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:
* Designing and undertaking applied research and formal evaluations to support the development, expansion and continuous improvement of Frontline Support Services.
* Developing research and evaluation plans, including research questions, methodologies, data requirements, measures and analytical frameworks.
* Using qualitative and quantitative research methods to investigate complex organisational and operational issues.
* Analysing and synthesising information from multiple sources to identify trends, impacts, risks and opportunities.
* Evaluating projects and service models against their objectives and determining the extent to which anticipated outcomes and benefits have been achieved.
* Conducting literature reviews, environmental scans and assessments of relevant research, practice and comparable service models.
* Developing high-quality research papers, evaluation reports, briefing notes, submissions and presentations for senior decision-makers.
* Translating complex research findings into clear conclusions, practical recommendations and actionable advice.
* Engaging operational members, subject matter experts,



partner areas and other stakeholders to gather evidence and test findings.
* Advising on research design, evaluation methodology, evidence quality and the appropriate interpretation of findings.
* Supporting appropriate research governance, including consideration of ethical, privacy, information management and methodological requirements.
* Managing multiple research and evaluation activities with competing priorities.
About You:
The successful candidate will ideally have the following skills and experience:
* Demonstrated experience in designing and delivering complex applied research and formal evaluations, preferably in a government, public policy or large organisational environment.
* Extensive knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods, including the ability to select and apply methods appropriate to the research question and available evidence.
* Excellent conceptual, research, analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to critically assess evidence and develop well-supported conclusions.
* Demonstrated ability to translate complex research and evaluation findings into clear, practical and influential advice for senior decision-makers.
* Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills, with the capacity to independently develop high-quality research papers, evaluation reports, briefing notes, submissions and correspondence.
* Demonstrated ability to build productive stakeholder relationships and constructively manage differing perspectives, expectations and evidence needs.
* Solid project management and organisational skills, including the ability to manage a program of research and evaluation activities with competing priorities.
Qualifications:
* A higher degree containing a substantial research component is highly desirable.
Further Information:
* One (1) x full-time, fixed-term position available.
2-year fixed term contract – 01/07/2026 – 30/06/2028
* This position is located at Victoria Police Centre, 311 Spencer Street, Docklands.
* Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa.
* The successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which may include fingerprint checks and misconduct screening.
* We expect our people to foster a safe and inclusive environment where their behaviour and attitude reflects, builds upon and promotes a positive and collaborative workplace that respects the culture and values of Victoria Police.
Your application must include:
* Resume
* Completed application form – the word document (2. Application form)



for you to complete and attach to your submission, is attached to the job advertisement.
Applications close midnight, 11th October, ****
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 ************* or ******
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 ****** or on **************.
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.
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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:

📌 Senior Research Officer (Melbourne)
🏢 Victoria Police
📍 Melbourne