Chief Medical Investigator

Position Summary

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.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• 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
• Have at least 3 years demonstrated experience in leadership roles at an operational level within a medical examiner's office

Preferred Qualifications

• 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
• Successful development and participation in educational programs
• Demonstrated success in mentoring of trainees and faculty including forensic pathology fellows and pathology residents
• Evidence of scholarly activity in the forensic sciences
• Evidence of pursuit of grant funding
• Experience in multidisciplinary research
• 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

Application Instructions

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.

For best consideration, please apply by 10/15/2026. This position will remain open until filled.

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