Chief Animal Welfare Specialist

We are seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Animal Welfare Officer to join our team. As a key member of our organization, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the welfare of animals used in research.

This is an exciting opportunity for an individual with a passion for animal welfare to make a real difference. If you have a strong commitment to ethical practices and maintaining the highest standards of care, we encourage you to apply.

• You will oversee the health and wellbeing of animals within our facilities, ensuring their safety and well-being at all times.
• Your expert veterinary and technical support will be essential in providing assistance for animal-related experiments.
• You will promote a collaborative environment between animal care staff, investigators, and animal user groups, fostering open communication and cooperation.
• Assessing animal welfare and environmental indicators, you will identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to address these issues.
• You will develop and update protocols for animal welfare and veterinary services, ensuring compliance with relevant codes and regulations.
• Supporting Investigators and animal user groups in Animal Ethics Applications and reporting, you will ensure that all necessary procedures are followed.
• You will represent our organization at monthly Animal Ethics Committee meetings, providing updates and insights on animal welfare initiatives.
• In the event of adverse incidents, you will investigate and manage these situations, reporting to the AEC as required.
• Regularly inspecting animal facilities to ensure compliance with relevant codes and standards, you will maintain high standards of animal care and welfare.
• You will train research users and BioCORE staff to meet animal welfare requirements, promoting best practices and adherence to regulatory guidelines.

• You must hold a degree in Veterinary Science, eligible for registration in NSW.
• With demonstrated veterinary experience, you will have a proven track record of caring for a range of animal species used in research.
• You will possess proficiency in animal surgical and non-surgical techniques, diagnosis, treatment, anaesthesia, and euthanasia.
• Experience interpreting the NSW Animal Research Act and the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes is essential.
• You will have knowledge and experience of OGTR Physical Containment level 2 (PC2) and BC2 Approved Arrangements (AA) requirements.
• A background in a compliance or regulatory role will provide valuable insight into animal welfare protocols and procedures.
• Familiarity with animal research models and best practices is desirable.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills will enable you to navigate complex situations and develop effective solutions.
• Excellent organisational, verbal, and written communication skills will facilitate collaboration and communication with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Experience in developing and delivering training to scientific and professional research staff will be an asset.
• A strong commitment to animal welfare is fundamental to this role, driving your work and decision-making.

• Animal Welfare Oversight: Ensure the health and wellbeing of animals within our facilities, adhering to relevant codes and regulations.
• Veterinary Support: Provide expert veterinary and technical support for animal-related experiments, promoting safe and humane practices.
• Collaboration and Communication: Foster a collaborative environment between animal care staff, investigators, and animal user groups, facilitating open communication and cooperation.
• Protocol Development: Develop and update protocols for animal welfare and veterinary services, ensuring compliance with relevant codes and regulations.
• Training and Education: Train research users and BioCORE staff to meet animal welfare requirements, promoting best practices and adherence to regulatory guidelines.