• An opportunity for a motivated individual to contribute to the health of Australia's livestock and wildlife species.
• Be part of a multidisciplinary team and provide technical support to interesting projects with real-world impact!
• Join CSIRO's Australian Animal Health Laboratory and make a difference. 

The position

The role of Animal Technician is to support the capability for use of animals for research purposes within the microbiologically secure containment facility at the CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL). The Large Animal Facility (LAF) capability is essential for the support AAHL's Emergency Disease Response and research obligations. The LAF team are a core group of highly trained technical staff that contribute to various animal research projects. The demands of the work are at Biocontainment levels BSL3 & BSL4 and requires professional and team oriented staff to ensure the best possible outcomes for the research, animal and staff welfare.

As the Animal Technician  you 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. If successful, you will be required to and undertake a pre-employment medical and psychological assessment, and be vaccinated against various diseases.  You must also be willing and able to meet AAHL’s microbiological security and security assessment requirements.

More specifically you will:

• Provide technical assistance to research activities involving animals within the microbiologically contained facility at CSIRO AAHL. Duties include conducting animal husbandry procedures and collection of biological samples such as blood and tissues form animals carrying infectious diseases.
• Improve animal welfare through innovation, astute observation, promotion of animal welfare principles.
• 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.
• Ensure the success of research activities through effective liaison with team members, scientists, laboratory technicians and veterinarians; thorough planning of activities; attention to technical details; excellent record keeping; appropriate decision making and support of a strong safety culture.
• 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.

Location:           AAHL, Geelong, VIC
Salary:               $62K - $79K plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure:             Indefinite
Job reference: 58431

To be successful you will need:

• Willingness and ability to comply with AAHL microbiological and security requirements.
• A Bachelor of Animal related science or Agriculture, or a Diploma Qualification with demonstrated relevant experience in animal husbandry and animal behaviour.
• Ability to communicate in a fluent and courteous manner, both orally and in writing, offering factual information supported by proven data, and providing appropriate feedback when required.
• Experience with husbandry and handling a broad range of species such as domestic livestock, laboratory animals and/or wildlife and demonstrated competence in routine husbandry and management procedures in a veterinary or medical research or diagnostic facility, or on a farm.
• Demonstrated willingness to work with animals infected with serious zoonotic disease agents, following appropriate training including the wearing of personal protective equipment including biocontainment suits.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate records and understand the purpose of such records in a research and diagnostic facility.
• Demonstrated capability to work productively and harmoniously in a team, demonstration of an understanding the basis of a successful team, and also an ability to work independently towards team goals. A flexible approach to be available as part of the team roster for weekend and at times after hours work  Demonstrated familiarity with the Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes, maintaining the highest welfare standards.

Before you apply please view the full position details and selection criteria here:  Position description document

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)

We imagine. We collaborate. We innovate. At CSIRO, we do the extraordinary every day. We innovate for tomorrow and help improve today – for our customers, all Australians and the world. We do this by using science and technology to solve real issues. Diversity is the compass that navigates our innovation. We provide an inclusive workplace that respects, values and actively pursues the benefits of a diverse workforce.

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.
Find out more here!  Balance

The CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL)
AAHL helps protect Australia’s multi-billion dollar livestock and aquaculture industries, and the general public, from emerging infectious disease threats. It is a high-containment facility designed to allow scientific research into the most dangerous infectious agents in the world.

How to apply:  If you wish to apply for this position, please upload 1 document only containing your cover letter and resume that best demonstrates your ability to meet the requirements of the role as defined in the Position Details Document.   

Applications close:  11:59pm AEST, Sunday 30 September 2018