Research Development & Innovation Officer

Victoria Police

Forensic Services Department

Ongoing FO-4 role available

Office of the Chief Forensic Scientist

Research, Development and Innovation Group 

The Research, Development and Innovation Group within the Office of the Chief Forensic Scientist oversees the scientific health of Forensic Services Department, co-ordinates and conducts research and provides strategy and support for scientific quality. 

About the role:

The purpose of this role is to work with the internal and external stakeholders to investigate and improve the scientific quality of processes conducted across the Forensic Services Department.  The work will be multi-disciplinary and require project management, stakeholder engagement and research skills.

As the successful applicant, some of your duties will include:

• Conduct and co-ordinate research and development projects that will improve the Departments efficiency and/or service delivery in support of the Strategic Plan.
• Co-ordinate and implement strategies to transfer relevant research findings into the Departments case working environment.
• Co-ordinate and supervise Research students.
• Operate across all forensic science disciplines to apply fundamental principles to contemporary scientific practice.
• Enhance the Department's reputation through the dissemination of research findings via publications and participation in conferences/seminars and workshops.
• Establish appropriate relationships with industry, professional and scientific bodies and the wider community, for information sharing regarding professional and scientific developments.

 Skills & experience:

As the successful applicant, you will ideally have:

The ability to take a lead role in the conduct of research projects of relevance to forensic science and the Department, particularly in the areas of:

• Data science – e.g. probabilistic modelling using Bayesian neural networks
• Machine Learning, particularly in the areas of pattern recognition, feature classification and computer vision

The following skills would be highly regarded.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• A broad understanding of forensic science disciplines and current issues
• Knowledge of implementation and ongoing validation of machine learning algorithms in sensitive environments
• Experience in the forensic sciences is not required but will be highly regarded.

Requirements and relevant information:

• An approved relevant degree or equivalent experience is required, with post-graduate qualifications highly desirable.
• The successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which may include fingerprint checks and misconduct screening.
• The successful candidate will be required to provide a DNA sample (buccal swab) for use in laboratory quality control procedures (elimination purposes only).
• Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa.
• Applicants may be required to sit a short aptitude test at interview to demonstrate relevant computer science skills.

For further information on this role please contact Kaye Ballantyne via email ***************@police.vic.gov.au or call 03 9450-9***

How to apply

Please view the Role statement and Position Description attached to this advertisement before applying.

Your application must include:

• Resume
• Completed application form - attached to the job advertisement on JSE or Careers websites.

Please Note: All applications will need to be submitted through the following platform: Job Skills Exchange (JSE), Careers.vic.gov.au website or SEEK.  Applications will not be accepted via other platforms or email.

Current Victorian Government employees must apply via Jobs and Skills Exchange (JSE).

Closing date for applications is midnight, Wednesday 3rd July 2024.

If you have a disability / medical condition and require a copy of this advertisement and attached documentation in an accessible format or would like to discuss an access requirements/reasonable adjustment for the recruitment process, please contact VPS Recruitment via email ***************@police.vic.gov.au or on (03) 9450-9***.

Victoria Police is a contemporary and agile workplace and supports flexible working arrangements.

About Us:

Victoria Police has a dedicated workforce of more than 22,000 employees consisting of police, protective services officers, police custody officers, and public service staff. Each employee plays a vital role in providing the 24/7, 365 days a year emergency response and public safety capability the organisation delivers to its community. As a Victoria Police employee, you have a dedication and commitment to community safety. 

Having a workforce that reflects the community we serve is important to Victoria Police. We want to attract and retain people of all genders, ages, religions, disability, sexual orientation, family and caring responsibilities, and cultures including people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage. If you are interested in a position, we encourage you to apply as we celebrate the benefit that diversity brings to our employees, our services, and our community.

Find out what it is like working as a Victorian Public Servant for Victoria Police: https://www.police.vic.gov.au/vps