Animal Welfare Veterinary Officer

Every institution values excellence. What matters most is why.

Griffith was created to be a different type of university.  You'll find we're about leading research, academic excellence, and the transformative power of education. But what sets us apart is why those things matter and how you'll achieve them.

Why? Griffith brings together exceptional minds like yours from across the globe and from all walks of life. Here, we do incredible work, questioning and challenging, always in the pursuit of excellence.

Lead a program of veterinary care for Griffith Bioscience Resources as the Animal Welfare Veterinary Officer and provide expert advice to the University Animal Ethics Committee (AEC). The position will provide research animal skills training and scientific services at Griffith University and drive excellence in animal welfare and research support. The position will promote the highest standards of veterinary care, research quality and compliance with the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes, while building strong relationships between the Biosciences Resources team, researchers, the AEC and external partners.

This role shapes the future of Griffith University's veterinary care, scientific services and training programs, supporting a workforce that is highly skilled, motivated and committed to best practice by strengthening capability and innovation. The role helps deliver biomedical research that makes a real difference.

About you

The successful candidate will hold postgraduate qualifications and extensive relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and expertise. Registration or eligibility for registration as a Veterinary Surgeon in Queensland is essential, along with deep knowledge of research animal management, animal welfare and regulatory compliance.

This is the opportunity to lead veterinary and scientific services that directly shape exceptional animal welfare and research outcomes.

You will also have:

• Demonstrated experience providing expert veterinary and animal welfare advice, preferably  in a research or academic setting, including to researchers, ethics committees, and governance teams.
• Sound understanding of the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes and other relevant legislation and guidelines.
• Proven ability to lead and manage veterinary care programs and technical training initiatives, including staff supervision, curriculum development, and continuous improvement.
• Experience in mentoring and training technical staff and researchers in best practices for animal care and use.
• Demonstrated ability to assess and respond to adverse events and welfare concerns in animal research and teaching environments, including providing timely and effective advice and documentation.
• Experience in risk assessment and mitigation strategies related to animal welfare.
• Proven experience in developing, reviewing, and implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs), frameworks, and policies related to animal care and use in research and teaching.
• Ability to ensure alignment with national and international best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated experience conducting internal audits and post-approval monitoring of animal research projects and facilities to ensure compliance with ethical and legal standards.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to produce high-quality reports and recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders including researchers, ethics committees, technical staff, and senior leadership.
• Proven ability to influence and advocate for animal welfare and ethical research practices.
• A strong commitment to ethical research practices, continuous professional development, and fostering a culture of care within animal research environments.

What we can offer

This is a fixed term (two years), 40% part-time position primarily based at Griffith University Gold Coast. As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other locations. Griffith University's campuses are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

Salary Range

The full-time equivalent base salary for a HEW Level 8 is in the range $113,713 - $127,923 per annum, plus 17% superannuation. The total FTE package will be in the range $133,044 - $149,670 per annum.

Why Griffith?

As a values-led organisation, at Griffith University, we've worked hard to create a dynamic and strong organisational culture. We offer:

• Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts
• Generous leave entitlements including leave loading
• Health Safety and Wellbeing initiatives – on campus Gym facilities

How to apply

At Griffith, we're committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever you're from. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.

Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page. Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information, please refer to Griffith's Modern Slavery Policy.

Please submit your application online and ensure it includes the following:

• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role (please refer to the About you section above and the position description)
• Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details

Applicants must have unrestricted working rights.  Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Successful candidates may be subject to a criminal history check.

For further information specifically about this role, please contact Hamish McMath, Manager, Bioscience Resources at [email protected]

For application and recruitment advice, please contact Theresa Burke, Talent Acquisition Partner at [email protected] and quote reference number REF8932T.

Closing date:  Friday, 21 November 2025 at 11.59pm AEST. All applications must be submitted online.

Please allow at least 1 – 2 weeks from the closing date to expect an application update.