Coroner / Forensic Pathologist

About the Company

The King County Medical Examiner’s Office is dedicated to providing thorough and unbiased forensic death investigations for King County, serving the public good by determining the cause and manner of death in cases falling under statutory jurisdiction. We are committed to excellence in forensic science, public health, and compassionate service to families and communities. Our mission is to accurately investigate and certify deaths, provide vital public health data, and offer support to grieving families and the justice system.

Job Description

We are seeking a highly qualified and experienced Coroner / Forensic Pathologist to join our dedicated team. This critical role involves conducting medicolegal death investigations, performing autopsies, interpreting forensic evidence, and collaborating with law enforcement, public health officials, and legal professionals. The successful candidate will be responsible for determining the cause and manner of death, providing expert testimony in court, and contributing to public health and safety initiatives within King County. This position requires a strong commitment to scientific integrity, meticulous attention to detail, and exceptional communication skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform medicolegal death investigations, including scene investigations, external examinations, and complete autopsies.
• Determine the cause and manner of death for cases under King County jurisdiction.
• Collect and interpret forensic evidence, including toxicology, histology, and microbiology results.
• Prepare detailed autopsy reports and official death certificates.
• Provide expert testimony in court and deposition settings.
• Consult with law enforcement agencies, attorneys, and medical professionals regarding findings.
• Participate in on-call rotations for death investigations.
• Contribute to training and education of staff, law enforcement, and medical students.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and standards.
• Engage in continuous professional development and maintain board certification.

Required Skills

• Medical Doctor (MD or DO) degree from an accredited institution.
• Completion of an Anatomic Pathology residency program.
• Completion of a Forensic Pathology fellowship program.
• Board Certification in Anatomic Pathology and Forensic Pathology by the American Board of Pathology.
• Active, unrestricted medical license in the State of Washington or eligibility for licensure.
• Minimum of 5 years of post-fellowship experience in forensic pathology.
• Demonstrated experience in performing complex medicolegal autopsies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for report writing and expert testimony.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with mass fatality incident response protocols.
• Research experience or publications in forensic pathology.
• Teaching experience in a medical or forensic setting.
• Familiarity with King County specific public health and legal systems.

Perks & Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• State of Washington retirement plan.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Professional development opportunities and continuing medical education (CME) allowance.
• Relocation assistance may be available.
• Collaborative and supportive work environment.

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