CSIRO Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness Animal Ethics Committee Member (ACDP AEC) - [Archived Advertisement]

The Opportunity

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is seeking a new person with a commitment to animal welfare to join our Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness Animal Ethics Committee (ACDP AEC). The Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) is a CSIRO facility based in Geelong that conducts research with animals to help protect Australia’s livestock and aquaculture industries, and the general public, from emerging infectious disease threats. Further details of the research done at ACDP are available at https://www.csiro.au/en/about/facilities-collections/acdp.

The ACDP AEC oversees the care and use of animals at ACDP by providing ethical review and ongoing monitoring of research proposals to ensure high standards of animal welfare and scientific integrity are upheld, 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 all relevant legislative requirements are met. The committee includes veterinary surgeons, animal researchers and technicians, people with particular expertise in, and commitment to, the welfare of animals, and members of the wider community.

Your duties will include:

• The committee meets in person 8 times a year in Geelong on a Thursday. Online meetings are convened when necessary (e.g., due to COVID-19 restrictions). Meeting dates are set at the beginning of each year.
• At meetings the committee discusses applications for research projects in a collaborative way to reach a consensus on whether the projects meet ethical standards for animal research as set out in the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes.
• The agenda and associated papers (typically 3 to 5 research proposals) are made available to committee members via an online platform two weeks before each meeting. Committee members are expected to have completed their review prior to the meeting. We recommend members allow at least 1.5 hours of time to review each application.
• Animal welfare and community members of the committee take turns on a monthly rotation to form part of the ACDP AEC Executive. The Executive reviews and approves some submissions to the committee between meetings via email correspondence.
• Sometimes committee members may be required to consider urgent submissions between scheduled meetings. These additional meetings are coordinated to occur at times suitable to members.
• Members may also be asked to attend inspections of research sites to ensure that these facilities meet ethical requirements.
• If appointed, we will register you with Animal Welfare Victoria as a member of the committee and your appointment will be subject to their approval. You will also be required to undertake mandatory committee member training over two half days with Animal Welfare Victoria within six months of your appointment to the committee, which we will arrange on your behalf. This training is offered infrequently and flexibility to attend it is required.
• Members of the committee are paid sitting fees.  

(Please note, this is a committee position and not a part-time or full-time role.)

Location: Geelong, VIC
Reference: 77844

To be considered you will need:

• A demonstrable commitment to, and established experience in, furthering the welfare of animals.
• You must not be employed by or otherwise associated with CSIRO, or not currently be involved in the care and use of animals for research, teaching, diagnosis, product testing, or the production of biological products.
• The ability to consider the potential impact of research projects on animal welfare from your area of expertise as part of committee discussions.
• Knowledge in or be willing to learn the ethical principles, legislation and guidelines that relate to animal research and ethics.
• The ability to actively contribute to committee discussions about the research proposals submitted to the committee at eight scheduled meetings each year as well as participation in occasional additional meetings and Executive review processes.

Eligibility

To be appointed to this position you must be an Australian/New Zealand Citizen, or an Australian Permanent Resident currently residing in Australia.

The successful applicant will be required to obtain and provide a National Police Check or equivalent.

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. 

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to Apply

Please apply on-line and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

Applications Close

10 October 2021, 11:00pm AEST