Animal Ethics Committee

Job description:

Acknowledgement of Country

CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. View our vision towards reconciliation

Child safety

CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs. View our Child Safe Policy.

The opportunity

• Support best practice in animal research
• Hybrid meeting attendance and participation (remuneration provided)
• Training & support provided to fulfil the role
• 2-6 hour meetings that occur 6-8 times a year
• Can be based in or near Melbourne, Geelong, Brisbane, Canberra

We are seeking expressions of interest for new members to join our Animal Research Ethics Committees.

The primary responsibility of the Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) 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.

CSIRO is seeking expressions of interest for dedicated individuals to join the AEC as a Category C member as stipulated in the Australian Code:

A 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.

Your duties will include:

This Category requires members who can critically review documents, actively participate in discussions, and contribute to the ethical oversight of animal use in research and teaching.
Members will be expected to attend regular meetings and provide thoughtful input on applications and protocols, ensuring compliance with ethical standards and regulations. The AEC holds meetings 6 to 8 times per year, which can range from 2 to 6 hours in duration.

As a committee member, you will receive comprehensive training, work in a supportive and friendly environment, and be eligible for the payment of a sitting fee in accordance with CSIRO policy.

To be considered you will need:

• Meet the criteria above as a Category C member.
• You must also be willing to commit to a two-year term of appointment, attend meetings, and undertake pre-reading.
• Not be a current employee (or associated with) CSIRO.
• Not currently involved in the care or use of animals for scientific or teaching activities.
• Be based in or near the following cities: Melbourne, Geelong, Brisbane, Canberra.
• Experience on an Animal Ethics Committee is highly desirable.

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens, Australian Permanent Residents or you must either hold, or be able to obtain, a valid working visa for the duration of the specified term. Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

Flexible working arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work.

Diversity and inclusion

We are working hard to recruit people representing the diversity across our society, and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish.

About CSIRO

At CSIRO Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put the safety and wellbeing of our people above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts. We collaborate widely and generously and deliver solutions with real impact.

CSIRO is committed to values-based leadership to inspire performance and unlock the potential of our people.

Join us and start creating tomorrow today

How to apply

If you would like to express your interest in this position, please submit your applications as a brief CV with a cover letter addressing the criteria above to *************** using the subject line: Animal Ethics Committee Member (Voluntary).

Applications close

29th June 2025, 11:00pm AEST

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