
Senior Principal Advisor, Animal Welfare
The University of Queensland
Posted 2 days ago
- Research Ethics and Integrity
- Full-time, permanent position
- Base salary will be in the range $113,377 - $127,112 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 8)
- Based at our St. Lucia Campus
About This Opportunity
Are you a veterinarian with a passion for promoting the ethical and responsible use of animals in research and teaching? Join one of Australia's leading research-intensive universities as a Senior Principal Advisor, Animal Welfare; a vital role that shapes and supports the University of Queensland's commitment to high standards in animal ethics, care, and compliance.
In this dynamic and impactful position, you will provide expert veterinary and technical advice across the University's research and teaching landscape. Working closely with Animal Ethics Committees and researchers, you'll contribute to the ethical review process, support continuous improvement through facility audits and welfare monitoring, and help drive best-practice animal care through training and the development of practical resources.
This is an opportunity to influence change, strengthen institutional compliance with national codes and legislation, and play a central role in advancing responsible research at UQ. If you're looking for a role that blends animal welfare expertise with education, ethics, and strategic impact-this is your chance to make a meaningful difference.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Provide expert veterinary and technical advice to Animal Ethics Committees, ethics administrators and researchers on animal care, use, and welfare.
- Conduct audits and monitoring of animal research and teaching activities to ensure compliance with relevant legislation, codes, and University policies.
- Support the development of best-practice resources and training to promote the ethical and responsible use of animals in scientific settings.
- Review and advise on adverse events and welfare concerns, contributing to continuous improvement in animal ethics and care standards.
About Research Ethics and Integrity
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) is a member of the University's Senior Executive and has responsibility for the development and advancement of the University's profile in research and research training. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) is supported by staff in the UQ Research and Innovation portfolio. Units within the portfolio have responsibility to support the University's research community through strategic engagement with external stakeholders, funding organisations and research partners; international collaborations; grants management; research performance data management, contract negotiation; and research ethics and integrity.
Within the UQ Research and Innovation portfolio Research Ethics and Integrity provides administrative and strategic support related to the University's animal ethics, human research ethics, sanctions, export controls and research integrity processes. Research Ethics and Integrity also provides advice, education and training to the UQ community.
Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available, such as:
- Up to 26 weeks paid parental leave or 14 weeks paid primary caregiver leave
- 17% superannuation contributions
- 17.5% annual leave loading
- Access to flexible working arrangements including hybrid working options, flexible start/finish times, purchased leave, and a condensed fortnight
- Health and wellness discounts - fitness passport access, free yearly flu vaccinations, discounted health insurance, and access to our Employee Assistance Program for staff and their immediate family
- UQ Study for Staff
- On campus childcare options
- Affordable parking (from just $6.15 a day)
- Salary packaging options
About You
- Hold a degree in Veterinary Science or equivalent qualifications; eligibility for registration as a Veterinarian in Queensland will be well regarded.
- Strong understanding of animal ethics and welfare principles, ideally within a research or regulatory environment.
- Confident in interpreting and applying legislation, codes, and policy in complex organisational settings.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
- Experience in auditing, compliance, or quality assurance processes related to animal care and use.
- Proactive, collaborative, and passionate about supporting ethical research practices.
The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including right to work in Australia, and a criminal check. The successful candidate must also have an unrestricted driver's license to travel between campuses and attend facilities as required.
Additionally, It is a condition of employment for this role that if you are required now or in the future to perform work tasks that put you at risk of exposure to vaccine-preventable disease you are required to be immunised against, and remain immunised against, certain vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) in accordance with the University's Vaccinations and Immunisation Guidelines (PPL 2.60.08). The employee is required to provide evidence of immunisation against VPDs.
You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.
Questions?
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Dr Virginia Sheppard, Veterinary Officer ([email protected]). For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at [email protected], stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.
Want to Apply?
All applicants must upload the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
- Cover letter summarising how your background aligns to the 'About You' section (maximum two pages)
- Resume
Other Information
UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don't meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.
We know one of our strengths as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. Reach out to [email protected] for accessibility support or adjustments.
Applications close 8th of June 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-49611). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for the week of the 16th of June 2025.
About The University of Queensland
What started as Queensland's first university in 1909, with just three faculties and 83 students, has grown into university ranked in the world’s top 50 that is renowned for being a leader in teaching and research.
When you join the University of Queensland, you’re joining a community that actively strives toward creating change right across the world every day. From science and sustainability to health and humanities, our researchers are finding solutions to the world’s biggest challenges. Our award-winning teachers are recognised for empowering our students to thrive as innovative thinkers and grow into the leaders of tomorrow.
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