Summary Statement
The incumbent reports to the Chief Medical Examiner (CME) and is responsible for performing forensic autopsies and external body examinations of decedents to determine the cause and manner of death statewide. The work includes determining the existence of criminal acts, homicides, suicides, accidents, as well as natural causes or other forms of death. Exposure to unpleasant odors, sights, sounds, and potentially hazardous body fluids and diseases is also a significant aspect of the work. A class incumbent may assume complete responsibility for the office in the absence of the CME when assigned.
Essential Functions
Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.
- Performs forensic autopsies and external body examinations on bodies brought to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in order to determine the cause and manner of death.
- Reviews reports of death received from hospitals, police agencies, and private physicians in order to determine jurisdiction of cases.
- Communicates with family, friends, and/or associates of decedents as necessary in order to clarify unclear points and obtain appropriate background information.
- Conducts on-site investigations at the death scene to gather appropriate data and information surrounding the case.
- Conducts a preliminary examination of the body to determine if a complete autopsy is required.
- Directs the activities of forensic investigators in photographing and removing of the decedent and the work of autopsy room support personnel during the examination.
- Conducts microscopic examinations of specimens, tissues, organs, fluid, blood, etc. to determine irregular conditions which might have contributed to death.
- Prepares through dictation, autopsy and external body examination reports and findings and furnishes same to law enforcement officials to include evidence of a medical/scientific nature which might be needed for criminal involvement uses.
- Works with hospitals, health care agencies, law enforcement and criminal justice agencies and private physicians.
- Reviews current literature in the area of forensic pathology and investigative research and examines prior case histories for background information.
- Prepares certificate of death and determines the release of bodies and cremation. Testifies in courts of law as required.
Job Requirements
JOB REQUIREMENTS for Assistant Medical Examiner
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:
- Possession of an Anatomic Pathology Certification or eligibility for certification.
- Possession of a Delaware Physician M.D. or Delaware Physician D.O. license or eligibility for a Delaware license.
- Three years experience in forensic pathology.
Additional Posting Information
This posting may be closed on or before (5/26/2025) upon filling the vacant position(s).
Conditions of Hire
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E-Verify system where the State will provide the federal government with each new hires Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our job seeker resources.
This position is a classification organized under an exclusive bargaining representative (labor organization) that has been elected by employees as their representative for collective bargaining and other applicable terms and conditions of employment, in accordance with Title 29, Chapter 59 and Title 19, Chapter 13 and 16. This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement based on its individual terms.
As a Condition of Hire, a satisfactory background check (including a fingerprint-based background check administered by the Delaware State Police) is required. The selected candidate will be required to submit a buccal swab for DNA upon employment and subjected to randomized drug testing during the term of their employment.
Benefits
To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/
Selection Process
The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position. It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties. For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content. Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.
Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email. Please keep your contact information current. You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov .
Accommodations
Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.
The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
