Animal Ethics Committee Member

Job Title

Animal Ethics Committee Member

Job Description

The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) is seeking expressions of interest from individuals to join its Animal Ethics Committee (AEC). The WEHI AEC is critical in ensuring that all animals involved in medical research are treated ethically and humanely. We are seeking community representatives, defined as Category D members under the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes (8th Edition - 2013, updated 2021) (the Code).

Category D — 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.

About the Animal Ethics Committee

The AEC is an independent committee that ensures any research activities involving animals are ethically acceptable, have scientific merit and are justified, and are conducted in accordance with high ethical and welfare standards. Supported by WEHI’s Ethics & Integrity team, the AEC reviews, approves and monitors all research projects involving animals. Importantly, the AEC also provides advice on animal welfare and best practice to WEHI researchers; inspects animal facilities; and promotes WEHI’s commitment to a best-practice approach to animal welfare.

What does a Category D member do?

• Bring their category-specific perspective to the review of applications for ethics approval;

• Attend 10 scheduled meetings each year, with the possibility of extra-ordinary meetings;

• Contribute to out of session executive reviews;  Participate in inspections of animal facilities;

• Review compliance-related reports for approved projects;

• Undertake inductions and ongoing professional development

This is a volunteer position. AEC members receive a stipend to reimburse for reasonable out-ofpocket expenses related to the role. Induction and training will be provided to all new members prior to commencement.

Who should apply?

If you are:

• Independent of WEHI and have never been involved in animal care and/or use for scientific purposes

• Able to represent the community perspective on the use of animals for scientific purposes

• Open to different views and willing to contribute to ethical discussions

• Able to commit to reviewing meeting materials prior to each month’s meeting

• Able to attend meetings on the fourth Thursday each month at our Parkville campus in Melbourne

• Able to use a computer to work online and by email

How to apply

Please submit in PDF format:

1. A cover letter telling us why you are interested and how you are suitable for a Category D AEC member

2. A brief CV

to Ethics Coordinator, Ethics & Integrity, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, by email: aec@wehi.edu.au

Advertisement close date: Thursday 14 May 2026