Chairperson, Animal Ethics Committee

About QIMR Berghofer:

QIMR Berghofer is a world-leading translational medical research institute focused on improving health by developing new diagnostics, better treatments and prevention strategies, specifically in the areas of Cancer, Infection and Inflammation, Brain and Mental Health, and Population Health. Based in Herston, Brisbane and working in close collaboration with clinicians and other research institutes, QIMR Berghofer is home to more than 600 scientists, students and non-research staff.

About QIMR Berghofer Animal Ethics Committee (AEC):

The AEC is a committee established by the Council of the Queensland Institute of Medical Research. The primary responsibilities of the AEC are to ensure proposals to use animals for scientific purposes are ethically acceptable, on behalf of the Institute, that all activities relating to the care and use of animals are conducted in compliance with the Code. The AEC also monitors animal care and use and inspects all animal facilities.

Role Purpose / Responsibilities:

The appointment is for an initial period of three years and may be renewed by mutual agreement.

The AEC Chairperson is expected to:

• Lead the committee's activities in accordance with relevant legislation, the Code, AEC Terms of Reference (ToR), Institutional policies, and procedures applicable to the AEC and its operations.
• Impartially guide the operation of the AEC, resolving conflicts of interest related to the business of the AEC, and representing the AEC in any negotiations with the institution's management.
• Facilitate discussion and consensus-based decision-making in relation to the ethical acceptability of research proposals.
• Promote ethical animal research discussion and engagement with investigators.
• Ensure that decisions made in relation to proposals are acceptable to all AEC members and fair to investigators.
• Lead approximately nine AEC meetings throughout the year ensuring effective and timely review of applications, amendments, and reports.
• Chair weekly executive reviews.
• Review applications amendments and reports outside of meetings as necessary.
• Ensure the Institute is aware of any problems that impact animal welfare or the function of the AEC.
• Provide recommendations for corrective measures that may accompany potential or proven breaches of protocols.
• Provide leadership for the Institution to support best practice in animal welfare.

About you:

You are required to have:

• Experience as a Committee Chair or Board member.
• An understanding of the Code, and/or other relevant legislation
• Work experience in an area relevant to the position.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal and relationship-building skills to achieve the role's primary responsibilities.
• Demonstrated leadership skills
• Ability to direct and focus discussions to relevant matters, running the agenda in a timely fashion and summarizing clearly the committee's conclusions.

Membership of an Animal Ethics Committee is desirable.

Time Commitment

Meeting agendas are sent to Committee members 2 weeks before the meeting, and projects must be reviewed before attendance at the meeting. The time required to review the applications will vary depending on the number of research applications, however, on average up to 12 hours per meeting round might be required.

Remuneration: The Chair will be remunerated for the workload associated with the position, including preparation and follow-up actions for meetings. Amount will be calculated based on Remuneration Procedures for Part-Time Chairs and Members of Queensland Government Bodies. Parking will be provided at Herston for members while on QIMR Berghofer-HREC business. All essential expenses incurred by members in carrying out their duties will be reimbursed.

For further information: please contact Sashika Naidoo, Manager of Research Ethics and Clinical Trials,

Closing Date: 8 September 2025

To submit an application: use the APPLY button. All applicants must supply the following documents: Resume and Cover letter addressing the selection criteria outlined in the Position Description.

Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process.