Positions Vacant

WEHI Animal Ethics Chair

The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI) are seeking to appoint a new Chair for its Animal Ethics Committee (AEC).The AEC Chair will fulfill the requirements under the NHMRC Australian Code for the Care and use of Animals for Scientific Purposes (the Code). With the support of the Ethics and Integrity staff and Bioservices, the Chair will coordinate the management of the AEC and the review of WEHI’s animal research. The position will also assist with the development of animal research, ethics policy, training and communications.

WEHI has a proud history of delivering transformative discoveries through the study of animals that have helped millions of people around the world. We recognize that these studies must be performed at the highest standard, with strong systems to safeguard animal welfare. We are committed to transparency regarding the use of animals in research and are a founding signatory to the Openness Agreement on Animal Research and Teaching in Australia.

As governed by legislation, the AEC is an authorised body formed to ensure that research and training involving live non-human vertebrates and higher-order invertebrates used for research and training purposes at WEHI is conducted at the highest standard and that all such undertakings are reviewed and approved by the AEC.

The AEC must apply the principles outlined in the Code when determining whether the use of animals is to be approved; ensure that provisions are made for the welfare of all animals used in research and training; and oversee compliance with the principles of Replacement, Reduction and Refinement as described in the Code. The AEC is also responsible for monitoring and inspecting all animal facilities and provision of advice on plans for changes and development to animal facilities and holding areas. The role will involve both providing expert advice to key WEHI stakeholders as well as providing out of session commitment to support the smooth functioning of the AEC and the welfare of the animals at the Institute. The Chair will engage with stakeholders at WEHI, the senior leadership and the WEHI Board of Directors.

Selection Criteria
Essential Knowledge and Skills:

• Previous board or committee experience particularly in the capacity of Chair

• A sound understanding of the principles of administrative law decision making

• Demonstrated ability for fairness and impartiality in decision making

• Demonstrated ability for inclusiveness for Committee discussions and decision making

• Sound decision making skills based on justifiable grounds

• Knowledge of medical research

• An understanding of the Code and its application to biomedical research

Desirable Knowledge and Skills:

• Membership of an Animal Ethics Committee, either currently or recently, would be beneficial

• Strong knowledge of veterinary medicine and/or animal welfare would be highly regarded

Personal Qualities:

• An ability to listen to and appreciate the views of a diverse group of stakeholders, and to formulate and express a considered and ethical opinion

• The capacity to understand important ethical issues and how these relate to the Code, and other relevant legislation or policies

• Effective Committee management including conflict resolution and decision-making consistency

• Basic computer literacy and the capacity to work online and by email

A detailed list of key responsibilities is included in the position description below.

Terms of Appointment
The Chair is appointed in a part time capacity (0.2 FTE) for an initial term of two years. The Chair must be approved by the regulator. Salary remuneration will be determined based on experience. Up to 17% superannuation and very attractive salary packaging options are available.

General enquiries can be directed to A/Prof Ian Majewski (majewski@wehi.edu.au) or recruitment@wehi.edu.au.

A position description is available here.

How to Apply
Please apply by uploading your CV, cover letter and a document addressing the key selection criteria in pdf format.

We will be reviewing applications as they come through and we may appoint this position at any time.

Application Closing Date: Tuesday 9 December 2025.

There are no positions available at this time to advertise.

La Trobe University

Intranet: https://internaljobs.latrobe.edu.au/en/job/569278/expressions-of-interest-animal-ethics-committee-category-a-veterinary-surgeon

Seek: https://www.seek.com.au/job/85709364

LTU Website: https://careers.pageuppeople.com/533/caw/en/job/569278/expressions-of-interest-animal-ethics-committee-category-a-veterinary-surgeon

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4266091431

CSIRO, Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP), Geelong, Vic

The CSIRO Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) in Geelong, Victoria is recruiting for a full-time Animal Welfare Officer role. This is an excellent opportunity to support high-quality welfare outcomes associated with scientific activities across a range of species.

The advertisement and position description is available via the CSIRO website - Animal Welfare Officer Job Details | CSIRO

The University of Queensland

Job Title: Senior Principal Advisor, Animal Welfare

Tenure: Permanent, full time (HEW Level 8)

Location: Brisbane, Queensland

About This Opportunity  

Key responsibilities will include: 

• Provide expert veterinary and technical advice to Animal Ethics Committees, ethics administrators and researchers on animal care, use, and welfare.
• Conduct audits and monitoring of animal research and teaching activities to ensure compliance with relevant legislation, codes, and University policies.
• Support the development of best-practice resources and training to promote the ethical and responsible use of animals in scientific settings.
• Review and advise on adverse events and welfare concerns, contributing to continuous improvement in animal ethics and care standards.

