"Animal Ethics and Biosafety Coordinator"

Animal Ethics and Biosafety Coordinator

locations

Wallumattagal Campus, Macquarie University

time type

Full time

posted on

Posted Yesterday

time left to apply

End Date: March 10, 2026 (11 days left to apply)

job requisition id

R000022364

PRIMARY DETAIL

• Salary package: From $111,643 (HEW Level 7) per annum plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading
• Full-time (35 hours per week), continuing
• Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde

Safeguard ethical research practices — provide expert guidance that ensures animal and biosafety research meets the highest standards of compliance and care.

Are you a skilled compliance professional with a passion for research ethics and governance? Macquarie University is seeking an Animal Ethics and Biosafety Coordinator to join the Research Services team within the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) portfolio. This is a unique opportunity to shape and strengthen the governance frameworks that ensure research involving animals and gene technology is conducted responsibly, ethically, and in full accordance with legislative and regulatory requirements.

This role goes well beyond administration. As Coordinator, you'll provide expert advice and evidence-based recommendations to the Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) and the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), interpreting complex regulatory frameworks and assessing risk across research applications and activities. You'll work at the intersection of compliance, governance, and research support — making a tangible difference to the integrity of Macquarie's research enterprise.

If you bring strong analytical skills, a deep understanding of regulatory environments, and the ability to communicate with confidence across diverse stakeholder groups, we'd love to hear from you!

About the Role

As Animal Ethics and Biosafety Coordinator, you'll provide compliance, governance and administrative support to the AEC, IBC, and the Animal Ethics and Biosafety Manager. Your expertise will ensure that research projects meet all legislative, regulatory, and institutional requirements, while supporting the continuous improvement of ethics and biosafety processes.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Providing expert advice and recommendations to the AEC/IBC and their subcommittees on the interpretation and application of animal ethics and biosafety regulatory frameworks, legislation, and codes to ensure research compliance.
• Interpret and advise the AEC/IBC and its subcommittees on Macquarie University policies, guidelines and codes ensuring consistent application across projects reviewed and that research activities will be compliant with university requirements.
• Provide executive support as assigned, including providing support to the to the AEC and IBC ethics review bodies.
• Support the administrative elements the AEC/IBC and Executive Committee including agenda and materials preparation, minute taking and the preparation and processing of outgoing correspondence.
• Evaluating animal ethics and biosafety correspondence — including applications, amendments, and meeting outcomes — assessing risk in accordance with the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals, Gene Technology Regulations, and other relevant guidelines and legislation.
• Interpreting and advising the AEC/IBC on Macquarie University policies, guidelines, and codes to ensure consistent application across all projects under review.
• Supporting the coordination and implementation of ethics projects, working closely with the Animal Ethics and Biosafety Manager, University Veterinarian, and key stakeholders to develop new forms, processes, and reporting to University and Government authorities, including other initiatives.
• Liaising with researchers and staff to provide expert guidance on research ethics matters, including delivering informal education sessions and training.
• Participating in AEC inspections of animal facilities and assisting in the preparation of facility inspection reports.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of controlled documents, templates, SharePoint and website pages, AEC/IBC Quick Reference Guide manuals and training materials.
• Assisting the Animal Welfare Officer/University Veterinarian with the Post Approval Monitoring (PAM) program, including maintaining registers, monitoring compliance with AEC conditions, and supporting training and competency documentation.
• Maintaining comprehensive records relating to animal research, including compliance records, Animal Research Authorities (ARAs), SOPs, meeting statistics, audit and inspection reports, the online ethics database (FoRA), and VCRO files.
• 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 a diverse and intersecting range of activities, spanning higher degree research, internal and external grant schemes, research collaboration and commercialisation agreements, and all research-related operations. Within this portfolio, the Research Services team plays a critical role in upholding research governance, ethics, and integrity — actively collaborating across all areas of the institution to support Macquarie's vibrant and growing research community.

About You

You are a detail-oriented compliance professional who thrives in complex regulatory environments. You bring a strong foundation in interpreting legislation and codes, combined with the confidence to provide authoritative advice to committees, researchers, and senior stakeholders. You are equally comfortable conducting risk assessments on research applications as you are supporting process improvement initiatives. Your analytical mindset, commitment to quality, and collaborative approach make you a trusted partner in ensuring ethical research practices.

Selection Criteria:

• A relevant qualification in a regulatory, scientific, compliance, research governance environment or related field and/or equivalent experience.
• Experience interpreting and applying legislation, codes, policies or regulatory frameworks in a research, scientific or compliance context.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to assess risk and provide evidence-based advice.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive matters.
• High level of attention to detail and commitment to quality assurance in compliance-related processes.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with researchers, technical staff, veterinarians and committee members.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and the ability to learn and use research governance systems.

Desirable Criteria:

• Demonstrated experience working in the Higher Education sector
• Demonstrated experience working in Research Ethics Administration
• Demonstrated knowledge of Biosafety and Biosecurity regulations.
• Experience in the interpretation and application of the NSW Animal Research Act, and the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes 8th edition (2013).
• Demonstrated knowledge of relevant legislation, policies and guidelines and the ability to quickly understand animal research to provide clear and consistent advice and support to staff and Animal Ethics Committees on the ethical conduct of research and regulatory obligations.
• Completion of ANZCCART ComPass Animal Welfare training.

*This position requires a criminal history check.

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. (AEDT)

We reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date.

For enquiries, or a confidential conversation about the role please contact Michelle Keeling, Animal Ethics and Biosafety Manager at michelle.keeling@mq.edu.au

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

Pre-Employment Checks

Macquarie University cultivates a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity. Prior to completion of an offer of employment, preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.

Your employment is conditional upon the completion and maintenance of all role-required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University.

If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, U@MQ, MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account. To apply for this job: Login to Workday and go to the Careers App > Find Jobs.

Applications Close:09/03/2026 11:59 PM

A Place Where You Belong

At Macquarie, we believe diversity makes us stronger, inclusion drives our success, and belonging inspires us to do our best work. We are proud to foster a community where different backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued, and where our people are empowered to thrive through supportive leadership, shared responsibility, and a deep commitment to genuine care and respect for our community. Find out more about our vision for a truly inclusive workplace in our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework.

Flexible Work

At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage their personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University. See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace. To learn more about our culture and hiring process, visit our Jobs at Macquarie page.