Project Manager

The Queensland Police Service is seeking a highly capable and experienced Project Manager to lead the DNA Outsourcing Program, a key initiative aimed at improving the timeliness, quality, and reliability of forensic DNA testing. This role is responsible for managing a team of forensic investigators tasked with preparing casework for DNA testing by private laboratories, including those located offshore.

The Project Manager will oversee the end-to-end process, ensuring the admissibility of evidence and maintaining rigorous standards of quality and reliability.

The successful candidate will also be responsible for managing the contract with the overseas laboratory, ensuring performance benchmarks are met and that testing outcomes support investigative and judicial processes.

This includes developing and managing procedures for the secure transport of forensic evidence and conducting both off-site and on-site assessments of laboratory practices.

The position will work in close liaison with the DNA Management Section within QPS and Forensic Science Queensland to ensure alignment with operational and strategic priorities.

The role also involves collaboration with internal stakeholders to support organisational change and contribute to key QPS projects and initiatives.

Your Key Accountabilities

The core capability requirements for this role are:

• Provide high-level strategic direction and quality leadership in the analysis, design, development and timely implementation of major forensic project deliverables and business strategies.
• Lead and drive high level project activities in accordance with Queensland Police Service and Whole of Government best practice using contemporary project management and quality assurance methodology.
• Produce regular project status and financial reports to management and committees and prepare, review and present project reports, briefings, submissions, and other correspondence.
• Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to ensure compliance with business governance processes for organisational change, capability and resource management.
• Represent the project team in organisational, industry and multi-agency government forums relating to DNA testing.
• Provide guidance to project stakeholders to facilitate informed business decisions that improve business processes and meet changing and challenging business needs.
• Maintain a work environment committed to professional standards, ethical practices and discipline consistent with strategic organisational objectives.
• Develop and manage a program to monitor the quality, timeliness, and contractual compliance of DNA testing service providers.
  
  
  

Role Requirements

Technical/ Operational/ Educational experience

• A relevant tertiary qualification in science is highly desirable.
• Extensive experience in forensic science, knowledge of quality assurance processes and experience at leading laboratory audits would be highly desirable.
  
  
  

Other

• International travel may be required on a regular basis.
• This is a temporary position until the 30 June 2027, with the possibility of extension. If selected, public service officers from other agencies will be seconded for the period concerned, subject to agreement and release by the home agency.
  
  
  

Applications to remain current for 12 months.

Occupational group Project Management