Murdoch University

Animal Ethics Committee

Murdoch University is seeking to appoint external members for its Animal Ethics Committee (AEC). The AEC is constituted under the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes (2013). Member categories currently being recruited include:

• Category C - A person with demonstrable commitment to, and established experience in, furthering the welfare of animals, who is not employed by or otherwise associated with Murdoch University, and who is not involved in the care and use of animals for scientific purposes. The person, while not representing an animal welfare organisation, should, where possible, be selected on the basis of active membership of, and endorsement by, such an organisation.
• Category D - A person who is both independent of Murdoch University and who has never been involved in the use of animals in scientific or teaching activities, either in their employment or beyond under-graduate education. Category D members represent the wider community and contribute a completely independent view to the AEC and must not fit the requirements of any other Category.
  
  

Please note that participation as an external committee member is not an employment opportunity and does not constitute an employee-employer relationship with the University.

About the Committee

The role of the AEC is to ensure that all of Murdoch's teaching and research involving live animals is conducted ethically and humanely. The AEC reviews applications to conduct research and teaching using animals and assess application merit against the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes (2013) and relevant State governments' legislation.

Committee members benefit from the knowledge that they are making a positive contribution to the pursuit of excellence in research, teaching and animal welfare. It is an interesting, stimulating and worthwhile form of community participation.

AEC Members should possess:

• Excellent communication skills. This includes a capacity to listen to, and appreciate, the views of others and to formulate and express a considered opinion. They must be prepared to enter into a process in which differences and conflicting points of view can be explored and resolved.
• An interest in the ethical treatment of animals and capacity to engage with ethical issues.
• Sufficient time to attend meetings and to read proposals and other relevant documents. Capacity to commit sufficient time to meeting preparation and attendance as well as out-of-session reviews.
• Basic computer literacy and access to a computer for reviewing animal ethics documents online and attending online meetings when required, in addition to face-to-face meetings.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately manage conflicts-of-interest
• Completion of online ComPass training through the University of Adelaide.
• Completion of online training for AEC members with Animal Welfare Victoria.

Term of Appointment

Appointments are for a three-year term, with the possibility of reappointment subject to Committee requirements and member interest. The appointment may be cancelled by either party with good reason, such as non-disclosure of relevant interests, irreconcilable differences or failing to abide by the legislation. Committee members receive appropriate education material and training prior to commencement. Members must sign a Confidentiality Agreement as all information discussed by the AEC is confidential.



Expected Time Commitment

The AEC currently holds 13 meetings per year, on a Tuesday for 3 to 4 hours commencing at 12:00 - 13.00pm depending on agenda size. Members are expected to attend meetings in person for face-to-face discussion of agenda items, and all meetings must be quorate (i.e., comprise of the Chair, and at least one member of each member category - A, B, C and D). In preparation for each meeting, members review 3 - 9 new applications, amendments to existing permits, and any unexpected or adverse events that occur during research or teaching. Occasional, short out-of-session meetings may be held in between regular AEC meetings and during the course of the year, and C and D members are invited to inspect all animal facilities at the university, both on and off site. Materials for review are delivered electronically approximately 10 days before each meeting.


Remuneration

C and D members of the AEC receive remuneration of $300 per meeting. This includes activities related to the meeting, including review of applications prior to the meeting, attendance at the meeting and review of responses to conditions, where required. VIP parking at Murdoch University is provided free of charge and each meeting is catered. Occasional short out-of-session meetings may be held in between regular AEC meetings and attract a sitting fee of $100-150 depending on meeting length. C and D members are remunerated $300 for each facility inspection during the year, and are provided with transport to, and from, facilities. Remuneration is paid as wages by the University and are taxed accordingly.


To Apply


If you have an interest in animal welfare, ethics, and cutting-edge research and teaching, then please contact the animal ethics office to express you interest in applying for the positions.

Please apply by submitting the documents below:

• A cover letter
• Your most recent resumé (CV)

Applications sent by post will not be accepted. Please note visa sponsorship is not available for this position and applicants are expected to have current and valid work rights in Australia.

For enquiries, please reach out to the Animal Ethics Office at Murdoch University at or telephone 08 •••• •366/9360 6472. Quote the reference number: JR105402

Applications Close on 08 July 2026 (11:59pm AWST)

The University reserves the right to withdraw this advertisement at any time.

Murdoch University values workplace diversity, promotes inclusion, and strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, women, and individuals with disability. Applicants who have support or access requirements, are encouraged to advise this at the time of their application, to ensure appropriate assistance is provided throughout the recruitment process.