Working/Functional Title
Ast/Asc/Full Professor Health Program Fixed Term
Position Summary
The Chief and Deputy Chief Medical Examiners/Forensic Pathologists will lead the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM)’s expanding forensic pathology program, overseeing medicolegal death investigation services for Kent and Ottawa Counties, and providing consultative autopsy expertise for other Michigan jurisdictions. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan—one of the Midwest’s most vibrant and livable cities—this is an opportunity to shape a modern, accredited medical examiner system within a Big Ten, AAU-member university known for innovation, integrity, and public service.
As Chief, the successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring NAME accreditation standards are upheld, providing leadership in forensic pathology operations, policy development, and quality assurance. The Chief must be a pathologist certified in Forensic Pathology by the American Board of Pathology (or international equivalent), licensed to practice medicine or osteopathy in Michigan, and have a minimum of two years of forensic pathology experience beyond fellowship training. The position includes the authority to appoint and supervise Deputy and Associate Medical Examiners, ensuring that qualified pathologists are available for autopsy coverage when the Chief is unavailable. The Chief will lead a team currently staffed at 2.5 FTEs, fostering a collegial, academically integrated environment that supports both public service and education.
Both roles will perform forensic autopsies, medicolegal death investigations, and related professional services as required under Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL 52.201 et seq). In addition, they contribute to hospital-based pathology, including hospital autopsies, and support the education and training of medical students, residents, and fellows. These roles require extensive interaction with county health departments, hospitals, law enforcement agencies, the legal community, and other external partners. The physicians also serve as expert witnesses in court proceedings, participate in hospital trauma conferences, and deliver didactic teaching.
This is more than a public office—it’s a unique opportunity to build and oversee a new, collaborative forensic pathology program at MSU, working closely with the university’s forensic anthropologists, developing a forensic pathology fellowship, and contributing to statewide and international forensic education through MSU’s Global Health Institute. The roles also include faculty appointment and expectations for teaching, mentorship, and scholarly activity—including research, publications, and presentations that advance public health and forensic science.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Doctorate -Forensic Pathology
Minimum Requirements
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) or Doctor of Medicine (MD).
- Board Certification or eligibility in Forensic Pathology.
- Licensed or eligible for licensure to practice medicine in the State of Michigan.
- Eligible for appointment as Medical Examiner or Deputy Medical Examiner under MCL 52.201.
- Minimum of two years of experience required for NAME Compliance with Accreditation.
Desired Qualifications
- Subspecialty training in Cardiovascular Pathology preferred; all others strongly encouraged to apply
- Demonstrated record of teaching and mentoring in medical education.
- Experience in scholarly activity, including research or publication.
- Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with external partners such as law enforcement, legal professionals, and public health officials.
Required Application Materials
CV/resume and cover letter.
Review of Applications Begins On
11/10/2025
Summary of Physical Demands
Physically intensive job, lifting decedents from cart to table, assisted by others. Moving decedents on carts- pushing/pulling.
Summary of Health Risks
Working with human decedents. Exposure to human blood, serum, tissue and other body fluids and materials. TB risk or work within 3 feet of human patients. Wearing a respirator.
MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