Applications close 8^th June 2025

For further information please visit: https://uq.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/uqcareers/job/St-Lucia-Campus/Senior-Principal-Advisor--Animal-Welfare_R-49611-1

Adelaide University Veterinarian & Animal Welfare Officer (UV)

Job no: 515635
Work type: Continuing - Full-time
Campus: Adelaide
Categories: HEO9, Veterinary Services

Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA)

The PIRSA Animal Ethics Committee is currently searching for a new member to fulfil a Category A role.

Category A - a person with qualifications in veterinary science that are recognised for registration as a veterinary surgeon in Australia, and South Australia, and with experience relevant to PIRSA’s activities or the ability to acquire relevant knowledge.

The PIRSA AEC sits bi-monthly, usually at Roseworthy College. Payment is $150 plus travel expenses for each 2-4 hour meeting attended and lunch is provided. Members are required to read new research applications and amendments to discuss for approval as well as review adverse events and standard operating procedures.

More information can be found on the PIRSA website at PIRSA Animal Ethics Committee - PIRSA 

Interested persons may email their CVs to  PIRSA.AnimalEthics@sa.gov.au  or contact the Executive Officer on (08) 8429 4366.

The University of Melbourne

The role of the Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) is to assess the care and use of animals in teaching and research activities across all University of Melbourne campuses and licensed premises to ensure the use of animals is justified and has scientific merit.

Make a difference!
Expressions of interest are sought for membership to The University of Melbourne’s Animal Ethics Committees.
The University of Melbourne is a public-spirited institution that makes distinctive contributions to society in research, learning and teaching, and engagement. The role of the AEC is to provide ethical review and conduct monitoring of all research and teaching activities involving animals. Committee meetings are collegial, and their function is to bring together all members’ views on the ethical implications of each research proposal.
The University of Melbourne is currently seeking expressions of interest from people interested in joining the AEC as a Category A (Veterinarian) member.

About the role
The Animal Ethics Committee Member Category A (Veterinarian) is expected to provide expert advice to the AEC, including but not limited to the appropriate use of anaesthetics and analgesics, and the effects of experimental manipulations on the health and welfare of animals, and contribute to the conduct and promotion of ethically sound research and teaching at The University of Melbourne. Category A (Veterinarian) AEC members will aid the Committee to ensure that all such activities are conducted in compliance with the current edition of the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes (2013).

The appointment is for an initial period of one year. Members not currently employed by the University will receive an honorarium for meetings attended.

Members must be able to commit time to pre-read and review applications prior to each meeting and attend the committee meetings, which may be held online or in-person. The committees meet a minimum of 11 times per year. In addition, members may be asked to contribute to the review of committee business between AEC meetings and are expected to attend annual animal facility inspections.

Training will be provided.

How to apply

Please provide:
A letter describing what you can bring to the ethics committee
A short curriculum vitae or summary of education and work experience Details of two referees who can be contacted by telephone

Applications close 11:55pm Tuesday 3 September 2024

Please mark applications confidential and email: felicity.moran@unimelb.edu.au

For further information please contact: felicity.moran@unimelb.edu.au

Senior Research Ethics Officer
Office of Research Ethics and Integrity, Research Innovation and Commercialisation
The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010 Australia

The Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute (ONJCRI)

The Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute (ONJCRI) is a leader in pioneering cancer treatments. Our vision is to help people live better with cancer and defeat it. Our mission is to discover and develop breakthrough cancer therapies to provide the best health outcomes for patients.

Core Responsibilities of the Animal Ethics Committee Members
The use of animals for scientific purposes and teaching is governed by Australian and Victorian Legislation (the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulations 2019) and the National Health and Medical Research Council’s Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes 8th edition 2013 (the Code).

The roles and responsibilities of the AEC members are to ensure:

1. Education and Legal Familiarity: Members should be willing to engage in education about ethics issues and familiarise themselves with relevant legislation and codes, such as Part 3 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 (VIC), Part 5 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulations 2019 (VIC), Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes.
2. Independent Review: Members should be able to contribute to discussions independently and bring an impartial view to the committee's deliberations.
3. Ethical Review Process: Review and approve research project applications and associated documentation, ensuring that only ethically acceptable projects are approved.
4. Commitment to Review: Members must commit time to thoroughly review applications and supporting documents before each meeting and attend committee meetings regularly.
5. Communication: Regularly check and respond to emails and be available to respond to AEC Executive items as required, even outside of scheduled meetings.
6. Site Inspections: Attend annual site inspections of animal holding facilities to ensure compliance with ethical standards and regulations.
7. Conflict of Interest Disclosure: Members should declare any conflicts of interest before discussing or making decisions on matters related to those interests.
8. Confidentiality: Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all meeting processes and discussions.
9. Self-Evaluation: Complete an annual self-evaluation of the committee's performance to identify areas for improvement.
10. Corporate Policies and Practices: Abide by the corporate policies and practices of the organisation, such as ONJCRI.
11. Confidentiality Agreement: Sign a confidentiality agreement to ensure the protection of sensitive information related to patients, employees, policies, processes, and projects.

