DPIRD is seeking Animal Ethics Committee members (Category C, A and a Chairperson) to join the Department’s Animal Ethics Committee (AEC).

The primary responsibility of the AEC is to ensure, on behalf of the Department, 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 relevant government legislation.

The role of the AEC involves but is not limited to; the assessment that the care and use of animals for scientific purposes is ethically acceptable, balancing whether the potential effects on the wellbeing of the animals involved is justified by the potential benefits to humans, animals or the environment and supporting the wellbeing of animals by applying the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement).

The Role/s:

Chairperson

A Chairperson may be appointed in addition to Category A to D. A Chairperson should be, but doesn’t have to be, independent of the care and use of animals for scientific purposes. A Chairperson should be someone with a large amount of experience in their space.

Responsibilities of a Chairperson:

• Chair meetings, both scheduled and unscheduled, with support from the Deputy Chairperson and Executive Officer.
• Give final written and signature approval of new proposals and amendments once the AEC has approved them.
• Provide opinion as the Chairperson with support from the Animal Ethics Office on certain matters, for example feedback on procedures and documents.
• Be available by email for comment, opinion, feedback and scheduling, including participating in emails to the AEC Executive.

Category C member:

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 based on endorsement from one such organisation.

Category A member:

a person with qualifications in veterinary science that are recognised for registration as a veterinary surgeon in Australia, and with experience relevant to the institution’s activities or the ability to acquire relevant knowledge. For the DPIRD AEC, we are especially considering those with experience in wildlife, aquaculture, or livestock science.

Responsibilities of Members:

• Be available to attend more than 50% of AEC meetings.
• Review submissions and documentation prior to AEC meetings.
• Provide independent recommendations on animal ethics for scientific activities.
• Be available by email to review documentation, provide comment and in some cases approve minor amendments to proposals.

How to Apply:

Either apply through SEEK or send your resume (no more than 3 pages) and cover letter (no more than 3 pages) to AnimalEthicsOffice@dpird.wa.gov.au expressing your interest for either Chairperson or a member category A or C. No previous experience on a committee is required for members, it is preferred for Chairperson. In your cover letter, please describe how you believe you fit Category A or Category C according to the above descriptions, or any Chairperson experience. If you are applying for Chairperson, please also answer the following questions in your cover letter:

1. What interests you about this role?
2. What differences do you believe you could make if you were selected for this role?

For more information on the positions, please contact Natascha Sieg at AnimalEthicsOffice@dpird.wa.gov.au.

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