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ASSISTANT FORENSIC PATHOLOGIST

Polk County, IA

Posted on: 25 Mar 2024

Job Location: Des Moines, US

Job Description:

Salary: $275,000.00 - $300,000.00 Annually

Location : Des Moines, IA

Job Type: Full-Time Regular

Job Number: 24-1059

Department: Medical Examiner's Office

Opening Date: 01/17/2024

Closing Date: Continuous

FLSA: Exempt

Bargaining Unit: OTH

Hours: Various

Bargaining Unit: Contract

Salary Grade: N/A

Location: 1801 Hickman Road

Under the direction of the Chief Medical Examiner, performs responsible professional work performing medicolegal autopsies and forensic pathologist duties in accordance with sections 331.801 through 331.805 of the Iowa Code. Exercises considerable independent judgment and professional knowledge of medicine and forensic pathology.
Illustrative Examples of Work

Reviews reports of death received from hospitals, private physicians, and law enforcement agencies and determines jurisdiction of cases; issues preliminary report of cause of death in cases where further investigation is not required; prepares certificates of cause of death and releases body for burial; issues cremation permits.
Reports to the scene of death or discovery of remains as required to provide professional assistance; supervises medical investigators performing death scene investigations; examines body and surroundings; determines the need for a complete postmortem examination and orders bodies removed to the office of the Medical Examiner; ensures proper handling of organs, tissues, bodies, and items found on or around the body, and collection of unclaimed bodies.
Performs medicolegal autopsies/examinations; oversees and conducts death scene investigations to determine the cause or manner of death; evaluates microscopic materials, examines evidence, photographs and medical records, prepares written autopsy protocols; directs the activities of staff in preparing bodies for autopsy; examines wounds and notes abnormal conditions or discolorations of the body; directs the photographing of the body prior to, during, and subsequent to post-mortem examination; reviews current literature in the field and researches histories of prior cases for background information in formulating decisions; determines the existence of criminal acts or negligence on the part of person or persons responsible.
Explains cause of death to relatives of the deceased, law enforcement agencies, and the County Attorney; furnishes the County Attorney and law enforcement officials with medical and scientific evidence; testifies in court as an expert witness; gives depositions.
Provides assistance to law enforcement agencies operating within the County by drawing blood for alcohol/drug analysis and obtaining specimens for laboratory testing in cases of alleged sexual assault.
Attends training and conferences as required to maintain certification and to remain current on trends or issues in forensic pathology; participates in state and local forensic organizations and programs to provide input, increase knowledge in forensics, and maintain recognition for the quality of the Polk County Medical Examiner services.
Coordinates departmental activities with law enforcement agencies, court officials, and the State Medical Examiner; represents the County in contacts with civic groups, other governmental agencies, and the media.
Directs the proper maintenance, handling of records and storage of specimens/evidence; maintains complete records of all relevant information concerning deaths/crimes requiring investigation by the Medical Examiner's Office.
Performs related duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of the procedures involved in detecting, analyzing, evaluating, and interpreting manifestations or symptoms of physical conditions from postmortem pathological examinations.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of general medicine/surgery and the proper disposal of contagious and/or infectious materials and waste.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local statutes and regulations pertaining to County Medical Examiner operations.
Knowledge of established procedures for receiving, storing, and releasing of bodies.
Knowledge of the principles and practices, instruments, and methods used in the collection and processing of post-mortem evidence.
Knowledge of microscopy, toxicology, ballistics, and investigative techniques as they relate to forensic pathology.
Knowledge of the rules of evidence in criminal law as they apply to the preservation of specimens from post-mortem examinations and examination of physical evidence.
Knowledge of statistical methods and procedures.
Knowledge of photographic techniques used in evidence examination and courtroom presentations.
Knowledge of scientific research methods and procedures.
Knowledge of public or business administration including the principles and practices of effective supervision and fiscal management.
Skill in performing medicolegal autopsies and death scene investigations.
Ability to use microscopes, surgical tools, and other equipment in medical examination investigations.
Ability to detect, analyze, evaluate, and interpret manifestations and symptoms of physical condition from pathological examinations and solve complex problems arising from examinations/autopsies.
Ability to testify as an expert witness.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing, to groups and individuals.
Ability to respond to emergency situations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public officials, State Medical Examiner, law enforcement, County Attorney, medical professionals, representatives of the media, county staff, and the general public.

Training and Experience

Graduation from an accredited school of Medicine or Osteopathy, licensed to practice medicine in the State of Iowa, and Board certified or eligible to be certified in Anatomical/Forensic Pathology or currently enrolled in a forensic pathology fellowship, and
Prefer experience working as a Medical Examiner or Forensic Pathologist.

Special Requirements:

A criminal background check is required.
A drug screen is required prior to final offer of employment.
A State of Iowa driver's license is required.

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