Animal Technician - Large Animal Facility (LAF) - [Archived Advertisement]

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. 

The Opportunity

• Work in a world-class research & development precinct 
• Supportive, rewarding, inclusive and truly flexible environment. 
• Join CSIRO and support Australia's premier scientific organisation! 

The Large Animal Facility (LAF) capability is essential for the support the Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) Diagnostic Surveillance and Response Program response and research obligations and with Health and Biosecurity Business Unit currently working on COVID-19 vaccine development. 

Your duties will include:

If your application is succesful you will have responsibilities which will include provision of animal husbandry, collection of samples from infected research animals, data collection and storage, liaison with scientists and veterinarians, promotion of animal welfare and development of quality assurance systems. This work will take place in the microbiological containment facility and there will be a particular focus on zoonotic diseases.

• Apply knowledge of animal husbandry and behaviour in day-to-day activities.
• Following training, provide technical assistance to research activities involving animals within the microbiologically collection of biological samples such as blood and tissues form animals carrying infectious contained facility at CSIRO ACDP. Duties include conducting animal husbandry procedures and diseases.
• Improve animal welfare through innovation, astute observation, promotion of animal welfare principles and compliance with animal ethics committee approved protocols and facility policies.
• Undertake animal studies work under a compliance framework ensuring Animal Ethics Committee protocols and policies are adhered to. Provide advice to scientific staff about animal welfare and ethical standards for AEC applications.
• Develop and implement improved monitoring and record systems for animals used in research to facilitate compliance and certification of the animal facilities to a relevant quality standard.
• Deliver strong support to a highly dedicated team, responding promptly to unexpected changes in circumstances and identifying creative solutions to logistical challenges.

Location: Geelong
Salary: AU$66,163 to AU$84,207 pa (pro-rata for part-time) + up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure: Indefinite
Reference: 80168

To be considered you will need:

Essential

• A Bachelor of Animal related science or Agriculture, or a Diploma Qualification with demonstrated relevant experience in animal husbandry and animal behaviour.
• Experience with husbandry and handling a broad range of species such as domestic livestock, laboratory animals and/or wildlife.
• Demonstrated competence in routine husbandry and management procedures in a veterinary or medical research or diagnostic facility, or on a farm.
• Willingness to work with animals infected with serious zoonotic disease agents, following appropriate training including the wearing of personal protective equipment including biocontainment suits.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate records and understand the purpose of such records in a research and diagnostic facility.
• Demonstrated ability to work productively and harmoniously in a team, with an understanding the basis of a successful team, and also an ability to work independently towards team goals. 
• A flexible approach to be available as part of the team roster for weekend and at times after hours work.
• Demonstrated familiarity with the Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes, maintaining the highest welfare standards.

Desirable:

• Experience in working within a quality assurance system. 
• Demonstrated ability to perform technical procedures such as collection of biological samples from animals.
• Experience in working at high levels of bio-containment (BSL3 or 4).
• An understanding of working with Animal Ethics and Protocols.
• Computer literacy and data management skills.

CSIRO thrives on innovation; innovation that is harnessed by the diversity of the minds and lived experiences brought to our greatest challenges. If you meet some, but not all requirements, we encourage you to submit your application. 

For full details about this role please review the Position Description

Eligibility

To be considered for this role you must be an Australian Citizen.

The successful applicant will be required to obtain and provide a National Police Check or equivalent. Additional integrity checks may be required for specific roles which require security clearance for working with children, Australian Government cybersecurity requirements or other identified security roles.

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. 

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

13th February 2022, 11:00pm AEST