected by the Board of Medical Investigations. The Chief reports to the Board for OMI affairs via the Dean of the School of Medicine and the Chair of Pathology for academic activities.

The Chief also must work collaboratively with the faculty from the UNM School of Medicine, law enforcement officers, officers of the court, funeral directors, and representatives of the Department of Health.

The Chief Medical Investigator of the OMI will serve as the key leader and advocate in all matters concerning clinical service, education, and research related to the practice of forensic pathology. This includes overseeing all administrative matters including the management of short- and long-range planning, staffing, budgeting, scheduling, and accreditation. The responsibilities also include performing postmortem examinations and providing testimony in criminal and civil courts. For court testimony in remote counties, transportation is provided by a private charter air transportation service.

The Chief plans and manages the total operations of the OMI, develops and implements office objectives and long-range plans, and will be aware of the emerging scientific, political, and funding trends on all levels. Educational responsibilities include the supervision and instruction of forensic pathology fellows, pathology residents, medical students, medical investigators and others.

The OMI is unique among medical examiner offices in that it is a statewide agency in which the forensic pathologists have full-time faculty appointments within the University of New Mexico School of Medicine Department of Pathology.

The NM Office of the Medical Investigator is in the high desert community of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Abundant recreational opportunities exist within our diverse and culturally rich city. Albuquerque enjoys a temperate climate with 310 days of sunshine as well as four distinct seasons.

Salary is negotiable depending upon qualifications and experience.

The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for more information.

Minimum Qualifications: the Chief Medical Investigator must hold an MD/DO or equivalent degree; be certified by the American Board of Pathology in anatomic and forensic pathology; be qualified for an appointment as an Associate Professor or Professor in the UNM Department of Pathology; possess at least 6 years of experience in the clinical practice of forensic pathology; and have at least 3 years demonstrated experience in leadership roles at an operational level within a medical examiner’s office.

• Leadership and practical skills in management include fiscal and budgetary experience and training in these areas
• Strong interpersonal skills including experience with successful management of conflict resolution, consistent clear communication, respect for colleagues, and high expectations of excellence from faculty and staff
• Successful mentoring of faculty and staff
• Experience working with legislative, executive, judicial, and law enforcement bodies as well as the public at large and the media
• Ability to address the specific concerns of New Mexico Hispanic and Native American populations regarding the death investigation process, autopsies and their impact on communities and families

• Successfuldevelopment and participation in educational programs
• Demonstratedsuccess in mentoring of trainees and faculty including forensic pathology fellows and pathology residents

• Evidence of scholarly activity in the forensic sciences
• Evidence of pursuit of grant funding
• Experience in multidisciplinary research

• Experienced leadership in medical examiner office operation
• Experience in obtaining or maintaining accreditation through the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME)
• Practices clinical forensic pathology, in addition to administrative duties, in accordance with general practice guidelines of the office.
• Additional board certification or training in areas such as: Neuropathology, Cardiac pathology, Pediatric pathology, Public health
• A demonstrated commitment to cultivate an understanding of the rich and varied cultures of New Mexico and to the success of the university's mission to serve local and global communities.

For best consideration, please apply by 10/15/2026. This position will remain open until filled.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.