- Full time
- Continuing position
- Position based at Melbourne (Bundoora)
- Salary level HEO7 starting from $103,171 plus 17% superannuation
About the position
The Animal Welfare and Biosafety Officer will support the Ethics, Integrity and Biosafety team to ensure that the care and welfare of animals used in breeding, training and research at the University comply with regulatory standards, including the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes (the Animal Code) and the Victorian Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, and best veterinary standards.
Duties at this level will include but are not limited to:
- Provide sound and accurate advice in line with University policies and national guidelines, and relevant legislation and regulations.
- Maintain currency on legislation and regulations, communicate updates to the University research community and provide effective solutions to meet legal requirements when issues arise.
- Evaluate current and proposed procedures and processes against relevant legislation, license conditions, and mandatory codes. This ensures the University remains compliant with all applicable regulations and minimises potential risks.
- Develop and review of training, guidelines and procedures.
- Identify and advise on compliance risks, proactively analysing potential areas of non-compliance and recommending necessary changes to mitigate these risks.
- Investigate and resolve non-compliance in accordance with the University procedures, the Australian Code for the Care of Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes and the Gene Technology Act and Regulations.
- Provide input to reports and committees where required.
- Develop compliance training across the Animal and Biosafety research communities.
Skills and Experience
To be considered for this position, you will have:
Education/Qualifications
- The appointee will have a relevant tertiary qualification and experience in research or research administration with at least 2 years’ subsequent relevant experience, or extensive experience in regulatory compliance and auditing.
Knowledge and skills:
- Previous experience in conducting compliance audits to a high standard.
- Ability to work both independently with minimal direction and within a team.
- Experience in a related position, preferably in a university research setting.
- Extensive knowledge and application of relevant legislation, regulations and codes of practice governing the use and care of laboratory animals and institutional biosafety.
- Understanding of laboratory animal science, animal ethics and quality assurance.
- Knowledge of humane care and housing of animals with understanding of applicable legislation, standards and guidelines.
Please refer to the Position Description for other duties, skills and experience required for this position.
PD - Animal Welfare and Biosafety Officer.pdf
Benefits
- 17% employer contributed superannuation
- On site child care facilities
- Flexible work arrangements
- Discounts for staff and their family members to study a range of La Trobe courses
How to apply
Closing date: By 11:55pm on Sunday 12th April 2026
Position Enquiries: Mary Duffy, Manager Research Ethics
Email: Mary.Duffy@latrobe.edu.au
Recruitment Enquiries: recruitment@latrobe.edu.au
Only candidates with Full Working Rights in Australia may apply for this position.
Please submit an online application ONLY and include the following documents:
- An up to date resume
- A cover letter with brief reference to the essential criteria, listed in the position description.
Please scroll down to apply.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We welcome and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
La Trobe University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We take an intersectional approach by actively supporting and encouraging people of all backgrounds and abilities to submit an application and aim to ensure that the recruitment and employee experience is as accessible and inclusive as possible. Flexibility in interview format will be offered to shortlisted candidates.
All La Trobe University employees are bound by the Working with Children Act 2005. If you are successful, you will be required to hold a valid Victorian Employee Working with Children Check prior to commencement.
Why La Trobe:
- Develop your career at an innovative, global university where you’ll collaborate with community and industry to create impact.
- Enjoy working on our inspiring and stunning campuses – the perfect hub for industry, students and academics
- Help transform the lives of students, partners and communities now and in the future
La Trobe’s Cultural Qualities:
La Trobe University is committed to upholding the National Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence (GBV Code). This aligns with our mission to create safe and respectful communities. Candidates will be asked during the recruitment process to declare whether they have ever been investigated for, or found to have engaged in, gender-based violence in previous employment and/or in legal proceedings and provide relevant information to assist in determining suitability. Gender-based violence means any form of physical or non-physical violence, harassment, abuse or threats based on gender, that results in, or is likely to result in harm, coercion, control, fear or deprivation liberty or autonomy.
