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Forensic Professor Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

... forensic nursing, or adult-geriatric NP (primary care or acute care) is desired, but all qualified ... Assistant Professors are expected to engage in scholarly activities, teach undergraduate and ...

Forensic Professor information

See Michigan salary details

$9.6K

$71.4K

$88K

How much do forensic professor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic professor in Michigan is $71,363.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,400.00 and $87,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Forensic Professors in balancing teaching and research responsibilities?

Forensic Professors often juggle multiple responsibilities, including delivering lectures, mentoring students, conducting research, and staying current with advancements in forensic science. Managing time efficiently to fulfill teaching obligations while also publishing research and securing funding can be challenging. Additionally, staying engaged with real-world forensic cases to enrich classroom material requires ongoing professional development and collaboration with law enforcement or forensic labs. Success in this role often comes from strong organizational skills and a passion for both education and scientific discovery.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Forensic Professor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Forensic Professor, you need advanced expertise in forensic science, a relevant doctoral degree, and a strong background in research and teaching. Familiarity with laboratory analysis tools, forensic databases, and digital research platforms is typically expected, along with experience publishing in scientific journals. Excellent communication, mentorship, and critical thinking skills help foster student engagement and support academic collaboration. These competencies are vital for educating future professionals, advancing forensic research, and maintaining academic rigor in the field.

What are Forensic Professors?

Forensic Professors are academic professionals who teach and conduct research in the field of forensic science. They work at colleges or universities and may specialize in areas such as forensic biology, chemistry, toxicology, or criminalistics. Their responsibilities include developing curricula, lecturing on forensic topics, supervising laboratory work, mentoring students, and often pursuing their own research projects in forensic science. Forensic Professors also stay current with advancements in the field and may collaborate with law enforcement or forensic laboratories.

What is the difference between Forensic Professor vs Forensic Scientist?

AspectForensic ProfessorForensic Scientist
Required CredentialsDoctorate in forensic science, law, or related field; academic credentialsBachelor's or master's in forensic science, chemistry, biology, or related field
Work EnvironmentAcademic settings, universities, research institutionsCrime labs, law enforcement agencies, government labs
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, universitiesLaw enforcement, forensic laboratories, government agencies
Primary FocusTeaching, research, academic publicationAnalyzing evidence, conducting forensic tests, supporting investigations

While both roles involve forensic science, a Forensic Professor primarily focuses on teaching and research within academic settings, whereas a Forensic Scientist applies scientific techniques directly to criminal investigations in labs or law enforcement agencies.

Infographic showing various Forensic Professor job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,363 per year, or $34.3 per hour.

Faculty - Forensic Pathologist

Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, MI • On-site

$225K - $263K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 29 days ago


Western Michigan University rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

483rd of 614 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Description
The Department of Pathology at Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine is seeking a full-time Forensic Pathologist at the Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor level to join six (6) board-certified forensic pathologists in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The ideal candidate will perform medicolegal autopsies, supervise death investigations completed by Medical Examiner Investigators, teach medical students and the forensic pathology fellow, and develop a program of scholarly inquiry. In 2024, our office investigated over 4,800 deaths, and we performed over 1,600 postmortem examinations. We are committed to creating a workplace that provides work-life balance and allows you to pursue your academic interests. Salaries are very competitive and are based on academic rank and years of service. For additional information about our office, visit our website at mimedicalexaminer.com.
Highlights:
  • NAME Accredited.
  • Medical Examiner for 13 Michigan counties and consultant for several additional area counties in Michigan and Indiana.
  • 330,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility.
  • Full-body digital x-ray imaging device and a mobile computed tomography (CT) scanner.
  • On-site neuropathologies, anthropologists, toxicologists, and histology services.
  • Toxicology testing through AXIS Forensic Toxicology, with short turnaround times.

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BENEFITS:
  • Wellness reimbursement.
  • Continuing education and tuition reimbursement.
  • Employer-funded retirement plan.
  • Two medical plan options: PPO and High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with employer HSA contribution.
  • Up to $6,300 annually for professional development.
  • Starting bonus (as applicable).
  • Professional liability insurance coverage.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Perform forensic pathology, hospital autopsies, and conduct activities of a medical examiner practice.
  • Interprets reports made by physicians, pathologists and toxicologists.
  • Confers with medical and investigative personnel in making determinations as to the cause and circumstance of death.
  • Consults with Law enforcement, the District Attorney, and attorneys in the preparation of court cases.
  • Provide expert testimony and advise the Prosecutor's Office in criminal proceedings relating to deaths.
  • Prepares reports of findings.
  • Participates in medical students' education through curriculum development and elective opportunities.
  • Conduct research.
  • Assists the Department Chair with National Association of Medical Examiners accreditation.
  • Availability to work on weekends or evenings to complete time-sensitive projects.
  • Acquires knowledge for new technology and policy/procedure revisions.
  • All other duties as assigned.

Compensation will be commensurate with education, experience, and qualifications.
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Physician (MD or DO) with board certification by the American Board of Pathology in Anatomic Pathology.
  • Board-certified/eligible with the American Board of Pathology in Forensic Pathology.
  • Candidates should be academically oriented, preferably with experience in medical education.
  • Licensure to practice in the state of Michigan.

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