Expressions of Interest | Forensic Radiology Fellowship
Expressions of interest are being sought from trainees or specialists interested in forensic radiology. The fellowship offers a fantastic opportunity to try something unique and rewarding, and be part of ground-breaking work in forensic radiology using advanced technology including MRI and CT.
Forensic radiology is playing an increasingly important role in modern death investigation – helping forensic pathologists and coroners better understand injuries, disease and the circumstances surrounding a death.
At the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, imaging is an integral part of death investigation, with CT and – since 2025 – our own dedicated MRI capability. MRI provides detailed imaging of soft tissues and structures including the brain, spinal cord and heart, complementing conventional post-mortem examination and CT.
About the Role
Position title: Forensic Radiology Fellow
Location: Southbank
Type: Fixed Term – Part time
Salary: Based on qualifications and experience
The 6-month Forensic Radiology Fellowship offers an opportunity to develop expertise in forensic imaging within a specialist medico-legal environment, alongside experienced forensic teams in radiology, forensic and mortuary technical services.
Post-mortem imaging provides radiological expertise within the Medical Services Division to directly support the VIFM’s work for its major stakeholders, including the Police, Courts and the Department of Forensic Medicine at Monash University. The Forensic Radiology Fellow position has been created both as an educational role to learn the specialty of post-mortem imaging and to assist the Forensic Radiologist(s) in providing imaging interpretation services. It is for a period of 6 – 12 months part-time. Requests for full-time will be considered dependent on the successful candidate’s level of qualifications and experience.
Forensic Radiology is integral to medicolegal death investigation at the VIFM. Since 2005, whole-body CT scans have supported every VIFM death investigation, aiding identification, cause-of-death assessment, autopsy planning, hazard evaluation, and injury documentation, with images serving as permanent, court-admissible records. VIFM is one of few centres worldwide performing post-mortem CT angiography and CT-guided biopsies.
In 2025 we were the first Australasian forensic pathology institute to install a MRI machine, a capability held by very few facilities globally. The radiology team has spent the year developing and refining the processes needed to bring this technology into routine casework, including establishing protocols, determining the best applications for its use, and researching outcomes to build an evidence base. We have performed over 650 MRI scans so far and it is clear that this work is already reshaping how the VIFM examines the deceased, offering new diagnostic insights alongside CT and traditional autopsy methods.
The VIFM forensic radiologist is a key member of the team. Although VIFM’s specialist pathologists have extensive expertise in post-mortem imaging, the expertise of a radiologist’s specialist knowledge is indispensable to the service. The expertise is particularly critical and advanced MRI interpretation, complex cross-sectional imaging, protocol development, quality assurance, and investigation of diagnostically challenging cases. Together, forensic pathologists and forensic radiologists deliver a collaborative imaging service that enhances diagnostic accuracy and supports best practice medicolegal investigation. As the VIFM continues to expand post-mortem CT MRI within the death investigation system, the forensic radiologist has a critical role in ensuring imaging is performed, interpreted, and integrated to the highest possible standard.
Key Responsibilities
The primary focus of this position is to directly support medicolegal death investigations at the VIFM. Working with the Forensic Radiologist, you will provide a comprehensive forensic radiology service including (but not limited to):
- Providing consultative expertise on radiological matters for the VIFM Medical Services Division, actively engaging with Forensic Pathology and medical staff through regular case reviews, workshops, and training sessions.
- Contributing to medico-legal investigations by analysing and interpreting post-mortem imaging.
- Provision of timely and accurate radiological advice to forensic pathologists to support medico-legal death investigations.
- Provision of timely advice to forensic pathologists to assist in medico legal death investigations
- Provision of detailed written reports for post-mortem imaging assessments
- Providing expert radiological insights to Coroners and the courts when required
- Reporting of radiographs, CT scans and other medical imaging for the Donor Tissue Bank of Victoria.
About You
The role would suit candidates either currently completing radiology advanced training, or have obtained specialist fellowship with RANZCR, who are interested in completing dual training and embarking on a career in Forensic Radiology; or candidates who wish to learn about forensic radiology and the medico-legal death investigation process to complement their current role. Applications are also open to specialist radiologists who would like to complete their sabbatical at the VIFM.
Key Qualifications and Attributes
- Have demonstrated commitment to teaching
- Have demonstrated capability and interest in research
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience in emergency, trauma and/or musculoskeletal radiology.
- Demonstrated clinical expertise and if possible demonstrated knowledge and experience in forensic radiology theory and practice.
- Ability to work in a small team with forensic pathologists, anthropologists, forensic odontologists, forensic physicians and other forensic practitioners.
- Experience in participating in individual and group teaching and training activities.
- Demonstrated commitment to maintaining a high level of clinical practice skills, together with an understanding of research methodology.
- Good communication and liaison skills together with the ability to work in close consultation with a wide range of disciplines, including law enforcement, legal, medical and academic professions.
Role Requirements
- Current general and/or specialist registration as a Medical Practitioner with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulatory Authority (AHPRA).
- MBBS or equivalent.
- Hold a Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiology (RANZCR) or its equivalent or substantially progressed.
- Successful completion of a criminal history check.
What We Offer
Working at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM) will provide rewarding experiences and the opportunity to do extraordinary work.
You will enjoy:
- A generous base remuneration package.
- A supportive and inclusive environment working in and with diverse and dynamic teams.
- Ongoing opportunities for career development
- Health and wellness initiatives to support your psychological and physical well-being.
- Myki Metro and VLine passes – 40 days of free travel to staff who purchase an annual Myki pass.
- Novated lease options.
Our Recruitment Process
The successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which will include reference checks, national police checks and misconduct screening.
If you feel comfortable, please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements or require an alternative format to any of the application material prior to applying so we may support you throughout the recruitment process.
If you have any questions, reach out to clinworkforce@vifm.org.
Submitting an Expression of Interest
**Expressions of interest are now open.** You can submit your expression of interest here: Expression of Interest