Victoria Police

Forensic Services Department

Biological Sciences Group

DNA Analysis Unit

FO-4 ongoing role available 

The Victoria Police Forensic Services Department is an accredited laboratory that provides a professional forensic service to Victoria Police, persons involved with the administration of justice and the public. 

About the role:

Units within the Biological Sciences Group (BSG) comprise VPS staff, Forensic Officers and Police members undertaking activities associated with the provision of a forensic biology service to the State of Victoria. This includes scene and laboratory-based evidence recovery, DNA analysis, DNA interpretation and reporting, and management of DNA profile samples in accordance with Section 464 of the Victorian Crimes Act 1958.  The DNA Analysis Unit is responsible for delivering high-quality forensic DNA testing and analysis on a wide range of forensic samples. 

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

• Undertake routine and non-routine casework assignments and DNA profiling as part of a team or as an individual and be responsible for providing a timely and quality forensic science service in a multi-skilled environment.
• Undertake the interpretation of examinations. Initiate problem identification and develop strategies to further investigate methods and procedures.
• Make judgements with limited direction in the provision of expert specialist advice to customers in line with experience and developed knowledge.
• Recommend and as part of a team, assist in the relevant research and development of projects, and training, which improve and expand DNA Analysis Unit methodology as part of the Centre's standing as a national and internationally recognised “centre of excellence”.
• Where appropriate be responsible for the day-to-day management of a team and the timely delivery of the agreed outputs. Provide casework statistics to senior management.
• Present expert opinion evidence in Courts of law relating to multi-disciplinary skills in an impartial and concise manner as required.
• Participate in accreditation duties and obligations as required.
• Maintain appropriate knowledge of Victoria Police policies, procedures and legislation.

Skills & experience:

As the successful applicant, you will ideally have:

• A significant track record of forensic scientific/technical achievement. With a proven commitment to quality in casework and/or research where appropriate
• Demonstrated ability to provide expert advice to scientific/technical and non-scientific personnel at all levels including providing opinion evidence in court.
• Ability to manage and prioritise casework and meet deadlines within defined/agreed outputs/targets and/or to co-ordinate a team and meet team objectives.
• Diverse and specialist subject knowledge with an emphasis on forensic science and a proven ability to work autonomously and interpret examinations.
• Demonstrated conceptual, analytical and problem-solving skills.

Requirements and relevant information:

• Ongoing FO-4 position available.
• Position is located at 31 Forensic Drive Macleod.
• A relevant tertiary qualification is required
• An approved degree or a post graduate degree in science, major studies in Genetics, Biochemistry, Molecular biology and Statistics would be desirable
• The successful candidate will be required to provide a DNA sample (buccal swab) for use in laboratory quality control procedures (elimination purposes only)
• The successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which may include fingerprint checks and misconduct screening.
• Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa.
• The position may require the incumbent to work outside the ordinary hours e.g. (Shift work/Overtime/On call). 

How to Apply

 Your application must include:

• Resume
• Completed application form - attached to the job advertisement. You must respond to the questions in the application form and attach same for your submission to be complete.

Applications will not be accepted via email.

Applications close midnight, Wednesday 23^rd July 2025. 

For further information on this role contact: Mick CUMMINS on (03) 9450 9876 or via email @ mick.cummins@police.vic.gov.au

We welcome applications from people with disability and aim to support an inclusive recruitment experience. If you require a copy of this advertisement and attached documentation in an accessible format or would like to discuss an access requirement/reasonable adjustment for the recruitment process, please contact the  Recruitment team via email FORENSIC-RECRUIT-ESTAB-MGR@POLICE.VIC.GOV.AU   

Victoria Police is a contemporary and agile workplace and support 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. 

Victoria Police is committed to creating a workplace that is safe and inclusive of all our people.  We empower and expect our people, at all levels, to develop interpersonal connections and collaborate, use sound judgement, and create and innovate.

In alignment with the principle of self-determination, Victoria Police is dedicated to enhancing our collaboration with the Aboriginal community in Victoria as we build a culturally safe and inclusive workplace for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees. We continue to engage and build relationships with local Aboriginal communities and work closely with them to enhance opportunities and services aimed at empowerment, equality, and equal participation across all areas of the organisation.

We value the diversity and differences of our employees, including their age, gender, culture, religion, sexual orientation, abilities, and life experience. We celebrate these diverse experiences and perspectives as each person brings an informed and contemporary approach to our work which enhances the wellbeing of all. We aim to provide a safe place that is reflective of the community it serves, allowing everyone to bring their whole selves to work.”

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