The University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney is seeking expressions of interest for individuals to serve as Category A (Veterinarian), Category C (Animal Welfarist) and Category D (Lay Person) members on its Animal Care and Ethics Committees (ACECs).

The Committees advise the University regarding the use of animals for scientific purposes and teaching and promote the ethical, humane and responsible care and use of animals at UNSW.

The Committees have oversight of all animal usage for research or teaching at UNSW and are responsible for the review, approval and monitoring of these activities. The Committees play an essential role in ensuring UNSW’s compliance with the Australian Code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes and provide accountability for the institution’s use of animals for scientific purposes to the wider community.

The successful applicant will serve on the ACECs on a voluntary basis and will provide a valuable contribution to the high level of ethical research conducted at UNSW. 

Membership Categories

• Category A - (veterinarian): a person with qualifications in veterinary science that are recognised for registration as a veterinary surgeon in Australia, and with experience relevant to the institution’s activities or the ability to acquire relevant knowledge.
• Category C - (animal welfare): A person with demonstrable commitment to, and established experience in, furthering the welfare of animals, who is not employed by or otherwise associated with the institution, and who is not currently involved in the care and use of animals for scientific purposes. Veterinarians with specific animal welfare interest and experience may meet the requirements of this category. While not representing an animal welfare organisation, the person should, where possible, be selected on the basis of active membership of, and endorsement by, such an organisation.
• Category D - (independent): A person not employed by or otherwise associated with the institution and who has never been involved in the use of animals in scientific or teaching activities, either in their employment or beyond their undergraduate education. Category D members should be viewed by the wider community as bringing a completely independent view to the AEC, and must not fit the requirements of any other category. 

Frequency of Meetings

• The ACECs meet on the first Friday of every month except January (11 meetings per year). Meetings commence with a joint meeting of Committee A and Committee B (approx. 8:30-11am) followed by separate meetings of the two Committees (approx. 11am-1:30pm). 

Membership Duties 

• Attendance at monthly ACEC meetings in-person, which commence at 8:30am and run until approximately 1:30pm. The number of applications to be reviewed varies between 5-13 submissions per committee per month with additional joint meeting papers to be reviewed.
• Complete pre-reading and provide preview comments for the meeting papers before the monthly meeting. Preparation for the meeting usually takes between 5 and 8 hours a month.
• As the assigned reviewer, be the spokesperson for 1-2 animal research proposals per month and assess whether the proposal meets the key ethical principles set out in the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes (the Code).
• Conduct timely review of revised applications prior to final approval and review of requests for modifications between meetings.
• Participate in twice yearly inspections of UNSW animal research facilities.
• Attend and contribute to membership training sessions. 

Other Required Attributes

• Applicants must also possess effective interpersonal skills, competent computer skills and be able to read large documents within a short timeframe.

   Remuneration

• This is a volunteer position in which committee members are paid an allowance to reimburse them for out-of-pocket expenses incurred as part of their role as a committee member.

Expression of Interest Submission

Complete the ACEC Member Expression of Interest Form (External Members) and attach a current curriculum vitae via the ‘Apply Now’ link.

Submissions will remain open until all positions have been filled.

Contact the Ethics and Compliance Support Officer, for further information:

• • E: animalethics@unsw.edu.au