Exciting permanent opportunity located at Coopers Plains with free onsite parking | Support the management of the Illicit Drugs team at Forensic Science Queensland by providing expert advice, performing chemical analyses on a variety of specimens and supporting a small team of chemists

Job details

The role 

Reporting to the Team Leader, you will apply a high-level of knowledge, skills, and experience to undertake forensic analysis of illicit drugs, including the provision of expert opinion and testimony.

You will:

• Apply forensic expertise and established specialised techniques to perform timely and efficient scientific testing and analysis of forensic items relating to Illicit Drugs 
• Attend courts of law in Queensland and elsewhere to provide testimony and opinion 
• Attend crime scenes or scenes of chemical incidents to take part in field work
• Actively participate in continuous quality improvement, undertake research and development projects, and undertake work instruction development and instrument validation/verification
• Advise and assist the Team Leader and work with colleagues in a close, cooperative and collegiate team environment
• Provide expert advice to senior management on quality service improvements
• Ensure that Forensic Chemistry complies with NATA/ISO accreditation/certification requirements
• Be willing to work on an on-call roster to support operational requirements if required

Please review the attached role description for more information.

The successful person

You will demonstrate:

• High-level knowledge, expertise, and skills in contemporary chemical analysis, with knowledge and understanding of Illicit Drugs/Criminalistics and its application to analytical chemistry
• Ability to be a subject matter expert for Illicit Drugs/Criminalistics disciplines of testing
• Ability to provide high-quality advice and analytical services with regards to Illicit Drugs/Criminalistics, exhibit handling, scientific testing and analysis of exhibits of a complex nature
• Strong interpersonal skills to communicate (both orally and in writing), work effectively with staff and clients and provide expert testimony to courts of law
• Skills and ability to mentor and train staff and contribute to the effective management of a professional, client focussed team
• Commitment to the principles of quality management, continuous quality improvement and a contemporary knowledge of NATA/ISO Accreditation/Certification
• Willingness to work on an on-call roster to support operational requirements if needed
• Hepatitis B vaccination

About us

Located at Coopers Plains, Brisbane, FSQ operates specialised Forensic Biology, Forensic Chemistry and Forensic Operations functions that provides forensic services and expert advice to the Queensland Police Service (QPS) and the Coroner's Court of Queensland.

Our work at FSQ involves exposure to material related to deaths and criminal offences that may be confronting, due to its graphic and personal nature. Sensitive and professional management of exhibits and information is a critical requirement of this role. The successful candidate will have personal qualities that include well developed resilience, tact and effective strategies for managing themselves and their ability to support colleagues in situations that may be distressing and stressful.

Please note that following a Machinery of Government (MoG) change, as of 1 July 2024, Forensic Science Queensland was administratively assigned to the Department of Justice.

Benefits

• A fast-paced, challenging and supportive environment
• Competitive salary + generous superannuation and leave loading
• Flexible working arrangements
• Diverse work culture
• Career training and development

To apply for this exciting opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your skills and interest in this role.

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

Applications will remain current for 12 months or for the duration of the vacancy. Future vacancies of a temporary, full time and part time nature may also be filled through this recruitment process.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• QLD653818 RD_Senior Chemist, Illicit Drugs HP4 (PDF, 244KB)
  Role Description
  
  FSQ DoJ Applicant Information Package (PDF, 492KB)
  Information Package for Applicants