Associate Medical Examiner (Forensic Pathologist)

Associate Medical Examiner (Forensic Pathologist)

This is a sensitive government position. Please review the GBI Employment Disqualifiers before applying for this position. Employment for the selected candidate(s) is contingent upon the successful completion of a GBI background investigation including criminal, credit and driver's history checks, polygraph examination, fingerprinting and drug screening. The GBI follows the Federal statute regarding illegal drug use and is a drug-free workplace. Although some states have legalized recreational drug use, applicants who currently use illegal drugs or controlled substances will be subject to disqualification from employment with the GBI.

The State Medical Examiner's Office, within the Division of Forensic Sciences, Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is seeking qualified applicants to fill the Associate Medical Examiner (Forensic Pathologist) position at the GBI Coastal Regional Laboratory in Pooler, Georgia. The successful applicant will join a system that encompasses two regional medical examiner offices located in Pooler (Savannah) and Dry Branch (Macon), Georgia, in addition to the headquarters facility, located in Decatur, Georgia [Atlanta]. Collectively, these three offices provide complete forensic pathology services to 154 of the 159 counties in Georgia.

In addition to the listed salary, the selected applicant will be paid an additional $50,000/yr. locality pay that will be paid out semi-monthly in addition to the annual salary. The locality pay is valid only if the selected applicant is working at the Coastal Regional Laboratory in Pooler, GA.

The Coastal Regional Laboratory in Pooler, GA performs approximately 725 autopsies per year. The Coastal Regional Laboratory medical examiner's staff currently has funding for two (2) Medical Examiner positions and currently has an in-house support staff of four (4) death investigations specialists (cross-trained medicolegal death investigators and autopsy technicians) and one (1) administrative assistant. The average caseload per pathologist, when fully staffed, is between 225-275 cases (not autopsy equivalents) per year. This office is located within the GBI Coastal Regional Crime Laboratory, which include on-site Forensic Biology, Forensic Chemistry, Firearms Analysis, and Forensic Toxicology. The statewide GBI Crime Laboratory also includes Forensic Impressions and Trace Evidence. The Pooler Medical Examiner's Office features a Lodox x-ray scanner and a BodyTom mobile CT scanner for in-house advanced imaging. The statewide Medical Examiner's Office has access to ABFA certified anthropology, ABFO certified forensic odontology, and Forensic Entomology consultants, as well as neuropathology and other specialized pathology consultations through the local hospital systems.

Pooler is a city in Chatham County and it is about 10 miles from Savannah, GA along interstates 95 & 16. Savannah, Georgia is situated among several waterways and is conveniently located just 20 minutes from Tybee Island. Savannah is well known and adored for its natural beauty, coastal cuisine, historic architecture, and attractions. Savannah charms its residents and visitors with its endearing quirks and unparalleled Southern hospitality. The rich culture and history of Savannah are carefully preserved and intermingled with a hip lifestyle that appeals to newcomers and locals across generations. Many have found that Savannah is has the ideal amenities to settle for and a great place to call home.

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The GBI Medical Examiner's Office is accredited by the National Association of Medical Examiners. To learn more about the GBI Medical Examiner's Office, visit

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has been internationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA®).

Duties and Responsibilities

The Associate Medical Examiner (Forensic Pathologist) performs medicolegal autopsies under the provisions of the Georgia Death Investigation Act; generates examination reports for dissemination in a timely and efficient manner; provides expert courtroom and deposition testimony in judicial proceedings; and consults with law enforcement agencies and attorneys who work within the criminal system. The Associate Medical Examiner may perform other duties as directed by the Chief Medical Examiner.

Minimum Qualifications

Medical Doctor licensed to practice medicine in the state of Georgia or the ability to obtain Georgia licensure as required by state law AND Successful completion of an Anatomic Pathology residency and Forensic Pathology fellowship from an accredited institution AND Board certified by the American Board of Pathology in Anatomic Pathology OR Anatomic Pathology and Clinical Pathology AND Board certified or eligible for certification by the American Board of Pathology in Forensic Pathology.

Condition(s) of Employment

Selected candidates who have not yet achieved board certification in Forensic Pathology must sit for and successfully pass the board certification examination in Forensic Pathology at the earliest available administration upon becoming eligible. Failure to sit for and/or successfully pass the Forensic Pathology Board exam will result in an evaluation of continued employment. Selected candidate must be able to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the business which may require working weekends and/or holidays. Selected candidate must also be available to receive and respond to telephone inquiries from home, while acting in an on-call status.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for the position is $260,000-$280,000 per year, depending on qualifications and experience. Advancement within the salary structure is commensurate with cumulative experience and achievement of full board certification for those who are hired but not yet fully board certified. The starting salary is commensurate with board certification status and work experience:

• *From date of completion of Forensic Pathology Fellowship through the 5th full year of postgraduate employment, w/o board certification, the salary will be: $260,000.00 per year.
• *From date of completion of Forensic Pathology Fellowship through the 5th full year of postgraduate employment, with AP & FP board certification, the salary will be: $270,000.00 per year.
• *From the beginning of the 6th postgraduate year forward, w/AP & FP board certification, the salary will be: $280,000.00 per year.

In addition to the listed salary, the selected applicant will be paid an additional $50,000/yr. locality pay that will be paid out semi-monthly in addition to the annual salary. The locality pay is valid only if the selected applicant is working at the Coastal Regional Laboratory in Pooler, GA.

Advancement within the salary structure is commensurate with cumulative experience, and achievement of full Board Certification status for those who are hired but are not yet fully Board Certified.

***NEW - GEORGIA MEDICAL EXAMINER LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM*** The Georgia Medical Examiner Loan Repayment Program is now available to qualified licensed physicians working as full-time Medical Examiners with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation! Recipients must agree to work full-time, on or after January 1, 2023, for GBI as a Medical Examiner for an opportunity to have a portion of their student loan debt to be paid through this loan repayment program. Loan repayment begins after twelve consecutive months of qualified employment. Qualified Medical Examiners may receive up to five years of student loan repayment for five years of employment with the GBI's Division of Forensic Science Medical Examiner's Office. Graduated loan repayment award amounts are based on eligible participating year in the repayment program:

• First year maximum amount is $12,000
• Second year maximum amount is $18,000
• Third year maximum amount is $24,000
• Fourth year maximum amount is $30,000
• Fifth year maximum amount is $36,000

The maximum limit is $120,000 with five years of qualifying employment. GBI offers a generous benefits package. Employees earn vacation time and sick leave and are granted 13 paid holidays each year. There are a variety of benefit options to choose from, including vision, dental, health and life insurance. We also offer an employee retirement plan and deferred compensation options. Competitive benefits package:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Annual vacation, sick, and education leave
• 13 paid holidays
• Employee retirement plan
• Deferred compensation options
• Conference allowance
• Reimbursement of all GA licensure and board certification fees
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer

The GBI reserves the right to close this job announcement once a qualified applicant pool has been identified.

• Due to the volume of applications we receive, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or by e-mail. All