Become a Leader in Forensic Medicine: Supervisory Physician (Pathology) at the Defense Health Agency
Are you a dedicated pathologist seeking to leverage your clinical expertise for a vital national mission? The Armed Forces Medical Examiner System (AFMES) under the Defense Health Agency is hiring a Supervisory Physician (Pathology) in Dover, Delaware. This role offers the opportunity to lead a high-stakes forensic team at the forefront of military medical investigation.
Job Responsibilities
As a Supervisory Physician, you will:
- Lead and manage daily operations for medical and technical staff.
- Conduct complex forensic autopsies and manage sensitive death investigations.
- Act as an expert consultant to military commanders and legal authorities.
- Represent the agency in court proceedings as an expert witness.
- Maintain strict quality assurance standards and regulatory compliance.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a valid Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathic Medicine degree.
- Possess a full, unrestricted state medical license.
- Have completed a minimum of four years of accredited residency training in Pathology.
- Ability to pass regular physical fitness and health evaluations.
- Eligibility for a Secret security clearance.
Salary and Benefits Comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $225,000 - $400,000 (PA) |
| Hiring Status | Direct Hire |
| Clearance | Secret |
| Location | Dover AFB, Delaware |
Benefits Overview
The DHA provides an industry-leading benefits package. Beyond the competitive base and market pay, employees are eligible for the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), comprehensive health coverage, and potential recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified individuals.
Application Tips
Applying for a federal position requires meticulous attention to detail. Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or fewer. Clearly define your forensic pathology experience, including specific work hours, and ensure your transcripts and license copies are uploaded and clear to prevent disqualification.
This position represents a unique intersection of medicine, leadership, and public service. If you are prepared to lead in one of the most critical forensic environments in the nation, apply through the official USAJOBS portal before the September 18, 2026, deadline.
Why This Supervisory Physician (Pathology) Job Matters
Advance the mission of the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System as a Supervisory Physician (Pathology) at Dover Air Force Base.
Supervisory Physician (Pathology) Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking an expert Supervisory Physician (Pathology) to lead forensic pathology operations at the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System in Dover, Delaware. This pivotal role involves directing forensic investigations, providing expert testimony, and ensuring the highest standards of quality and regulatory compliance for the Department of Defense. This is a unique opportunity for a dedicated medical professional to influence military forensic medical policy and support the Joint Force.
Requirements for Supervisory Physician (Pathology)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Possess a Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathic Medicine degree from an accredited institution.
- Maintain a current, active, full, and unrestricted medical license from a state, D.C., Puerto Rico, or a U.S. territory.
- Completion of at least one year of supervised clinical internship or residency.
- Successful completion of an accredited residency training program in Pathology (minimum of 4 years).
- Must pass a pre-employment physical examination and annual follow-ups.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret-level security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Physician (Pathology)
- Completion of a Forensic Pathology Fellowship.
- Board Certification in Pathology.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with potential for market pay adjustments.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
- ✓Generous retirement and savings plans (TSP).
- ✓Opportunities for recruitment or relocation incentives for qualified candidates.
- ✓Potential eligibility for Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances.
- ✓Flexible telework options where applicable.
💡 How to Apply Supervisory Physician (Pathology) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Physician (Pathology) Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Complete the online questionnaire via the provided application link.
- Submit a resume limited to a maximum of two pages.
- Upload required documentation, including medical licenses, transcripts, and any applicable performance appraisals.
- Verify that all application materials are submitted before the 11:59 PM EST closing date on September 18, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; submissions exceeding this will be disqualified.
- Be precise with work experience, including start/end dates, hours worked per week, and a detailed description of your duties.
- Avoid using obscure acronyms or internal jargon that might not be easily understood by the hiring panel.
- Double-check that all uploaded documents have cleared the system's virus scan prior to the submission deadline.
- Submit your application early to allow time for troubleshooting potential document upload issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary range for this position?
The salary ranges from $225,000 to $400,000 per year, depending on the Activity Compensation Panel's determination of base and market pay.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, this position requires a Secret security clearance and is classified as noncritical-sensitive/moderate risk.
Can I work remotely?
This position is telework-eligible, though it requires physical presence in Dover, Delaware, for autopsy and supervisory duties.
Is board certification required?
While it is a management preference, the core requirement is completion of a 4-year accredited Pathology residency.
How is the final salary determined?
After an offer is extended, the Activity Compensation Panel determines final base and market pay based on experience and credentials.
Job from Defense Health Agency
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) serves as the primary integrated healthcare system for the Department of Defense. By providing medical, dental, and pharmacy programs to over 9.5 million service members, retirees, and their families, the DHA is a critical pillar of support for the Joint Force. Working with the AFMES means joining a team of elite professionals committed to excellence in death investigations and medical analysis.