"Chair of Animal Ethics Committees"

Role type: Part-time (three days a week), Continuing

Department: Research Ethics

Salary: Senior Manager 1, plus 17% super

• Provide leadership to the University’s Animal Ethics Committees to regulate the care and use of animals for scientific purposes
• Apply now to influence ethical animal research and shape University policy as Chair of Animal Ethics Committees
• Investing in you - benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

The University of Melbourne

We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.

Your next career opportunity

As Chair of the Animal Ethics Committees at the University of Melbourne, you'll play a pivotal role in ensuring ethical and compliant animal research practices. You'll lead five Animal Ethics Committees, guiding their operations and decision-making processes. Your expertise will be crucial in advising senior University executives on risks and opportunities related to animal research, contributing to the University's commitment to responsible scientific practices.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading Ethical Compliance: Ensure AECs operate in accordance with legislation, the Australian Code, and University policies.
• Chairing Committee Meetings: Conduct meetings impartially, facilitating consensus decision-making and timely review of submissions.
• Providing Strategic Advice: Advise University management on matters affecting animal welfare and AEC operations.
• Fostering Collaboration: Facilitate communication across AECs and work with stakeholders to improve animal care and use processes.

You may be a great fit if:

You are an experienced leader with a postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline, possessing strong committee management skills, an understanding of administrative law, and the ability to navigate complex organisational structures while exercising sound judgment on sensitive issues.

You may also:

• Have a postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline with substantial experience in chairing an Animal Ethics Committee or similar regulatory decision-making body.
• Possess proven leadership skills in committee management and conflict resolution.
• Demonstrate experience in administrative law decision-making.
• Have exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Show the ability to work collaboratively and handle sensitive information discreetly.
• Possess knowledge of legislation governing animal care in scientific research (desirable).

For further information please refer to the attached PD.

What we offer you!

We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfillment, including:

• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance
• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance
• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

For more information check out our benefits page!

Your new team – Research, Innovation and Commercialisation

Research, Innovation and Commercialisation (RIC) is the central facilitator of research funding in the University, taking advantage of the full diversity of research funding opportunities.

RIC is a specialist team dedicated to enabling the University's research and enterprise mission working closely with our academics, professional colleagues, industry partners, funding agencies and government agencies. We have a passion to see our academics and their collaboration partners succeed, achieve research excellence and translate their discoveries into real-world innovation and impact. RIC operates University-wide across all ten Academic Divisions and Chancellery.

Be Yourself

The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. We are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where all individuals feel valued, respected, and have the opportunity to thrive regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age, being a parent or having caring responsibilities.

The University of Melbourne is committed to fostering a barrier-free and inclusive recruitment process. We are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates throughout the application and interview stages, including accessible document formats and alternative application methods. To discuss your specific requirements, please feel free to contact Bec Tucker – 0478 269 660 or send an email titled 'Reasonable Adjustments' to hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au. You can find more information for applicants requiring reasonable adjustments on our Careers website: https://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants

We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians, with unprecedented investment to attract, nurture and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. Tangible support through a range of programs and initiatives will ensure that you personally succeed and flourish while at the University of Melbourne.

For further information, including our 2023-2027 Indigenous strategy please visit -https://about.unimelb.edu.au/reconciliation/murmuk-djerring

If you are a member of an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community and would like any support, please feel free to contact our Indigenous Employment & Development team via email at oied-hr@unimelb.edu.au.

Working at the University – what you need to know

This role requires the successful candidate to maintain a Working with Children Check The successful candidate can apply for the WWCC as part of the onboarding process. In the case the selected candidate doesn't have a valid Working with Children Check, they will be able to apply for the WWCC as part of the initial onboarding procedures.

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires current valid work rights for Australia.

Join Us and unlock your career potential!

Is this the perfect opportunity for you? Apply today! Including the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience

Please note that you are not required to respond to the selection criteria in the Position Description.

If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Corey Menadue, Senior Talent Partner via email at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au, ensuring that you include the Position Number and the Job Title as the subject. Please do not share your application to this email address.

If you have any particular questions regarding the job please follow the details listed on the Position Description.

Applications close: 7 September 2025 11:55 PM Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) / Melbourne time zone.

Position Description: PD - Animal Ethics Committee Chair.pdf