Chief Medical Investigator - req# 38114

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

The Chief isselected by the Board of Medical Investigations. The Chief reports to the Boardfor OMI affairs via the Dean of the School of Medicine and the Chair ofPathology for academic activities.

The Chief alsomust work collaboratively with the faculty from the UNM School of Medicine, lawenforcement officers, officers of the court, funeral directors, andrepresentatives of the Department of Health.

The ChiefMedical Investigator of the OMI will serve as the key leader and advocate inall matters concerning clinical service, education, and research related to thepractice of forensic pathology. This includes overseeing all administrativematters including the management of short- and long-range planning, staffing,budgeting, scheduling, and accreditation. The responsibilities also includeperforming postmortem examinations and providing testimony in criminal andcivil courts. For court testimony in remote counties, transportation isprovided by a private charter air transportation service.

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

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

The NM Officeof the Medical Investigator is in the high desert community of Albuquerque, NewMexico. Abundant recreational opportunities exist within our diverse andculturally rich city. Albuquerque enjoys a temperate climate with 310 days ofsunshine as well as four distinct seasons.

Salary is negotiable depending uponqualifications and experience.

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

PreferredQualifications:

 
Administration:

• Leadership andpractical skills in management include fiscal and budgetary experience andtraining in these areas
• Stronginterpersonal skills including experience with successful management ofconflict resolution, consistent clear communication, respect for colleagues,and high expectations of excellence from faculty and staff
• Successfulmentoring of faculty and staff
• Experienceworking with legislative, executive, judicial, and law enforcement bodies aswell as the public at large and the media
•  Ability toaddress the specific concerns of New Mexico Hispanic and Native Americanpopulations regarding the death investigation process, autopsies and theirimpact on communities and families

Education:

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

Research:

• Evidence ofscholarly activity in the forensic sciences
• Evidence ofpursuit of grant funding
•  Experience inmultidisciplinary research

Service:

• Experiencedleadership in medical examiner office operation
• Experience inobtaining or maintaining accreditation through the National Association ofMedical Examiners (NAME)
• Practicesclinical forensic pathology, in addition to administrative duties, inaccordance with general practice guidelines of the office.
• Additionalboard certification or training in areas such as: Neuropathology, Cardiacpathology, Pediatricpathology, Public health
•  A demonstratedcommitment to cultivate an understanding of the rich and varied cultures of NewMexico and to the success of the university's mission to serve local and globalcommunities.

Only applications submitted throughthe official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this jobadvertisement on a 3rd party site, pleasevisit UNMJobs to submit an application.

Nomination Process- to nominate an outstanding candidate please send the name and contact information of the nominee to: Chief Medical Investigator c/o April Rodriguez-Esparza; (505) 272-9767; amrodriguez@salud.unm.edu. Nominations must be received by October 6, 2026. If self-nominating, you need only apply and not submit a self-nomination.

How to Apply- a complete application consists of (1) current curriculum vitae; (2) a comprehensive letter of interest that addresses how their strengths and experience match the qualifications for the position, and what they see as challenges and opportunities of the position in the current academic environment, and; (3) names, addresses and contact information for five references. Candidates will be consulted before references are contacted.

All communications and questions regarding this position by interested applicants must be only made to April Rodriguez-Esparza, search coordinator or Dr. Justin Baca, Chair of the Search Committee. Mrs. Rodriguez-Esparza and Dr. Baca will place interested applicants in touch with relevant Pathology and OMI faculty to discuss the OMI’s programs and the position.

This position may be subject to criminal records screening in accordance with New Mexico law. If criminal records screening is mandated, clearance by the New Mexico Department of Health is required as a condition of employment.

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.