Job title: Director General of Forensic Science
Employer: Department of Justice
Location: Kildare
Closing Date: 3pm, Thursday, 17th April 2025
Salary: Starting at €163,209
About the Employer:
Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) is an associated office of the Department of Justice and plays a pivotal role in Ireland’s criminal justice system. Its mission is to provide the Irish Justice System with a high-quality integrated Forensic Service through independent, expert scientific analysis and advice to best international standards.
FSI is based in a new purpose-built facility at the Backweston Laboratory Campus, Celbridge, Co. Kildare. It currently has 215 staff, which includes scientists, Garda experts, and analysts trained in forensic testing and reporting techniques, supported by administration and ICT professionals. FSI is expected to increase staffing and capacity in the coming years to support the growing demand for its services.
FSI’s services include a wide range of Chemical Analysis, DNA & Biological Analysis, and Physical Analysis techniques, as well as Fingerprints and Documents and Handwriting analysis. It aims to be at the leading edge in developing new and progressive forensic techniques that can enhance the contribution of science to the justice system.
About the Role:
The Director General will be responsible for the strategic development of FSI, leading change and driving the continuing improvement of the organisation. S/he will oversee the evaluation and implementation of new scientific practices and techniques which enhance FSI’s ability to support the criminal justice system.
FSI has responsibility for nearly all laboratory-based forensic evidence in the State, supporting crime scene evaluations as scientific experts and presenting this evidence before the Courts. The integrity of this process is vital to an effective Irish criminal justice system.
FSI is the custodian of the national DNA Database, under the DNA Database System Act 2014. FSI also has the responsibility to support the DNA identification programme for the Tuam Mother & Baby Home exhumation, as outlined in the Institutional Burials Act.
The Director General will be responsible for improving forensic services to meet growing demands in a rapidly advancing and demanding scientific field. S/he will identify and implement new services that assist in the criminal investigative process. As Director General, s/he will update services, techniques, and work practices to meet international best practice.
About You:
1. Significant senior management experience in a STEM-based (science, technology, engineering or mathematical) organisation or environment;
2. A strong knowledge and understanding of the principles underlying relevant scientific methods and techniques, standards, and accreditation;
3. Experience of leading change management within an organisation;
4. A good level of IT literacy and ideally knowledge of a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS);
5. Experience in risk management;
6. Significant experience of collaborative working across organisations and/or sectors;
7. A record of setting challenging goals, prioritising tasks, and managing multiple projects and work activities;
8. A sound knowledge of the sectoral, legal, political, and international issues and the wider implications for the organisation;
9. The ability to create a vision for the organisation and anticipate the requirements to deliver it;
10. The capacity to manage, motivate and develop staff as a key resource;
11. The ability to communicate in a fluent, logical, clear and convincing manner, both verbally and in writing.
The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 3pm on Thursday, 17th April, 2025.
We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and encourage applications under all nine grounds of the Employment Equality Act.
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