• Animal Ethics Committee members- Category C Member with a demonstrated commitment to animal welfare and Category D Lay member

The Victorian Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 requires that institutions conducting research and teaching using animals comply with the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes (8th edition, 2013). The Latrobe University Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) oversees the University’s care and use of animals for scientific purposes to safeguard the welfare of animals used for scientific purpose, to minimise harm or unjust use of animals, and to ensure the use of animals has scientific or educational merit. 

An AEC must comprise of at least one person from each of four categories of membership: 

We are seeking expressions of interest for at least one Category C member and one category D member for the La Trobe University Animal Ethics Committee. 

To be considered for a Category C role you must:

• Be external to La Trobe University. 
• Not be currently involved in the care and use of animals for scientific purposes. 
• Have a demonstrable commitment to, and established experience in, furthering the welfare of animals. 
• While not representing an animal welfare organisation, where possible, have an active membership of, and endorsement by, such an organisation. 
• Have the ability to interpret legislation.

To be considered for a Category D role you must: 

• Be external to La Trobe University. 
• Have never been involved in the care and use of animals in scientific or teaching activities, either in your employment or beyond your undergraduate education. 
• Be able to bring a completely independent view to the AEC and must not fit the requirements of any other category. 
• Can interpret legislation. 

In this position (Category C or D) you will be required to: 

• Attend 11 scheduled AEC meetings in the calendar year and complete out-of-session reviews as required. 
• Review applications and make recommendations regarding the ethical acceptability of projects being undertaken by La Trobe University staff and students. 
• Ensure that any comments submitted about a project are relevant to The Code and to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and Regulations. 
• Participate in annual inspections of AEC approved facilities, including regional campuses 
• Maintain confidentiality of the committee’s proceedings. All members are required to sign a Confidentiality Agreement prior to commencement of duties for the committee. 

Other points to note: 

• Induction training is provided to all new members prior to their commencement on the Committee. 
• During COVID restrictions, meetings are held monthly via Zoom, after restrictions are lifted meetings will be held on Thursday mornings (starting at 9:30 am), on La Trobe University’s Bundoora campus. 
• All members are required to sign a Confidentiality Agreement prior to commencement of duties for the committee. 

Enquiries

For more information contact the Senior Animal Ethics Advisor (03 9479 6860 / [email protected] using the subject line: Animal Ethics Committee Member enquiry via EthicalJobs). An Expression of Interest could include your resume and a brief cover letter describing your suitability for the position. 

Further information about animal ethics committees is available at the Victorian DEPI Animal Health & Welfare website.