• Key role to support animal welfare in the Research portfolio 
• Full time, Continuing role 
• Starting salary of $131,108 Base + 17% superannuation 

About the opportunity 

The Animal Welfare Veterinarian provides specialist veterinary expertise to support the responsible and ethical use of animals in research and teaching across the University. Reporting to the Animal Welfare Veterinary Manager, the position operates with a high level of professional independence and plays a critical role in maintaining high standards of animal welfare, research integrity and regulatory compliance. 

The role contributes to the development, implementation and continuous improvement of institutional frameworks governing animal welfare, animal ethics and research governance. Working closely with researchers, Animal Ethics Committees, Laboratory Animal Services and other stakeholders, the Animal Welfare Veterinarian provides specialist advice on animal welfare, ethical research conduct and regulatory obligations while supporting high-quality research and teaching outcomes. 

The position also contributes to policy development, compliance assurance, risk management, training and stakeholder engagement initiatives, promoting a culture of responsible and ethical animal research across the University.

Your key responsibilities will be to: 

• support and promote the responsible and ethical use of animals in research and teaching, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, regulations, policies, procedures and standards 
• provide specialist veterinary advice on animal welfare, ethics and compliance matters to researchers, Animal Ethics Committees and stakeholders 
• contribute to the development, implementation and review of animal welfare, ethics and research governance policies, procedures and frameworks 
• support institutional compliance and assurance activities, including monitoring, reporting and maintaining data quality in University systems 
• provide guidance, leadership and specialist support to researchers and stakeholders in the application of animal welfare and ethics standards 
• support animal ethics review, monitoring, inspection and compliance processes, ensuring adherence to approved protocols and standards 
• build and maintain effective relationships with faculties, Laboratory Animal Services, research units, external facilities and external stakeholders 
• engage with internal and external stakeholders through relevant forums, consultations and sector initiatives to support best practice and sector alignment 
• contribute to a culture of responsible animal research through evidence-based practice, collaboration and continuous improvement 
• participate in an on-call roster and provide after-hours support for urgent animal welfare, clinical and compliance matters 
• undertake other duties commensurate with the classification level as directed by the Animal Welfare Veterinary Manager 

About you 

You will be an experienced veterinarian with a strong commitment to animal welfare, ethical research conduct and stakeholder engagement. You will demonstrate sound professional judgement and the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments while building productive relationships across a diverse research community. 

You will have: 

• a veterinary qualification eligible for registration in Australia 
• demonstrated understanding of, and commitment to, animal welfare and the ethical use of animals in research and teaching 
• demonstrated understanding of legislation, codes of practice, guidelines and regulatory requirements relevant to animal research 
• demonstrated understanding of the evolving regulatory environment surrounding animal research, both nationally and internationally 
• experience working within a complex regulatory, compliance or governance environment 
• experience developing and delivering training, teaching, coaching or educational programs 
• demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with researchers, collaborators and stakeholders at all levels 
• experience working collaboratively in a team environment. 

To keep our community safe, please be aware of our COVID safety precautions which form our conditions of entry for all staff, students and visitors coming to campus.

Work Rights

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University.  Also, to meet the University’s obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment. 

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply Now button.

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Nicole Cunningham, Recruitment Operations by email to [email protected] using the subject line: Animal Welfare Veterinarian enquiry via EthicalJobs/

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The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close: 11:59 PM on the closing date.