About Us

The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health is a medical research institute specialising in the brain and mind and is one of the world’s top 10 brain research centres. We employ exceptionally talented people who work to solve the greatest brain and mind challenges of our era. Our staff and students are the bedrock of our research and success, and we strive for excellence by fostering partnerships and empowering people. At the Florey our mission-driven culture enables our people to collaborate, thrive, learn, make ground-breaking discoveries and advance humanity through brain and mind science.

About the role:

The Animal Welfare and Compliance Officer (AWCO) provides essential expertise to the Florey animal research facilities by ensuring that all activities involving animals proceed in accordance with the Australian Code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes, other relevant legislation, decisions made by the Animal Ethics Committees (AEC) and Florey policy.

This newly created position acts on behalf of the institute to ensure the highest standards of animal welfare are maintained. It accomplishes this by working closely with Florey Bioresources Facility Managers, animal care staff, researchers, animal ethics officers, Florey AECs, and the institute veterinarian.

The candidate will be responsible for:

• Providing animal welfare advice and veterinary services
• Promoting replacement, reduction, and refinement (3Rs) within the institution
• Developing and coordinating Florey’s post-approval monitoring program – monitoring projects and activities
• Investigating non-compliance and unexpected adverse events
• Developing and delivering in-house training programs and assessing investigator competency
• Providing advice to applicants of the Animal Ethics Committee
• Developing and reviewing SOPs, frameworks and policies related to the care, monitoring, and use of animals in research
• Inspecting animal facilities and fieldwork locations

Detailed information and key responsibilities are available from the Position Description.

This position is a permanent, full-time time role. The role attracts an annual salary offer ranging from Higher Education Worker Level 7-1 (HEW 7-1) $88,920 to Higher Education Worker Level 8-1 (HEW 8-1) $100,032, commensurate with experience.

Applicants who meet the criteria listed in the Position Description should submit their resume together with a cover letter no later than 20 December 2023.

About you:

The successful candidate will have:

• Australian recognised Veterinary Degree and current registration with the Victorian Veterinary Board.
• Hands-on experience in treating domestic, laboratory and/or small farm animals and experience in performing appropriate diagnostic workups and problem-solving in a clinical veterinary setting. 
• Relevant work experience or demonstrated equivalent skills, knowledge and experience in a related animal welfare position, preferably in a higher education/research environment or compliance sector.
• Experience in interpreting and applying policies, procedures, and guidelines accurately and provide advice to others in a confidential, sensitive and confident manner. 
• Demonstrated commitment to animal welfare and an understanding of animal science, ethics and compliance within an animal research setting. 
• Extensive knowledge and application of relevant legislation, regulations and codes of practice governing the use and care of laboratory animals. 

Experience with the below is desirable, but not essential:

• Experience in quality systems/program development, implementation, and compliance framework management.
• Demonstrated experience working with animal ethics committees and dealing with animal welfare issues.
• A sound understanding of scientific research methods and the use of these methods in a variety of settings. 

What we offer:
Working at the Florey offers you the chance to work with a dedicated group of researchers within a culture that focuses on equity, diversity and collaboration. Other benefits include:

• Generous salary packaging to maximise your benefits
• Up to 17% superannuation
• Wellbeing initiatives including flexible working opportunities and access to our employee assistance program 

For enquiries please contact our Human Resources Team on employment@florey.edu.au.

All final applicants for this position may be asked to consent to a criminal record check.