DPIRD Animal Ethics

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is firmly committed to the ethical treatment of humans and animals participating in research.  As an accredited establishment under the NSW Animal Research Act, DPIRD has Animal Ethics Committees (AECs) that oversee the care and use of research and teaching animals. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that activities involving animals for research and teaching purposes comply with the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes (the Code) and relevant legislation.

The role of the AECs involves, but is not limited to:

• the assessment that the care and use of animals for scientific purposes is justifiable, balancing the potential effects on the wellbeing of the animals involved against the potential benefits to humans, animals or the environment, and
• supporting the wellbeing of animals by applying the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement).

Current Vacancy - Category A Member

The DPIRD Fisheries AEC, which oversees DPIRD aquatic based research, currently has a vacancy for a Category A (Veterinary) member.  This category is defined as “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”.

Duties Include:

• Provide recommendations of an independent nature.
• Attend AEC meetings (4 per year).
• Review Animal Ethics submissions and documentation prior to AEC meetings.
• Participate in animal facility inspections.

Essential Criteria

Candidates must be able to demonstrate:

• They have qualifications in veterinary science and are registered as a veterinary surgeon in Australia;
• They have experience with, and knowledge of, aquatic species or can demonstrate their ability to rapidly acquire relevant knowledge.

Expression of Interest

A written expression of interest (no more than one page), along with a short curriculum vitae (no more than two pages), is invited from suitably qualified persons. The expression of interest must specifically:

• demonstrate how the above Essential Criteria for Category A are met, please provide supporting evidence, and
• explain why you are interested in serving on the Fisheries AEC.

Expressions of interest will be accepted by email to research.integrityandethics@dpird.nsw.gov.au until 5 pm 26^th March 2026.

Please email as above if you have any questions regarding your application prior to the cutoff date.