Senior Forensic Chemist

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

Reporting to the Team Leader, Clandestine Laboratoriess, the Senior Chemist will provide a high-level of knowledge, skills, and experience to apply independent scientific judgement in the analysis of clandestine laboratories, including provision of expert opinion and testimony.

Providing expert advice, guidance to peers and assisting to lead a small team, you will:

• Independently apply forensic expertise and the use of established specialised techniques to perform timely and efficient chemical analyses on a variety of specimens including biological samples under supervision, in accordance with FSQ practices
• Attend courts of law in Queensland and elsewhere to provide testimony
• Attend crime scenes or scenes of chemical incidents to take part in field work
• Complete the assessment and processing of clandestine laboratory sites and scientific testing and analysis of forensic items
• Actively participate in processes of continuous quality improvement and undertake research and development projects, including synthetic organic chemical processes and analytical chemistry method 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

Please review the attached role description for further responsibilities.

The successful person

You will demonstrate:

• High-level knowledge, skills and ability to provide scientific leadership without supervision in the assessment and processing of clandestine laboratory sites and scientific testing and analysis of forensic items
• Ability to be a subject matter expert for Clandestine Labs capabilities/disciplines of testing
• Ability to provide high-quality advice and analytical services with regards to the assessment of clandestine laboratory sites and analysis of exhibits of a complex nature
• Interpersonal skills to communicate (both orally and in writing) and work effectively with staff and clients in regard to the assessment and processing of clandestine laboratory sites and in providing expert testimony to courts of law
• Skills and ability to mentor and train staff and make an active contribution to the effective management of a professional, client focussed team
• Commitment to the principles of quality management and continuous quality improvement and a contemporary knowledge of NATA/ISO Accreditation/Certification
• Willingness to work on an on-call roster to support operational requirements

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.

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

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

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We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity , including making any reasonable adjustments to support you through the recruitment process.

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