Role Description:
DPIRD is seeking Animal Ethics Committee members (Category C, A and Chairperson) to join the Department’s Animal Ethics Committee (AEC).
The primary responsibility of the AEC is to ensure, on behalf of the Department, that all activities involving animals for scientific purposes are conducted in compliance with the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes (the Code) and relevant government legislation.
The role of the AEC involves but is not limited to; the assessment that the care and use of animals for scientific purposes is ethically acceptable, balancing whether the potential effects on the wellbeing of the animals involved is justified by the potential benefits to humans, animals or the environment and supporting the wellbeing of animals by applying the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement).
The DPIRD AEC members (and Chairperson) will be remunerated for their time attending any meetings, of which there are seven scheduled per year. In some urgent occasions, unscheduled meetings may occur, usually over videoconference (Teams). Members will be appointed for one term (four years) with opportunity to be re-appointed for future terms, while the Chairperson will be appointed for an indefinite term.
A Chairperson may be appointed in addition to Category A to D. A Chairperson should be, but doesn’t have to be, independent of the care and use of animals for scientific purposes. A Chairperson should be someone with a large amount of experience in their space.
Responsibilities:
• Chair meetings, both scheduled and unscheduled, with support from the Deputy Chairperson and Executive Officer.
• Give final written and signature approval of new proposals and amendments once the AEC has approved them.
• Provide opinion as the Chairperson with support from the Animal Ethics Office on certain matters, for example feedback on procedures and documents.
• Be available by email for comment, opinion, feedback and scheduling, including participating in emails to the AEC Executive.
How to Apply:
For more information on this position, email Natascha Sieg at AnimalEthicsOffice@dpird.wa.gov.au or call 0412 417 409.
To apply, please send in your resume and a cover letter describing any prior experience or interest to AnimalEthicsOffice@dpird.wa.gov.au. If selected as the preferred candidate, the Animal Ethics Office will facilitate your appointment by the Director General of DPIRD. You will receive an appointment letter, confidentiality form, and the Terms of References for your acceptance before you are appointed as Chairperson. You will then undergo an induction with the ethics office.