University Veterinarian

Work that matters

This role provides expert leadership in animal health and welfare, ethics, and compliance across research and teaching activities at Adelaide University. Reporting to the Executive direction, Research Infrastructure, you will oversee the health, welfare and ethical use of animals within Research and Teaching through development and implementation of policy, procedures and training whilst maintaining adherence to relevant legislation and the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes.

While the role draws on veterinary expertise, it is predominantly non-clinical in nature, with a strong focus on reviewing animal ethics applications, providing advice, and supporting governance and compliance activities, alongside some hands-on veterinary input where required.

This role delivers specialist veterinary services, provides high-level advice to researchers and senior stakeholders, and leads training to promote best practice in animal care and use. It also promotes the principles of the 3Rs (replacement, reduction, refinement) and fosters a culture of ethical practice, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

The team

This role is part of the University Veterinarian team in the Research Infrastructure sub-function that is aligned to the Research and Innovation Portfolio. This role works closely with the Animal Ethics Committees, Biological Services managers and Animal Technician staff, and researchers, students, Executive Directors, and Deans across Adelaide University. It also collaborates with colleagues in Research Services, Compliance, Ethics and Integrity, and liaises with relevant State and Commonwealth Government departments. This role requires flexibility, including participation in a shared on-call roster, and the ability to respond to issues as they arise, both during and outside standard hours.

Visit the AU website to learn more about Research and Innovation Portfolio.

Our people

Our people are guided by purpose, curiosity and a commitment to lifelong learning. We embrace authenticity, innovation and collaboration, and harness diverse thinking in our pursuit of excellence.

This role is perfect for someone who is a collaborative and adaptable veterinary professional with strong interpersonal and communication skills. You will be confident engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders, including researchers and senior leaders, and able to navigate complex, and sometimes sensitive, situations with professionalism, sound judgement, and resilience.

Learn more about our people, what we stand for and what we offer at Careers at AU.

Experience

To join our community and thrive in this role, you will likely have the following skills and experience:

• A degree in Veterinary Science or equivalent and registered as a veterinary surgeon in South Australia
• Experience providing expert advice to support ethical animal use in research and teaching
• Experience in animal husbandry and delivering clinical veterinary services to a diverse range of animal species
• Knowledge and understanding of the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes and relevant state and national legislation relating to biomedical research
• Experience providing high-level advice and collaborative engagement with senior leaders and stakeholders
• Experience promoting organisational values and compliance with behaviour expectations