Please note that Forensic Science Queensland has recently been through a Machinery of Government change, and as of 1 July 2024, was administratively assigned to the Department of Justice and Attorney-General (DJAG).
The role
The Laboratory Assistant role will perform support tasks that contribute to the delivery of a state-wide forensic biology service, in line with the policies, guidelines and strategies of Forensic Science Queensland. Contribute to FSQ's vision of becoming a world-class leader in the delivery of quality, timely and innovative forensic services, that ultimately supports the integrity of the Queensland justice system.
The successful person

You will demonstrate:

• knowledge and skills in basic laboratory processes and practices including, but not limited to: use of computers, use and maintenance of laboratory equipment, reagent preparation, assisting in the preparation of samples for testing by scientific staff, and the keeping and maintenance of concise and accurate records.
• knowledge of or the ability to rapidly acquire knowledge of available information system relevant to the duties of the position (eg. a laboratory information management system).
• ability to work within a multi-skilled team, to communicate effectively with peers and professional/technical staff, including the ability to follow detailed operational instructions. Demonstrated interpersonal skills for working within a busy team and environment.
• commitment to the principles of quality management and continuous quality improvement, and an ability to follow detailed instructions.
• ability to actively and successfully participate in a working environment supporting quality human resource management practices including employment equity, anti-discrimination, occupational health and safety and ethical behaviour.

About us
Located at Coopers Plains in Brisbane, Forensic Science Queensland (FSQ) operates specialised Forensic Biology and Forensic Chemistry functions that support the criminal justice and coronial systems in Queensland. Forensic Chemistry provides analytical and advisory services principally to the Queensland Police Service in the areas of (i) illicit drug analysis, which involves the analysis of both known and emerging novel drugs, (ii) clandestine drug laboratory investigation, which involves both attendance at crime scenes, and analysis of exhibits to provide expert opinion to the courts, and (iii) trace evidence examinations, which cover oil spill investigations, lubricant analysis, explosives, and fibres, which are often associated with serious crimes such as sexual assault and murder. Our chemists provide expert impartial scientific advice though the provision of formal statements and evidence in court.
Forensic Biology provides analytical and advisory services principally to the Queensland Police Service in the areas of evidence recovery, DNA analysis and result interpretation culminating in expert advice and evidence. In general, the Evidence Recovery team conducts examinations of exhibits, biological material screening and recovery of samples for further testing, the Analytical Team conducts DNA analysis, including interpretation of samples submitted, and the Reporting Team conducts DNA interpretation, statistical interpretation and the development of statements for court, including giving evidence in court.
The Case Review Team has been established to coordinate and triage the review of certain categories of DNA samples to determine whether further testing could provide valuable evidence to Queensland's criminal justice system.
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.This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia License.