Specific requirements for the position
These criteria ensure that Category A members possess the necessary veterinary qualifications and expertise to contribute effectively to the animal ethics committee's functions and decisions.

Essential Qualifications, skills, and expertise

1. Educational Requirement:
   • Individuals with a degree registerable in Australia as a veterinary surgeon.
2. Membership Criteria:
   • Currently registered with any Australian Veterinary Surgeons Board or equivalent.
   • Confirmed to have been awarded a veterinary qualification from a recognised institution that meets the requirements of any Australian Veterinary Surgeons Board or equivalent (e.g., BVSc, MRCVS, DVM from recognised institutions).
3. Should demonstrate computer literacy skills – Skills in using Microsoft Word, and Excel and the ability to communicate through emails. Must be able to use online communication platforms such as Zoom and Teams where required.
4. Must be able to learn animal and ethics management systems where required. Training will be provided.
5. Must be able to attend AEC meetings that are held at ONJCRI once a month on Wednesdays between February to December (10:00-1:00). These sessions are remunerated.

Benefits:
As a member of the ONJCRI AEC, you will receive the following benefits:

• Remuneration to support costs associated with performing your role and attending meetings.
• Training support for your role as an AEC member
• The opportunity to understand the cutting-edge cancer research being performed at the ONJCRI.
• Development of knowledge related to the legislative framework governing animal use in research.

Submit your applications as a brief CV with a cover letter to Lakmie Gunarathne, Research Ethics and Governance Manager lakmie.gunarathne@onjcri.org.au using the subject line: Animal Ethics Committee Member – Category A (Voluntary).

The cover letter should address the Specific Requirements for the position, explain why you are interested in joining the Animal Ethics Committee, and include any relevant qualifications, skills, or attributes.

The University of New South Wales, Sydney

The University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney currently has a vacancy for a Category A (veterinarian) member on its Animal Care and Ethics Committees (ACECs). The Committee advises the University regarding the use of animals for scientific purposes and teaching and promote the ethical, humane and responsible care and use of animals at UNSW.

The Committees have oversight of all animal usage for research or teaching at UNSW and are responsible for the review, approval and monitoring of these activities. The Committees play an essential role in ensuring UNSW’s compliance with the Australian Code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes and provide accountability for the institution’s use of animals for scientific purposes to the wider community.

The Committees meet in person once a month (except January) for approximately 5 hours to discuss business relevant to its operations.

To be eligible for membership, a Category A member must have qualifications in veterinary science that are recognised for registration as a veterinary surgeon in Australia, with experience relevant to the institution’s activities or the ability to acquire relevant knowledge.

Expressions of interest are sought from individuals who fit the above criteria and will be able to attend meetings and other duties in person, as required. This individual will fulfil an important role on the Committees contributing to the Committees and its deliberations in order to contribute to the high standard of animal welfare and teaching involving animals at UNSW.

Please contact the Research Ethics & Compliance Office at animalethics@unsw.edu.au to find out more or submit expressions of interest.

Charles Sturt University

Category A (Veterinarian)

Charles Sturt University is currently recruiting for a Category A (veterinarian) member on the Charles Sturt University Animal Ethics Committee. Ideally we are seeking individuals located within the regional footprint of the University, but thanks to digital meetings we will consider applicants from any location.

Category A (Veterinarian) Position Overview

A person with qualifications in veterinary science that are recognised for registration as a veterinary surgeon in Australia, and with experience relevant to the University’s activities or the ability to acquire relevant knowledge.

The Animal Ethics Committee reviews teaching and research proposals involving the scientific use of animals to ensure that they are ethically acceptable and follow relevant standards and guidelines. The Committee also ensures that the use of animals is justified, provides for the welfare of those animals and incorporates into their use the principles of replacement, reduction and refinement. The University is an accredited Animal Research Establishment and as such the Animal Ethics Committee provides assurance that the University is compliant with Animal Research legislation.

We would love to hear from you if you are interested in being part of our ethics committee. Please contact Ms Elizabeth Harangozo, Research Integrity Manager at animalethics@csu.edu.au for further information and to obtain a copy of the position description. To apply, please submit an expression of interest addressing the selection criteria.

Alfred Research Alliance

Deakin University, VIC

Deakin University are seeking to recruit Category A (Veterinarian) members to join the Animal Ethics Committees (AECs).

