Work Type: Fixed-term - Full-time
Salary: $116,413 - $140,849
Grade: VPS 5
Occupation: Science and research
Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs
Reference: VG/20047147T
About the role:
Frontline Support Services is looking for an experienced researcher who enjoys investigating complex organisational issues and producing evidence that supports practical reform to join the Innovation stream of the project.
The Frontline Support Services (FSS) project is an initiative that realigns defined administrative, procedural and preparatory tasks from frontline police to a dedicated support workforce of Frontline Support Officers (FSOs). FSS operates as a division of Continuous Improvement, Uplift, and Technology, and its ultimate mission is to return capacity to frontline members for patrol, response, visible policing and active investigation.
The project has established the FSS operating model, recruited and deployed a growing workforce of FSOs, and introduced comprehensive monitoring to determine whether the anticipated benefits of the initiative are being realised. The Innovation stream is responsible for the continuous improvement of the FSS model, guiding it from establishment through to maturity and expansion, and identifying further opportunities to improve frontline service delivery.
The Senior Research Officer will design and deliver a program of applied research and evaluation to inform the future development of FSS. The role will investigate emerging service models, assess the effectiveness and impact of existing initiatives, establish the evidence base for new opportunities, and translate complex findings into clear advice for senior decision-makers. The role will draw on advanced qualitative and quantitative research methods and work across operational policing, organisational design, workforce reform, and continuous improvement.
Victoria Police is a contemporary and agile workplace and supports flexible working arrangements.
Your duties will include:
About You:
The successful candidate will ideally have the following skills and experience:
Qualifications:
Further Information:
Your application must include:
Applications close midnight, 11th October, 2026
Please Note: All applications will need to be submitted through the following platform: Victorian Government careers website (Careers.vic). Applications will not be accepted via other platforms or email.
For further information, please contact: Inspector Caroline West on (03) 83351031 or [email protected]
We welcome applications from people with disability and aim to support an inclusive recruitment experience. If you require a copy of this advertisement and attached documentation in an accessible format or would like to discuss an access requirement/reasonable adjustment for the recruitment process (including an alternate method of submission of the application), please contact VPS Recruitment via email [email protected] or on (03) 8335 6004.
About Us:
Victoria Police has a dedicated workforce of more than 22,000 employees consisting of police, protective services officers, police custody officers, and public service staff. Each employee plays a vital role in providing the 24/7, 365 days a year emergency response and public safety capability the organisation delivers to its community. As a Victoria Police employee, you have a dedication and commitment to community safety.
Victoria Police is committed to creating a workplace that is safe and inclusive of all our people. We empower and expect our people, at all levels, to develop interpersonal connections and collaborate, use sound judgement, and create and innovate.
In alignment with the principle of self-determination, Victoria Police is dedicated to enhancing our collaboration with the Aboriginal community in Victoria as we build a culturally safe and inclusive workplace for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees. We continue to engage and build relationships with local Aboriginal communities and work closely with them to enhance opportunities and services aimed at empowerment, equality, and equal participation across all areas of the organisation.
We value the diversity and differences of our employees, including their age, gender, culture, religion, sexual orientation, abilities, and life experience. We celebrate these diverse experiences and perspectives as each person brings an informed and contemporary approach to our work which enhances the wellbeing of all. We aim to provide a safe place that is reflective of the community it serves, allowing everyone to bring their whole selves to work.”
If after reading this, you're not sure you tick every single criteria box, but have the passion to get behind our purpose, the determination to face a challenge and a willingness to grow and learn, we think you should click the apply button anyway. We're passionate about building a diverse and inclusive team, and love hearing from people like you.
Find out what it is like working as a Victorian Public Servant for Victoria Police: https://www.police.vic.gov.au/vps