The University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney is looking to recruit Category D (lay person) and Category C (animal welfarist) members on its Animal Care and Ethics Committees (ACECs).

The Committees advise the University regarding the use of animals for scientific purposes and teaching and promote the ethical, humane and responsible care and use of animals at UNSW.

The Committees have oversight of all animal usage for research or teaching at UNSW and are responsible for the review, approval and monitoring of these activities. The Committees play an essential role in ensuring UNSW’s compliance with the Australian Code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes and provide accountability for the institution’s use of animals for scientific purposes to the wider community.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Expressions of interest are sought for the following Categories as outlined in the Code:

• 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.
• Category D - (independent): A person not employed by or otherwise associated with the institution and who has never been involved in the use of animals in scientific or teaching activities, either in their employment or beyond their undergraduate education. Category D members should be viewed by the wider community as bringing a completely independent view to the AEC, and must not fit the requirements of any other category.

Applicants must meet one of the above criteria and be willing to attend meetings, perform other duties in person as required, as well as be willing to contribute to ACEC meetings and related processes and to undertake training. Applicants must also possess effective interpersonal skills, competent computer skills and be able to read large documents within a short timeframe.

The successful applicant will be expected to attend the majority of the 11 ACEC meetings each year, held on the first Friday of each month from 8:30am-1:30pm, and complete the associated pre-meeting readings (3-4 hours) in addition to other duties. The successful applicant will receive renumeration for their service on the Committees as well as the ability to contribute to the high level of ethical research conducted at UNSW.

For further details, please contact the UNSW Research Ethics & Compliance Office at [email protected] using the subject line: Animal Care & Ethics Committee Member - positions vacant enquiry via EthicalJobs.