Work Type: Casual
Salary: $79,122 - $96,073
Grade: VPS 3
Occupation: Science and research
Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs
Reference: VG/DJ8557JANUARY2026
The Sentencing Advisory Council is seeking a motivated Research Assistant to support its research, statistical and education work. This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in sentencing law and policy while contributing to an independent statutory body at the centre of Victoria's criminal justice system.
About the role
As a Research Assistant, you will apply your legal knowledge to support the Council's legal and educational outputs. Working closely with experienced legal policy and research staff, you will assist with high-quality work that is used by courts, government, practitioners and the broader community.
Your work may include:
The role is offered on a casual basis, with flexible hours that can be balanced alongside study or other commitments. It is expected that the successful candidate will work a minimum of one day per week, with opportunities for additional work as the need arises throughout the year.
About you
You are curious, reliable and interested in how sentencing law operates in practice. You enjoy working collaboratively and tide pride in producing careful, accurate work.
You will bring:
Why work at the Sentencing Advisory Council?
The Council is an independent statutory body established under the Sentencing Act 1991. Its work focuses on improving sentencing policy and practice, and increasing community confidence in the justice system, through research, statistics, consultation and education.
What our former research assistants say about working at the Council
“As a casual research assistant at the Sentencing Advisory Council, I always felt my work was stimulating, challenging, and made a positive impact in Victoria's criminal justice system. There was an emphasis on excellence, professional growth and continuous development, in an environment that was deeply collaborative, supportive and inclusive, making it a model workplace.”
“As a research assistant at the Sentencing Advisory Council, I was able to see firsthand what goes into the exceptional work they produce — from sentencing statistics to research projects and educational resources — while also honing my own skills in legal analysis. The staff were extremely willing to share their knowledge and experience with me, so when it came time to enter the legal policy space as a graduate, I felt that I was already equipped with some of the knowledge and skills I needed.”
How to Apply:
Please click the Apply button on this advertisement. Applications should include a resume and covering letter. Attachments can be uploa ded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.
The successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which may include reference checks, national police checks and misconduct screening. Dependant on the role, other checks may include VicRoads checks, drivers licence checks, medical checks, Working with Children Checks, and Declaration of Private Interests (for executive and responsible officer roles).
If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process, or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on this ad.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
CHILD SAFE STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT:
The Department of Justice and Community Safety 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.