Vacancy ID

9208

Department/Authority

Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration 

Department/Authority Website

https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-justice-home-affairs-and-migration/?referer=https://www.justice.ie/

Working pattern

Full-Time 

Advertising Date

25/09/2026
 

County

Dublin 

Location

Dublin

Closing Date for Application

15/10/2026, 15:00
 

Grade

Senior Manager 

Contract

Fixed Term 

Type of role

Civil Service

Accessibility Information: We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and encourage applications under all nine grounds of the Employment Equality Act. Please see our Statement on Accessibility

Job summary

The main activity of the Office of the State Pathologist (OSP) is the performance of post mortem examinations in cases of sudden, unexplained deaths where a criminal or suspicious element is present. In approximately 5-10% of cases, this also involves a scene visit. The forensic pathologists provide a post mortem report to the relevant coroner in such cases and attend at the inquest and at any court proceedings arising out of a Garda (Irish police) investigation to provide their expert opinion. 

Main Duties of the Job

The duties of each State Pathologist include provision of evidence as expert professional witness in any criminal case and/or Coroner’s inquest resulting from a death in which a post-mortem examination has been carried out. Provision of advice on forensic death investigation and other relevant medico-legal matters to the Department of Justice, Coroners and/or Garda Síochána.

To take a full share in the rota and be available to attend at the scene as required and subsequently carry out the post mortem examination.

This position provides a unique opportunity to develop valuable skills, international qualifications and experience in forensic pathology. The successful candidate will be required to complete an extensive training regime, consisting of formal education (including blended learning diploma qualifications), mentoring, and practical experience. It is expected that the successful candidate will complete the training regime within a two-year period, at which point they will become a full State Pathologist.

The appointee will be required to deputise for State Pathologists as and when required. 

Applications are invited from medical practitioners who are registered (otherwise than provisionally or temporarily) in the General Register of Medical Practitioners in Ireland or who are entitled to be so registered; and have the requisite additional specified qualifications as outlined in the Information Booklet for this campaign.

Candidates must also demonstrate the following:

• Specific knowledge of Pathology, including histopathology.
• Ability to carry out post mortem examinations to a high standard and in recognition of national guidelines, to construct scientifically accurate, comprehensive and readable medico-legal reports.
• Established experience in post-mortem histopathology.
• Ability to communicate medical knowledge to lay persons and to teach proficiently at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Information about the organisation

The OSP was established in 1975 and is an agency under the aegis of the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration. The Office provides independent expert advice on all matters pertaining to forensic pathology and delivers a nationwide, 24/7 year-round service throughout the Republic of Ireland.

The OSP is located in a fully resourced, modern, purpose built premises located 10 minutes outside of Dublin City centre on Griffith Avenue.

Selection Process Details

This is a Top Level Appointments Committee (TLAC) position.

Further information on this significant opportunity including details on how to apply, is available on www.publicjobs.ie

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 3pm on Thursday 15th October 2026.

If you feel you would benefit from a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Ciarán Oman at ciaran.oman@publicjobs.ie 

We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and encourage applications under all nine grounds of the Employment Equality Act.