Job description
- Animal Ethics Committee Chairperson (0.4 FTE)
About the Hudson Institute
A leading Australian biomedical research institute, Hudson Institute pioneers outstanding discovery science and translational research – we progress scientific knowledge into new diagnostics, treatments and cures.
We are home to 470 world-class scientists, clinicians and students who push the boundaries of scientific knowledge to progress human health in five areas of medical need: inflammation, cancer reproductive health, newborn health, and hormonal health.
Together with our onsite precinct partners, Monash Health and Monash University, we deliver outstanding healthcare, education and world-class research. Working alongside clinicians, ensures our research is informed by clinical challenges and optimally positioned for development.
Co-located within the Institute, and shared with our partners, are nine state-of-the-art Technology Platforms and a Clinical Trials Facility, providing the optimum environment for scientists, clinicians and our collaborators to move breakthrough discoveries to patient care.
The Institute has an active program for the patenting and commercialisation of technologies, including those developed in conjunction with academic and commercial collaborators.
We nurture and inspire the next generation of scientists and clinicians by educating and training more than 180 students each year, predominately through our academic affiliation with Monash University.
Our worldwide scientific and medical collaborations provide a foundation for transformative healthcare programs across the globe.
About the Role
Hudson Institute of Medical Research is seeking a Chairperson for its Animal Ethics Committee (AEC). The primary responsibility of the AEC is to ensure that all care and use of animals is conducted in compliance with the Australian code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes (the Code). AECs apply a set of principles that govern the ethical conduct of people whose work involves the use of animals for scientific purposes.
The Chairperson must ensure the effective and efficient management of the AEC with the support of the Institute and key stakeholder organisations. The role will involve both meeting management as well as out of session commitments to support the function of the Committee in ensuring the welfare of the animals used in scientific purposes within the MHTP Animal Facility.
The role involves attendance at 11 AEC meetings each year and can include Facility inspections and other meetings relating to AEC activities.
Key Selection Criteria
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate;
- an understanding of the Code and its application to a medical research Institution undertaking animal research
- a basic knowledge of biomedical research and an appreciation of use of animals in scientific research
- an ability to listen to and appreciate the views of others, and to formulate and express a considered opinion
- the capacity to understand important ethical issues and how these relate to the Code, and other relevant legislation or policies
- effective Committee management including conflict resolution and fairness/consistency in decision-making
- sound and impartial decision-making skills based on justifiable grounds
- basic computer literacy and the capacity to work online and by email
- Experience as a chairperson on a Committee – (Desirable) Experience serving as a member or Chair for an Animal Ethics Committee – (Desirable) A sound understanding of the principles of administrative law decision making
Each candidate interested in applying for this role must be willing and able to:
- keep abreast of changes and interpretations to the Code
- undertake pre-reading for meetings
- chair AEC meetings
- Coordinate and assist the committee to decide whether, according to their judgement, a proposal submitted to the AEC meets the requirements of the Code and is ethically acceptable.
- attend other meetings and courses as required related to AEC business
Applications: Please apply with a cover letter and current CV by Sunday 21st January at 5pm
Enquiries: [email protected] using the subject line: Animal Ethics Committee Chairperson enquiry via EthicalJobs.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview.
Hudson Institute is committed to empowering our people and harnessing their diversity to build an inclusive and equitable work environment. We encourage people of all abilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait islanders, diverse cultures and backgrounds, LGBTIQ+ identifies, and all age groups to apply.
As Hudson Institute is located within a Healthcare setting, the CHO (and Monash Health) mandatory vaccination mandates apply to all Hudson employees. As part of the application process, evidence of an immunisation history statement or COVID -19 Digital Certificate is required. No offers of employment will be made without the appropriate evidence being provided.
A position description is attached.