Chairperson, Animal Ethics

About the Position

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 ) or

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.

WEHI - Brighter together

WEHI is where the world's brightest minds collaborate and innovate to make discoveries that will help us to live healthier for longer. Our medical researchers have been serving the community for more than 100 years. We bring together people with different skills and experience who are committed to long-term discovery. Our teams of researchers are committed to solving the most complex health problems, making transformative discoveries for cancer, infectious and immune diseases, developmental disorders and healthy ageing.

WEHI is a place where people are able to shine. People who are inquisitive, who are committed, who are passionate. People who want to make a difference. And we are committed to ensuring they have the tools to flourish, personally and professionally. We are a community of researchers, students and professional service staff who work towards achieving discoveries that improve human health. We are driven by collaboration, curiosity and creativity. We are committed to making a positive difference to the lives of people in Australia and around the world. We are WEHI. We are brighter together.

WEHI's commitment to diversity and inclusion

At WEHI we strive to foster a flexible working environment that encourages individual differences and promotes collaboration and creativity. We recognise that talent does not sit within a single identifiable group in our society and that WEHI's ability to shape contemporary scientific thinking and deliver leading professional services relies on a diversity of thought within our organisation. Our action to promote gender equality has been recognised with an Athena SWAN Bronze Award from Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) and we offer a range of support for women researchers.

Our commitment to celebrating diversity and addressing inequities is further demonstrated through our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, Gender Action Plan, Reconciliation Action Plan and our WE-Pride network for LGBTQIA+ staff and students. We actively encourage applications from, people with a disability, culturally, religiously and linguistically diverse people and people with diverse genders and sexualities. Should you require support during the recruitment process due to special needs or consideration, please contact the People and Culture team.

WEHI's commitment to Indigenous employment

WEHI is working to create a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will be engaged at the scientific frontier, making exciting discoveries and decisions about the future of health in this country, and part of a leading professional services workforce supporting the realisation of these discoveries. We are committed to creating a culturally safe workplace and offering career development and leadership opportunities to First Nations staff and students. We strongly encourage any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply.