Animal Welfare Research Role

RSPCA Australia is looking for a Senior Scientific Officer who is highly skilled and credentialled in animal welfare, to join us in advocating for improved animal welfare in Australia. The role is part of a committed and vibrant team of people who gain personal satisfaction from knowing that they are having a real impact on the welfare of animals through actively promoting science-based principles for their care and protection.

Full time, ongoing position

Flexible role – Canberra-based, work from home or remote

Specialisation in farm animal welfare, with knowledge and special interest in poultry welfare highly desirable

Opens a dynamic and opportunity filled career in animal welfare science and advocacy.

The Role

The nature of the work of a Senior Scientific Officer means that most of the work can be completed in either an office or home environment over flexible hours. The team cooperates using technology and getting together for workshops and conferences. The key responsibilities include:

Reviewing relevant scientific literature and preparing evidence-based information and advice on key policy areas

Identifying key areas of influence and strategic directions to advance animal welfare in Australia

Using relevant scientific literature, stakeholder consultation and conducting on-farm visits to develop and review Standards that underpin our certification scheme and help drive continuous improvement in the welfare of farmed animals in Australia.

Updating and developing RSPCA policy and position papers, discussion papers, research reports, information sheets and Knowledgebase articles

Collaborating with the marketing, campaigns and communication teams to develop and support campaign strategies and communication activities

Establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships with government and industry and RSPCA member Societies to promote RSPCA Australia policies

Representing RSPCA Australia on relevant national committees and working groups involved in the setting of animal welfare legislation, strategies and related plans and documents

Understanding RSPCA Australia policy/position and applying negotiation skills as required to advance animal welfare in key policy areas

Responding to public, media and other enquiries

Representing RSPCA Australia in the media and other public forums

Preparing scientific and technical information and advice for the RSPCA Australia Board and its subcommittees as required

Preparing submissions to government or external organisations on documents including, but not limited to, national Standards & Guidelines, industry-specific guidelines, and other documents relevant to RSPCA Australia policies

Contributing to the content of the Animal Welfare Science Update

The Person

To be successful in this role, you will need to be capable of taking a leading role in the scientific and research-based advice relevant to an area of animal welfare. You will be skilled at researching issues and be an excellent communicator, predominantly in writing. Given the nature of the role, you will also need to be able to work independently and manage your own time effectively to produce the desired outcomes, while still working collaboratively with the other members of the team.

We have several upcoming projects of high importance in our farm animal team and we are looking for someone with experience in farm animal welfare. A person with expertise in poultry welfare would be highly desirable given the animal welfare priorities the team are currently working on. Experience in writing animal welfare standards would also be highly regarded.

Applications for part-time work may be considered. Some travel, mostly domestic, is a requirement of the role.

About RSPCA Australia

The national body of the RSPCA is based in Deakin, Canberra. RSPCA Australia is a leading source of animal welfare science, develops RSPCA policy, and engages with government and industry to progress animal welfare across a range of issues nationally. In addition, RSPCA Australia runs the RSPCA Approved Farming Scheme, which works with farmers and brands to improve the lives of millions of farm animals..

Benefits of Working with RSPCA Australia

As you might expect, the RSPCA is an organisation of people committed to the welfare of animals and this flows through into the type of workplace we all work hard to maintain – one that is supportive, challenging and friendly – and one driven by strong values of compassion, courage, integrity, knowledge and tenacity. We are a great group of people! And of course, we have dogs in the office.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via our website https://www.rspca.org.au/about-us/join-our-team

To apply, send us your detailed resume and up to date contact details, and to make it easier for us, include a covering letter that gives us more specific information about the following:

Why you are attracted to apply for this role with RSPCA Australia

Your experience working in animal welfare including your understanding of animal welfare principles and key farm animal welfare issues

Your ability to apply your knowledge to research and investigate specific issues, and apply that research to writing submissions, policy and educational material

Your personal attributes and how they help you in the work environment and to collaborate with others to achieve positive outcomes.

If you are short-listed for an interview – either in person, by phone or online – we will ask you for referees who are best able to describe you at work.

Further Information

If you have specific questions that are not covered by the information above, call Suzie Fowler on our general office number 02 6282 8300 or send an email to [email protected].

For further information regarding RSPCA Australia go to www.rspca.org.au.

Applications close on Wednesday 21st May 2025 .