PRIMARY DETAIL
Support ethical and safe research practices in a role that makes a real difference. Join a collaborative and purpose-driven team at Macquarie University, helping to advance important scientific discovery.
Salary Package: From $83,580 per annum (HEW 5 full-time equivalent), pro-rata for 0.6 FTE + 17% superannuation + annual leave loading
Appointment Type: Part-time (0.6 FTE, 3 days per week), continuing
Location: Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and motivated administrator to support the University’s Research Ethics and Integrity team within the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research). Reporting to the Animal Ethics and Biosafety Manager, you will provide critical support to both the Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) and the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), which oversee research and teaching involving animals and/or genetically modified organisms.
As the Animal Ethics & Biosafety Administrator, you will deliver high-level administrative assistance to ensure the smooth operation of committee functions, accurate record-keeping, effective stakeholder communication, and continuous improvement of ethics processes.
In this role, you will:
Be the first point of contact for enquiries via email, phone, or in person—triaging requests and escalating complex matters as needed.
Coordinate key meetings and events for the Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) and Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), including room bookings, catering, agenda preparation, and minute-taking.
Provide high-level administrative support to the Animal Ethics & Biosafety Manager and University Veterinarian/AWO, including processing amendments to approved ethics applications and managing related correspondence.
Monitor and maintain compliance by reviewing approved ethics applications and standard operating procedures, and distributing relevant documentation to AEC members via the Forms for Research Applications (FoRA) system.
Manage animal ethics monitoring systems, including issuing reminder letters, tracking reports and follow-ups, maintaining Animal Research Authorities (ARAs), and updating AEC VCRO files and the FoRA database.
Assist in preparing reports for internal University stakeholders and external Government authorities.
Support communication efforts by helping maintain and update the Ethics website, SharePoint/Intranet, and internal newsletter.
Drive continuous improvement by contributing to the enhancement of Animal Ethics administrative processes.
About Us
Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Since our foundation in 1964, we have aspired to be a different type of university. Over the years, we have grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community. Connect with us today.
We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index, having earned a five-star rating in the QS World Rankings with the highest rating for employability.
To Apply
To be considered for this position, please submit your application online and ensure it includes the following:
A separate covering letter outlining your suitability for the role and how you meet the selection criteria. Your cover letter should be no more than 2 pages in length.
Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details.
Selection Criteria
Essential Criteria:
A relevant qualification and/or equivalent experience.
Knowledge of best practice in providing customer service and working in a customer service environment.
Working in a team and taking instruction from multiple stakeholders.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to convey information and ideas clearly and succinctly to individuals and groups.
Demonstrated ability to professionally handle sensitive and confidential information and use appropriate judgement and discretion.
Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability, with the ability to manage and prioritise competing and often ambiguous demands to meet deadlines.
Desirable Criteria:
Demonstrated experience working in the Higher Education Sector.
Demonstrated experience working in Research Ethics Administration.
Demonstrated knowledge of Biosafety and Biosecurity regulations.
Experience in the interpretation and application of the NSW Animal Research Act, and the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes 8th edition (2013).
Demonstrated knowledge of relevant legislation, policies and guidelines and the ability to quickly understand animal research to provide clear and consistent advice and support to staff and Animal Ethics Committees on the ethical conduct of research and regulatory obligations.
Completion of ANZCCART ComPass Animal Welfare training.
*** Work Rights Clause: The successful candidate must have valid work rights in Australia.
Specific Role Enquiries: Michelle Keeling, Animal Ethics and Biosafety Manager, michelle.keeling@mq.edu.au
General Recruitment Enquiries: Please contact Mirna Alaaiddin, Talent Acquisition Officer on mirna.alaaiddin@mq.edu.au
Applications Close: Thursday 19 June 2025 at 11:59 p.m. (AEST)
*** Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date. We also reserve the right to close the advertisement early if a sufficient number of qualified applicants is received.
If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, U@MQ, MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account. To apply for this job: Login to Workday and go to the Careers App > Find Jobs.
Applications Close:
19/06/2025 11:59 PM
Diversity and Inclusion
Innovation and ingenuity thrive at Macquarie University when diversity, equity and inclusion take centre stage. At the University, we embrace a culture where diversity of background, experience and perspective are fundamental to our success.
We do not discriminate on gender identity, age, culture, disability, sexuality, Indigeneity, family and caring responsibilities or religion. See our journey towards leadership in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education.
Flexible Work
At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage their personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University. See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace. To learn more about our culture and hiring process, explore our Candidate Resource Hub.
