Chief Medical Investigator

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

The Chief is
selected by the Board of Medical Investigations. The Chief reports to the Board
for OMI affairs via the Dean of the School of Medicine and the Chair of
Pathology for academic activities.

The Chief also
must work collaboratively with the faculty from the UNM School of Medicine, law
enforcement officers, officers of the court, funeral directors, and
representatives of the Department of Health.

The Chief
Medical Investigator of the OMI will serve as the key leader and advocate in
all matters concerning clinical service, education, and research related to the
practice of forensic pathology. This includes overseeing all administrative
matters including the management of short- and long-range planning, staffing,
budgeting, scheduling, and accreditation. The responsibilities also include
performing postmortem examinations and providing testimony in criminal and
civil courts. For court testimony in remote counties, transportation is
provided by a private charter air transportation service.

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

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

The NM Office
of the Medical Investigator is in the high desert community of Albuquerque, New
Mexico. Abundant recreational opportunities exist within our diverse and
culturally rich city. Albuquerque enjoys a temperate climate with 310 days of
sunshine as well as four distinct seasons.

Salary is negotiable depending upon
qualifications and experience.

Minimum Qualifications: the
Chief Medical Investigator must hold an MD/DO or equivalent degree; be
certified by the American Board of Pathology in anatomic and forensic pathology;
be qualified for an appointment as an Associate Professor or Professor in the
UNM Department of Pathology; possess at least 6 years of experience in the
clinical practice of forensic pathology; and have at least 3 years demonstrated
experience in leadership roles at an operational level within a medical
examiner's office.

Preferred
Qualifications:

Administration:

• Leadership and
  practical skills in management include fiscal and budgetary experience and
  training in these areas
• Strong
  interpersonal skills including experience with successful management of
  conflict resolution, consistent clear communication, respect for colleagues,
  and high expectations of excellence from faculty and staff
• Successful
  mentoring of faculty and staff
• Experience
  working with legislative, executive, judicial, and law enforcement bodies as
  well as the public at large and the media
• Ability to
  address the specific concerns of New Mexico Hispanic and Native American
  populations regarding the death investigation process, autopsies and their
  impact on communities and families

Education:

• Successful
  development and participation in educational programs
• Demonstrated
  success in mentoring of trainees and faculty including forensic pathology
  fellows and pathology residents

Research:

• Evidence of
  scholarly activity in the forensic sciences
• Evidence of
  pursuit of grant funding
• Experience in
  multidisciplinary research

Service:

• Experienced
  leadership in medical examiner office operation
• Experience in
  obtaining or maintaining accreditation through the National Association of
  Medical Examiners (NAME)
• Practices
  clinical forensic pathology, in addition to administrative duties, in
  accordance with general practice guidelines of the office.
• Additional
  board certification or training in areas such as: Neuropathology, Cardiac
  pathology, Pediatric
  pathology, Public health
• A demonstrated
  commitment to cultivate an understanding of the rich and varied cultures of New
  Mexico and to the success of the university's mission to serve local and global
  communities.

Only applications submitted through
the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job
advertisement on a 3rd party site, please
visit 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 September 29, 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.