Forensic Pathologist

Kiahiwa ra! Kia hiwa!
Mo matou About us
Forensic Pathology South Island is part of Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand, the organisation that leads the day-to-day running of our health system across New Zealand, with functions delivered at local, district, regional and national levels.
Te Whatu Ora employs the forensic pathologists based in Christchurch and autopsy services are contracted through the Ministry of Justice for the coronial system.
Canterbury Health Laboratories (CHL) is a Te Whatu Ora Pathology service provider in New Zealand. The mortuary at Canterbury Health Laboratories is the forensic centre for the South Island and is supported by a strong mortuary technical team as well as the expertise of other departments within CHL.
Here in beautiful Waitaha Canterbury we deliver routine autopsy services to more than 600,000 people that live in the Canterbury region and the West Coast, as well as autopsies for homicides and suspicious deaths for the entire South Island.
We are committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its principles by ensuring our partnership with Maori are at the forefront of all our conversations.
Mo te tunga About the role
Is it time for change? How about a leap that sees you experiencing the wonders of the NZ lifestyle, where adventure is always at your doorstep, you're never far from a picture-perfect view, and the ultimate work-life balance is truly attainable?
If you're a Forensic Pathologist considering a move, this could be your best one yet.
Here's your chance to join a health system that truly cares. Here in Christchurch, New Zealand, Te Whatu Ora Waitaha is a world leader in the delivery of integrated healthcare, and right now, we have an opportunity within our Forensic Pathology South Island team at Christchurch Hospital Campus.
You'll play a key role in a unit that serves a population of about 1.2m for suspicious deaths and homicides. Interested?
The Team
Here in NZ, we have a coronial death investigation system with legally-trained coroners. Forensic pathologists play a crucial role in supporting the families of deceased through the expert service you'll provide to coroners, the Police and courts.
You'll undertake and supervise autopsy examinations of sudden, unexplained or unexpected deaths for coroners as part of our enthusiastic and skilled team operating out of well-equipped mortuary facilities here in Christchurch.
The forensic pathologists are supported by 7 autopsy technicians, an administrator, and a service manager.
Operating alongside our Anatomical Pathology Department, your team has constant access to a full range of diagnostics support services available in this large tertiary hospital campus including histopathology, microbiology, genetics, biochemistry and haematology laboratories and radiology services, so you'll always feel supported with the resources available to see you thrive.
We also have strong relationships with the perinatal pathologists based in Christchurch and a forensic anthropologist based out of the University of Otago.
The Role
This role will see you provide expert advice to the coroners, police, families, courts, and other medical staff. At the direction of the coroner, you will undertake post-mortem examinations and provide detailed autopsy reports.
You will attend scenes at the request of the police (generally not more than about 10 per year divided among the forensic pathologists) and will provide expert testimony in court.
About 500 coronial post-mortem examinations are conducted in Christchurch each year including approximately 30 homicides or suspicious deaths.
Forensic Pathology South Island has a forensic pathology training program and part of your role will involve supervising and teaching the trainee.
Medical students and new police officers also rotate through the department on occasion. Through our close relationships with the University of Otago, including the Christchurch School of Medicine, you may wish to take up undergraduate/graduate teaching opportunities as you develop and progress in your own career.
The New Zealand coronial system is currently undergoing major changes and you would have the opportunity to help shape autopsy services for the country.
Required Qualifications
You'll be FRCPA-qualified (or international equivalent), ideally with several years of post-qualification experience, but we also welcome applications from those just finishing their training.
We are looking for someone who is a good fit for our team, which means you are someone who collaborates well, takes pride in their work, and acts with integrity.
You will have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Remuneration & Benefits
An internationally competitive salary is offered as well as assistance with professional registration and relocation to Christchurch.
Six weeks of paid annual leave are provided, along with time off in lieu of any public holidays worked. Generous financial support is provided for continuing medical education along with two weeks of CME time to attend conferences and workshops.
Yearly professional registration and indemnity insurance fees are covered by the employer.
About Christchurch Living in Otautahi
Otautahi Christchurch is a great place to be, live and bring up your family. It is easy to get around with just a short commute from work to home, no matter where you live in the city.
You may ask about traffic in Christchurch. We will respond what is traffic? The city is mostly flat with an extensive network of bicycle lanes and paths if you prefer to commute on two wheels.
We are surrounded by beautiful scenery with ample recreational pursuits on our doorstep. Christchurch Botanic Gardens is just on the edge of the hospital campus along with the lovely Avon River.
Several beautiful beaches are at your doorstep. If you are into skiing, surfing, snowboarding, mountain biking or anything outdoors, Christchurch is the place to be.
But if a vibrant cultural scene is more your style, we have a wonderful rebuilt city with dining, theatre, art galleries, music and a host of other entertainment on offer.
Your family will love it here too, schooling and university facilities are excellent.
Our Culture: What matters to us
Ko nga tangata, te matua mahi Putting people at the heart of all we do.
Health is ultimately all about people. What's important around here is the way we care for and respect others, the responsibility taken for delivering outcomes, and going about our work with integrity.
Belonging Here
Being part of Te Whatu Ora, Health New Zealand, our people enjoy access to flexible working arrangements and a genuine and ongoing focus on career development.
Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand believes that diversity and inclusion is key to ensure we deliver the best care for our diverse population.
As an organisation, we are inclusive and equal opportunity employer that welcomes and respects everyone.
Tono inaianei Apply now
Join us in our mission to provide exceptional patient care, advance medical knowledge, and improve healthcare outcomes.
The Statement of Accountability is available on request.
Your application will be reviewed and progressed as soon as possible.
Please note that applications made via an agency will not be considered.

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