About the position
The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (Institute) is seeking expressions of interest for its Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) to fulfil the requirement of a Category C member under the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes (8th Edition, 2013) (the Code).

As governed by legislation, the AEC is an authorise body formed to ensure that the use of live non-human vertebrates and higher-order invertebrates used for research and training purposes at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (the institute) is conducted at the highest standard of acceptability and that all such undertakings are reviewed and approved by the AEC.

As a member of the AEC you are responsible for deciding whether, according to your judgement, proposals meet the requirement of the Code and are ethically acceptable.

The role involves attendance at ten (10) AEC meetings each year, contribution to out of session executive reviews, participation in inspections of animal facilities and a willingness to participate in continuing education opportunities.

As stipulated under the Code the appointee must meet the requirement of a Category C member.

Category C-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.

Selection Criteria
For consideration for this position, the candidate must meet the requirements for a Category C member as stipulated in the Code. That is:

Category C-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.

Personal qualities
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:

• An ability to listen to and appreciate the views of others, and to formulate and express a considered opinion
• The capacity to understand important ethical issues and how these relate to the Code, and other relevant legislation or policies
• Basic computer literacy and the capacity to work online and by email
• Be an active and productive member of the Committee

 

Knowledge and skills

• Animal welfare requirements for a range of laboratory species
• An understanding of laboratory animal work and research involving animals would be an advantage but is not necessary
• Active membership of, and/or endorsement by, an animal welfare organisation is strongly recommended

Each candidate interested in applying for this role must be willing and able to

• Undertake pre-reading for meetings
• Attend AEC meetings
• Become familiar with the Code
• Take responsibility for deciding whether, according to their judgement, a proposal submitted to the AEC meets the requirements of the Code and is ethically acceptable.

 

Terms of appointment
This is a volunteer position in which Committee members are paid an allowance to reimburse them for out- of-pocket expenses incurred as part of their role as a Committee member.

Expression of Interest or specific queries should be sent to Sam Kelly, Animal Ethics Officer and Committee Convenor via email aec@wehi.edu.au. Enquiries can also be made by phoning the Animal Ethics Office on (03) 9345 2683.

A position description is available here.

How to apply
For all expressions of interest, please include a cover letter explaining why you are interested in the position, how you meet the stipulated criteria for a Category C member and why you think you would be suitable to be a member of the Committee. Please also attach your Curriculum Vitae.

Application closing date: 1 February 2023

 

WEHI - Brighter together

WEHI is where the world's brightest minds collaborate and innovate to make discoveries that will help us to live healthier for longer. Our medical researchers have been serving the community for more than 100 years. We bring together people with different skills and experience who are committed to long-term discovery. Our teams of researchers are committed to solving the most complex health problems, making transformative discoveries for cancer, infectious and immune diseases, developmental disorders and healthy ageing.

WEHI is a place where people are able to shine. People who are inquisitive, who are committed, who are passionate. People who want to make a difference. And we are committed to ensuring they have the tools to flourish, personally and professionally. We are a community of researchers, students and professional service staff who work towards achieving discoveries that improve human health. We are driven by collaboration, curiosity and creativity. We are committed to making a positive difference to the lives of people in Australia and around the world. We are WEHI. We are brighter together.

 

WEHI's commitment to diversity and inclusion

At WEHI we strive to foster a flexible working environment that encourages individual differences and promotes collaboration and creativity. We recognise that talent does not sit within a single identifiable group in our society and that WEHI's ability to shape contemporary scientific thinking and deliver leading professional services relies on a diversity of thought within our organisation. Our action to promote gender equality has been recognised with an Athena SWAN Bronze Award from Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) and we offer a range of support for women researchers.

Our commitment to celebrating diversity and addressing inequities is further demonstrated through our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, Gender Action Plan, Reconciliation Action Plan and our WE-Pride network for LGBTQIA+ staff and students. We actively encourage applications from, people with a disability, culturally, religiously and linguistically diverse people and people with diverse genders and sexualities. Should you require support during the recruitment process due to special needs or consideration, please contact the People and Culture team.

 

WEHI's commitment to Indigenous employment

WEHI is working to create a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will be engaged at the scientific frontier, making exciting discoveries and decisions about the future of health in this country, and part of a leading professional services workforce supporting the realisation of these discoveries. We are committed to creating a culturally safe workplace and offering career development and leadership opportunities to First Nations staff and students. We strongly encourage any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply.

 

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