The primary responsibility of the AECs is to ensure, on behalf of the institution, that all activities involving animals for scientific purposes are conducted in compliance with the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes (the Code) and relevant government legislation. The role of the AEC involves but is not limited to; the assessment that the care and use of animals for scientific purposes is ethically acceptable, balancing whether the potential effects on the wellbeing of the animals involved is justified by the potential benefits to humans, animals or the environment and supporting the wellbeing of animals by applying the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement).

A Category A member must have qualifications in veterinary science that are recognised for registration as a veterinary surgeon in Australia, and with experience relevant to the activities of the institution. Veterinarians who lack this experience must have the ability to acquire relevant knowledge and familiarise themselves with the biology and clinical characteristics of the species of animals used.

The role will involve attending AEC meetings, which are held eight times per year on a Wednesday ranging on average from 2-4 hours in duration. Members are required to carefully read all documentation prior to meetings and attendance to annual facility inspections may also be required. Training opportunities will be provided and attendance to conferences will be supported. Although a voluntary position, an annual honorarium of $1600 will be awarded for service and to assist with out of pocket expenses.

For further information or submission of expressions of interest, please contact the Deakin University Animal Ethics Office animal-ethics@deakin.edu.au.

Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA)

The PIRSA Animal Ethics Committee is currently searching for a new member to fulfil a Category B role.

Category B - a suitably qualified person with substantial and recent experience in the use of animals for scientific purposes relevant to PIRSA and the business of the AEC. This must include possession of a higher degree in research or equivalent experience.

The PIRSA AEC sits bi-monthly at Roseworthy College and payment is $150 plus travel expenses for each 2-4 hour meeting attended. Lunch is provided. Members are required to read new research applications and amendments to discuss for approval as well as review adverse events and standard operating procedures.

More information can be found on the PIRSA website at PIRSA Animal Ethics Committee - PIRSA 

Interested persons may email their CVs to PIRSA.AnimalEthics@sa.gov.au or contact the Executive Officer on (08) 8429 4366.

Hudson Institute, Vic

Research is the basis for acquiring knowledge to further understand and address issues facing our communities and individuals within them.  Hudson Institute of Medical Research undertakes research with the desire to make a difference and with the potential to transform lives.

Animal Ethics Committees (AECs) play a critical governance role within Hudson Institute of Medical Research by reviewing all research and teaching activities involving animals and therefore AEC committee members are integral in ensuring the integrity and quality of the research.

About the Role
Hudson Institute is currently recruiting for volunteer Category C (Animal welfare) members for its AECs. Through its AECs, the Institute strives to uphold best practice in animal-based science, while reflecting the expectations of the broader community.

Expressions of interest are sought for this position for its AECs as per the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes 8th Edition (2013):

• Category C (Animal welfare): A person with demonstrable commitment to, and established experience in, furthering the welfare of animals, who is not employed by or otherwise associated with the institution, and who is not currently involved in the care and use of animals for scientific purposes. Veterinarians with specific animal welfare interest and experience may meet the requirements of this category. While not representing an animal welfare organisation, the person should, where possible, be selected on the basis of active membership of, and endorsement by, such an organisation.

In this role, you are required to attend one monthly meeting on either first or third Thursday of the month.  The meeting runs for approximately 3-5 hours.  Applicants must be willing to contribute their perspective on AEC applications at AEC meetings and related processes and to undertake initial and ongoing training. Applicants must also possess effective interpersonal skills, competent computer skills and be able to read large documents within a short timeframe. Committee members are also requested to attend site inspections of Institute’s animal facilities, as necessary.  The member contracts are renewed yearly.  An honorarium for external members is paid for attendance at meetings and lunch during the meeting is provided.

For further queries about the role, kindly contact Dr. Jaya Devi at 03-8572 2723.  Expressions of interest can be submitted to the Hudson Animal Ethics office at animal.ethics@hudson.org.au. 

The University of Queensland

The University of Queensland Animal Ethics Committees (AECs) play an integral role in the world-class research conducted at UQ. UQ has five AEC’s who review and approve applications based upon a subset of knowledge and/or species being used.  Each AEC meets on a monthly basis to review applications for research, breeding and teaching activities. Meetings take place at the St Lucia, Gatton and Hospital campuses.  Expressions of interest are sought for Category D members.

A Category D member -  a person not employed by or otherwise associated with the institution and who has never been involved in the use of animals in scientific or teaching activities, either in their employment or beyond their undergraduate education. Category D members should be viewed by the wider community as bringing a completely independent view to the AEC and must not fit the requirements of any other category.

Further information on the role of UQ’s AECs is also available on our website (http://www.uq.edu.au/research/integrity-compliance/animal-aecs).

To register your interest or request further information, please contact the Animal Ethics Unit (animal.ethics@research.uq.edu.au)

There are no positions available to advertise.