Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Classification: SAES1
Duration: Up to 3 Years
Vacancy Type: Full Time
Number of Positions Available: One
Closing Date: Sunday, 8 February 2026 at 5:00 PM (Australian Central Standard Time)
About Forensic Science SA
Forensic Science SA (FSSA) is part of the Attorney-General's Department (AGD) in South Australia and employs more than 140 people. FSSA is highly regarded nationally and internationally for the quality of its casework and research endeavours. FSSA has close collaborations with the three SA universities and regularly features in national awards for its research and publications. A number of staff have academic affiliations.
FSSA provides independent, high quality, expert scientific evidence, opinion and information to the justice system and community of South Australia. Primary service areas are:
* Pathology – post mortem examinations as requested by the State Coroner
* Biological – detection and identification of biological materials found on clothing, weapons or personal items at crime scenes and maintenance of the DNA Database on behalf of the Commissioner of Police
* Toxicology – analysis of blood and tissue samples for unexplained deaths and driving and criminal offences committed under the influence of alcohol or drugs
* Chemistry – illicit drugs, trace evidence and document examination.
FSSA stakeholders include the judiciary, State Coroner's Office, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Crown Solicitor's Office, SA Police, and SA universities.
About the Opportunity
The Director, Forensic Science SA (FSSA) is responsible for the development, coordination and implementation of strategies to ensure FSSA operates in a manner which meets appropriate ethical, professional, good practice and quality standards in the provision of services to clients.
The Director is also responsible for the leadership, guidance, development and management of FSSA staff as well as developing innovative and responsive approaches to a range of issues associated with forensic services. The position is required to take a leadership role in the development of objectives, fostering a team approach and leading the move of FSSA to new accommodation in the coming years.
The Director will apply significant skills and experience to establish, develop and manage corporate and business objectives and strategies across scientific, administration, financial, people and information system functions, fostering a focused team approach and a positive and engaged workplace. The role will ensure professional conduct standards are embedded in the organisation through personal guidance and leading by example.
The Director consults and works with state, national and international forensic science practitioners and academic experts, provides expertise and detailed information and advice to the Minister and the AGD Chief Executive, and is a member of the AGD Executive Management Group.
Key competencies for the successful candidate include; guiding and directing a complex and prominent public sector organisation, shaping strategic thinking and change, engaging and managing stakeholders, driving scientific and business excellence, demonstrated innovation, and ability and capacity to focus on goals and outcomes.
FSSA also has a strong focus on performance management strategies, including the active monitoring of performance and taking action to address issues.
For more information about the Attorney-General's Department and also Forensic Science SA, please visit
Essential Qualifications
Applicants for the role of Director will have:
* A relevant tertiary qualification in science
* Extensive experience in effectively leading, managing and motivating teams
* Significant experience in operations within a forensic scientific organisation, and the guidance and management of relevant personnel
* Experience in client-focused service delivery within a large, complex organisation
* Demonstrated ability to lead and manage significant business and organisational change in a complex environment with multiple stakeholders
* Demonstrated ability to encourage collaboration and develop a constructive workplace culture
* Proven experience in the development and management of processes and systems to drive high performance across the organisation
* Extensive people management experience including demonstrated ability to obtain successful outcomes in relation to difficult and complex situations
* Demonstrated experience in developing integrated change management strategies that involve prioritising and co-ordinating multiple high-performance projects and outcomes
Special Conditions for Employment
Employment is dependent upon a National Police Certificate clearance that the AGD finds satisfactory. Successful applicants will be provided further information if an interview is requested. Forms are not to be lodged directly with South Australia Police (SAPOL) under any circumstances and any fees incurred by applicants in doing so will not be recoverable from the AGD.
Employment is also dependent upon:
* Agreement to provide a DNA sample for the purposes of exclusion from relevant analysis;
* Compliance with and remaining within all Australian entry and residency requirements.
Additional Notes
You will be prompted to attach your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter (2 pages) after you have answered the questions after clicking "Apply". For more information, please download the Job Application Pack and Job and Person Specifications.
For further information about this exciting opportunity that is not covered by this website please contact Andrew Swanson on or at
Click Apply and follow the prompts to submit your application.
You may wish to create your answer in Microsoft Word, then copy and paste into the field of this application form. This will also ensure your answers are not lost if you are timed out of the system.
The Attorney-General's Department is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and people with disability are strongly encouraged to apply.
The South Australian public sector supports flexible ways of working including part-time working arrangements wherever reasonably possible. The sector is diverse and desires to increase in diversity and to create opportunities for more South Australians.
We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment process and supportive workplace. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application via the contact above or our website