- Based in Melbourne
The Alfred Research Alliance (ARA) brings together independent and diverse organisations to create a community of medical research and education.
The research strategy at the Alfred Research Alliance promotes a culture that is committed to responsible and ethical research practices while ensuring high quality and translatable outcomes. All scientific and educational activities involving the use of animals at the ARA are underpinned by ethical values, and principles that protect the wellbeing and quality of life for all animals used.
The opportunity
The primary responsibility of an Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) is to ensure, on behalf of the institution(s) for which it acts, that all activities relating to the care and use of animals for scientific and teaching purposes are conducted in compliance with the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes (the Australian Code).
As such, each AEC member plays a critical role in ensuring the ethical, humane, and responsible care and use of such animals.
The Alfred Research Alliance (ARA) is seeking volunteer AEC members to join our AECs. Expressions of interest are sought for the categories of membership below, as stipulated in the Australian Code:
- Category A (veterinarian): 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.
- Category D (lay person): a person not employed by or otherwise associated with the institution and how has never been involved in the use of animals in scientific or teaching activities, either in their employment or beyond their undergraduate education. Category D members should be viewed by the wider community as bringing completely independent view to the AEC, and must not fit the requirements of any other category.
To be deemed a suitable candidate for this opportunity, you must:
Category A
- Have qualification in veterinary science and registered as a veterinary surgeon in Australia.
- Have relevant experience and specialised knowledge regarding the overall welfare, treatment and advancements in the care of animal species pertinent to the institution’s activities.
- Be able to offer insights on housing requirements, treatment and drugs, surgical procedures and post -operative care.
Category D
- Not be employed by or otherwise associated with licence holders who engage the AEC.
- Not participated or involved in the use of animals for scientific or educational purposes either in employment or beyond undergraduate education.
- Not fit the requirements of any other AEC category.
You must also:
- be willing to attend monthly AEC meetings in-person (approximately 12 per year) which go for 3–5 hours each
- be willing to review the Animal Ethics submissions and documentation prior to the AEC meetings and come prepared to discuss their comments
- be able to read, interpret, and provide commentary on meeting materials, through an online platform
- participate in out-of-sessions reviews
- participate in animal facility inspections..
Benefits for members
- An honorarium of $250 per meeting is provided to cover the costs associated with performing your role and attending AEC meetings.
- Opportunity for training and conference.
Contact details
If you have any queries or would like any more information please contact the Animal Ethics Office on animalethics@baker.edu.au.