"Animal Ethics and Biosafety Administrator"

PRIMARY DETAIL

• Salary package: From $86,087 (HEW Level 5), pro-rata for part-time, plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading
• Part-time (21 hours per week/ 0.6 FTE), continuing
• Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde

Support ethical research excellence — coordinate, connect and contribute to responsible research governance.

Do you have a talent for coordination, a sharp eye for detail, and a genuine commitment to supporting ethical research practices? Macquarie University is looking for an Animal Ethics and Biosafety Administrator to join the Research Services team within the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) portfolio. This is an excellent opportunity to play a key role in the governance processes that underpin responsible and impactful research.

In this role, you'll provide essential administrative support to the Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) and the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), helping to ensure that Macquarie's research community meets the highest standards of ethical and biosafety compliance. From coordinating committee meetings and maintaining critical databases, to triaging researcher enquiries and preparing reports for government authorities, your work will directly enable research that makes a difference.

If you're an organised, detail-oriented professional who enjoys working in a dynamic environment and wants to contribute meaningfully to the research enterprise, we'd love to hear from you!

About the Role

As the Animal Ethics and Biosafety Administrator, you'll be central to the smooth delivery of research governance processes, working closely with the Animal Ethics and Biosafety Manager and University Veterinarian. Your responsibilities will include:

• Triaging enquiries via email, phone, or in person — responding to straightforward queries and escalating complex matters appropriately to support researchers navigating AEC and IBC procedures
• Coordinating all aspects of AEC and IBC meetings, including room bookings, catering, agenda preparation, materials distribution, minute taking, committee member payments, and outgoing correspondence
• Monitoring and reviewing approved ethics applications, processing administrative changes, and managing correspondence including reminder letters, project extensions, annual and final reports, and post-meeting follow-ups
• Maintaining the animal ethics online database system (FoRA), Animal Research Authorities (ARAs), and Virtual Central Record Office (VCRO) files to ensure accurate and up-to-date records
• Assisting with the preparation of reports for university leadership and government authorities
• Supporting the maintenance of ARAs (Animal Research Authorities), VCRO (Virtual Central Record Office) files, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Guidelines, including register management, approval control, and formatting for review and renewal
• Updating and maintaining relevant templates, SharePoint Dashboards, website pages, the Animal Ethics Newsletter, online calendars, and AEC/IBC Quick Reference Guide manuals
• Actively contributing to continuous improvement of Animal Ethics and Biosafety administrative processes
• Comply with relevant EEO and WHS regulations
• Perform any other duties as required and appropriate for this classification

About Us

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) portfolio is responsible for the development and strategic enhancement of Macquarie University's research, research training, and innovation profile. The portfolio drives research strategy across the institution, spanning a diverse range of activities including higher degree research, internal and external grant schemes, research collaboration agreements, commercialisation, and intellectual property — actively collaborating across all areas of the University.

Within this portfolio, Research Services plays a vital role in ensuring research governance, ethics, and integrity are upheld to the highest standards, supporting Macquarie's vibrant and growing research community.

About You

You are a proactive and highly organised administrator who thrives in a busy, detail-driven environment. You bring proven experience in committee coordination and a strong service mindset, with the ability to manage sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.

Selection Criteria:

• A relevant qualification and/or equivalent experience, with proven experience coordinating formal committees including agendas, materials preparation, minute taking, and correspondence
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to manage competing deadlines and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders
• High level of organisational and time management skills, with demonstrated ability to prioritise tasks, meet deadlines, and contribute to process improvements in a complex administrative environment
• Excellent computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and preferably some experience in website maintenance
• Strong commitment to quality, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to maintain confidentiality, solve problems, and work independently
• Knowledge of best practice in providing customer service

Desirable Criteria:

• Demonstrated experience working in the Higher Education sector
• Demonstrated experience working in Research Ethics Administration

How to Apply

To be considered, please apply online with your CV and a cover letter outlining how your experience aligns with the selection criteria (above).

Applications Close: Monday 9 March 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

We reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date. We also reserve the right to close the advertisement early if a sufficient number of qualified applicants is received.

For enquiries about the role please contact Michelle Keeling, Animal Ethics and Biosafety Manager.

Why Join Us?

Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Since our foundation in 1964, we have aspired to be a different type of university. Over the years, we have grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community. Connect with us today.

We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index, having recently earned a five-star rating in the QS World Rankings with the highest rating for employability. Take a look at the fabulous staff benefits on offer when you work at Macquarie University.

• Flexible, hybrid work arrangements
• 17% Superannuation
• Subsidised onsite parking options
• Extensive training and professional development programs
• Onsite childcare facilities to support working parents
• Onsite vacation care during school holidays
• Discounted health insurance
• Subsidised membership at our Sport & Aquatic Centre
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program for free and confidential support
• Convenient onsite GP, imaging, and physiotherapy clinics