The Opportunity

• Contribute to Australia's scientific response to COVID-19
• Provide animal husbandry & technical assistance, collect biological samples
• Join the exceptional CSIRO / ACDP team at Geelong!

We seek to appoint an Animal Technician to assist in CSIRO's Biocontainment Large Animal Facility (LAF) at the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) Geelong. The LAF capability is essential for the support of the Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) Diagnostic Surveillance and Response Program response and research obligations and with the Health and Biosecurity Business Unit currently working on COVID-19 vaccine development.

The LAF team contribute to various animal research projects at Biocontainment levels PC3 & PC4 and requires professional and team-oriented staff to ensure the best possible outcomes for the research, animal and staff welfare.

The Animal Technician will have responsibilities which include provision of animal husbandry, collection of samples from infected research animals, data collection and storage, liaison with scientists and veterinarians, promotion of animal welfare and development of quality assurance systems. This work takes place in the microbiological containment facility and there is a particular focus on zoonotic diseases. Weekend work is involved on a roster basis and shift work may be required from time to time. 

Your duties will include

• Apply knowledge of animal husbandry and behaviour in day-to-day activities.
• Following training, provide technical assistance to research activities involving animals within the microbiologically collection of biological samples such as blood and tissues form animals carrying infectious contained facility at CSIRO ACDP. Duties include conducting animal husbandry procedures and diseases.
• Improve animal welfare through innovation, astute observation, promotion of animal welfare principles and compliance with animal ethics committee approved protocols and facility policies.
• Undertake animal studies work under a compliance framework ensuring Animal Ethics Committee protocols and policies are adhered to. Provide advice to scientific staff about animal welfare and ethical standards for AEC applications.
• Develop and implement improved monitoring and record systems for animals used in research to facilitate compliance and certification of the animal facilities to a relevant quality standard.
• Perform manual labour such as lifting heavy items and other physically demanding tasks.
• As an animal facility the LAF team undertakes weekend work on a rostered basis and for some studies this may include work after core hours.
• Abide by and promote ACDP’s microbiological security regulations.

Location: Geelong, Victoria
Salary: AU$63k - AU$80k plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure: Indefinite
Reference: 67032

To be successful you will need

1. A bachelor’s degree in animal related science or agriculture, or a Diploma Qualification with demonstrated relevant experience in animal husbandry and animal behaviour.
2. Experience with husbandry and handling a broad range of species such as domestic livestock, laboratory animals and/or wildlife in a veterinary or medical research or diagnostic facility, or on a farm.
3. Willingness to work with animals infected with serious zoonotic disease agents, following appropriate training including the wearing of personal protective equipment including biocontainment suits.
4. Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate records and understand the purpose of such records in a research and diagnostic facility.
5. A flexible approach to be available as part of the team roster for weekend and at times after hours work.
6. Demonstrated familiarity with the Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes, maintaining the highest welfare standards.
7. NOTE: Appointment to this role is subject to several conditions including a national security check, medical and psychological assessments, specific vaccination requirements and other conditions of appointment relevant to working in a contained facility.

For details about who to contact and for more information please view Position Description

Flexible Working Arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. Talk to us about how this role could be flexible for you. Balance

About CSIRO

At CSIRO you can be part of helping to solve big, complex problems that make a real difference to our future. We spark off each other, learn from each other, trust each other and collaborate to achieve more than we could individually in a supportive, rewarding, inclusive and truly flexible environment. 

We’re working hard to recruit diverse people and ensure all our people feel supported to do their best work and empowered to let their ideas flourish.

Apply Online

To apply online, please provide a CV and cover letter outlining your suitability and motivation for the role.

Applications Close

24 May 2020