Forensic Pathologist Job in Christchurch Recruiting by Canterbury District Health Board

Kiahiwa ra! Kia hiwa!

Mō mātou | About us

Forensic Pathology South Island is partof Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand, the organisation that leads the day-to-dayrunning of our health system across New Zealand, with functions delivered atlocal, district, regional and national levels. Te Whatu Ora employs theforensic pathologists based in Christchurch and autopsy services are contractedthrough the Ministry of Justice for the coronial system.

Canterbury Health Laboratories (CHL) isa Te Whatu Ora Pathology service provider in New Zealand. The mortuary atCanterbury Health Laboratories is the forensic centre for the South Island andis supported by a strong mortuary technical team as well as the expertise ofother departments within CHL.

Here in beautiful Waitaha Canterbury wedeliver routine autopsy services to more than 600,000 people that live in theCanterbury region and the West Coast, as well as autopsies for homicides andsuspicious deaths for the entire South Island.

We are committed to Te Tiriti oWaitangi and its principles by ensuring our partnership with Māori are at theforefront of all our conversations.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Is it time for change? How about a leapthat sees you experiencing the wonders of the NZ lifestyle, where adventure isalways at your doorstep, you’re never far from a picture-perfect view, and theultimate work-life balance is truly attainable? If you’re a ForensicPathologist considering a move, this could be your best one yet.

Here’s your chance to join a healthsystem that truly cares. Here in Christchurch, New Zealand, Te Whatu OraWaitaha is a world leader in the delivery of integrated healthcare, and rightnow, we have an opportunity within our Forensic Pathology South Island team atChristchurch Hospital Campus. You’ll play a key role in a unit that serves apopulation of about 1.2m for suspicious deaths and homicides. Interested?

TheTeam

Here in NZ, we have a coronial deathinvestigation system with legally-trained coroners. Forensic pathologists playa crucial role in supporting the families of deceased through the expertservice you’ll provide to coroners, the Police and courts. You’ll undertake andsupervise autopsy examinations of sudden, unexplained or unexpected deaths forcoroners as part of our enthusiastic and skilled team operating out of wellequipped mortuary facilities here in Christchurch. The forensic pathologistsare supported by 7 autopsy technicians, an administrator, and a servicemanager.

Operating alongside our AnatomicalPathology Department, your team has constant access to a full range ofdiagnostics support services available in this large tertiary hospitalcampus including histopathology, microbiology, genetics, biochemistry andhaematology laboratories and radiology services, so you’ll always feelsupported with the resources available to see you thrive. We also have strongrelationships with the perinatal pathologists based in Christchurch and aforensic anthropologist based out of the University of Otago.

TheRole

This role will see you provide expertadvice to the coroners, police, families, courts, and other medical staff. Atthe direction of the coroner, you will undertake post-mortem examinations andprovide detailed autopsy reports. You will attend scenes at the request of thepolice (generally not more than about 10 per year divided among the forensicpathologists) and will provide expert testimony in court. About 500 coronialpost-mortem examinations are conducted in Christchurch each year includingapproximately 30 homicides or suspicious deaths.

Forensic Pathology South Island has aforensic pathology training program and part of your role will involvesupervising and teaching the trainee. Medical students and new police officersalso rotate through the department on occasion. Through our close relationshipswith the University of Otago, including the Christchurch School of Medicine, you may wishto take up undergraduate/graduate teaching opportunities as you develop andprogress in your own career.

The New Zealand coronial system iscurrently undergoing major changes and you would have the opportunity to helpshape autopsy services for the country.

RequiredQualifications

You’ll be FRCPA-qualified (orinternational equivalent), ideally with several years of post-qualificationexperience, but we also welcome applications from those just finishing theirtraining.

We are looking for someone who is agood fit for our team, which means you are someone who collaborates well, takespride in their work, and acts with integrity. You will have excellent writtenand verbal communication skills.

Remuneration  & Benefits

An internationally competitive salary is offered as well as assistancewith professional registration and relocation toChristchurch. Six weeks of paid annual leave are provided, along with time offin lieu of any public holidays worked. Generous financial support is providedfor continuing medical education along with two weeks of CME time to attendconferences and workshops. Yearly professional registration and indemnityinsurance fees are covered by the employer.

AboutChristchurch | Living in Ōtautahi

Ōtautahi Christchurch is a great place to be, live and bring up yourfamily. It is easy to get around with just a short commute from work to home, nomatter 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 extensivenetwork of bicycle lanes and paths if you prefer to commute on two wheels. Weare surrounded by beautiful scenery with ample recreational pursuits on ourdoorstep. Christchurch Botanic Gardens is just on the edge of the hospitalcampus along with the lovely Avon River. Several beautiful beaches are at yourdoorstep. If you are into skiing, surfing, snowboarding, mountain biking oranything outdoors, Christchurch is the place to be. But if a vibrant culturalscene is more your style, we have a wonderful rebuilt city with dining,theatre, art galleries, music and a host of other entertainment on offer. Yourfamily will love it here too, schooling and university facilities areexcellent. Find out more about our city .

OurCulture:  Whatmatters to us

Ko ngā tāngata, te mātua mahi | Putting people at the heart of allwe do 

Health is ultimately all about people.What’s important around here is the way we care for and respect others, theresponsibility taken for delivering outcomes, and going about our work withintegrity. 

BelongingHere

Being part of the Te Whatu Ora, HealthNew Zealand, our people enjoy access to flexible working arrangements and agenuine and ongoing focus on career development.

Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealandbelieves that diversity and inclusion is key to ensure we deliver the best carefor our diverse population. As an organisation we are inclusive and equalopportunity employer that welcomes and respects everyone.

Tono ināianei | Apply now

Join us in our mission to provideexceptional patient care, advance medical knowledge, and improve healthcareoutcomes.

*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 agencywill not be considered