Technical Officer, Toxicology

Play a pivotal role in medico-legal space and be rewarded by the positive contribution that your efforts make to our community.

• Full Time - Ongoing
• Monday - Friday work
• Thrive in a dynamic team environment with great training opportunities

About Us

The Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM) provides world-leading independent forensic medical and scientific expertise to the justice system, tissue for transplantation and conducts teaching and research in forensic medicine and science. The VIFM provides the justice system with the crucial evidence that underpins safe convictions and appropriate acquittals. Our doctors and scientists investigate deaths reported to the Coroner, examine alleged offenders and medically assess and support victims of crime.

The Donor Tissue Bank of Victoria (DTBV) supports patients and their families by providing safe tissues to medical specialists and Victorian hospitals for transplantation and medical research.

Our medical and scientific staff members undertake research that directly contributes to public health and safety and the just working of our legal system. By contributing to the professional development and education of forensic pathologists, physicians, and scientists, we ensure a high standard of forensic medical services for Victoria and provide critical support for our healthcare and justice systems.

Join our team at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, where you can truly be yourself as part of a trusted and innovative leader in global forensic medicine and science.

About the Role

Whether working autonomously or under direction you will feel well supported by your team who is a diverse yet like-minded group of professionals. You will experience variety in your tasks and enjoy the challenge of a fast-paced work environment.

The Technical Officer's role supports the core forensic toxicology service, and primarily involves the receipt, processing and storage of specimens received in the laboratory for analysis.

key responsibilities

• Receipting, processing and storing laboratory specimens
• Adhering to policies and technical procedures, ensuring laboratory accreditation standards are maintained
• Monitoring the reliability of equipment, performing the maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment
• Reviewing the availability of consumables and reagents in the laboratory
• Conducting toxicology testing within established protocols and procedures (under supervision)
• You may also be required to provide authoritative evidence in court

About You

You are a resilient and highly attuned individual who can deal with confronting subject matter and is comfortable to seek the support of others to debrief. You thrive in a team setting, are flexible in your approach and highly committed to continuous improvement and the provision of service excellence.

Your strengths include being an effective communicator, highly organised and able to juggle multiple tasks whilst maintaining the accuracy of your work. Attention to detail is critical in this role.

Key Attributes and Required Qualifications

• The ability to work effectively and collaboratively within a team
• Demonstrated knowledge of techniques used in clinical or analytical chemistry
• Knowledgeable about good laboratory practice and OH&S principals
• Strong organisation skills
• Ability to prioritise, multi-task whilst maintaining attention to detail
• Bachelor's degree in science or equivalent to toxicology

What we offer

Working at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM) will give you rewarding experiences and the opportunity to do extraordinary work. You will enjoy:

• A supportive and inclusive environment within diverse and dynamic teams
• Career development plans and ongoing training opportunities
• Competitive leave benefits, including parental leave and study leave
• Health and wellness initiatives to support your psychological and physical well-being
• Myki Metro and VLine passes - 40 days of free travel to staff who purchase an annual Myki pass

Working at VIFM is more than just a job; it's personal. We are dedicated to making a difference and believe in the strength of our diverse team and vibrant culture. Our commitment extends to our people, customers, and community, operating responsibly and ethically.

Join us to lead, inspire, and shape the future of forensic medicine in a culture that values creativity, embraces new ideas, and fosters inclusivity and collaboration.

How to Apply

To apply for this position please submit your CV, a Cover Letter and separate document addressing each of the Key Selection Criteria listed in the Position Description.

Our Recruitment Process

The successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which may include reference checks, national police checks and misconduct screening. Dependent on the role, other checks may include VicRoads checks, drivers license checks, Working with Children Checks, and Declaration of Private Interests (for executive and responsible officer roles).

If you feel comfortable, please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements or require an alternative format to any of the application material upon application, so we can make any adjustments required to support you throughout our recruitment process.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

CHILD SAFE STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT:

The Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. We seek to prevent harm of any kind impacting children and young people and have zero tolerance for racism, child abuse and inequality. Children and young people's rights, relationships, identity, and culture must be recognised and respected, their voices heard, and their concerns acted upon. We aim to foster a culturally safe, child safe and child friendly environment for all children and young people we have contact with, deliver services to, or are impacted by our work.

Applications close Sunday 16 November 2025 at 11.59pm