University Veterinarian

University of Adelaide; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 135,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% superannuation

Job summary

University of Adelaide is seeking a senior veterinary leader to oversee animal health, welfare and ethical use in our research and teaching activities. You will develop policies, deliver training and ensure compliance with the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals, while collaborating with researchers, leaders and committees across Adelaide University.

The role emphasizes non-clinical governance with some hands-on input, the opportunity to contribute to 3Rs, and participation in an

Qualifications

• Degree in Veterinary Science and SA veterinary registration.
• Experience advising on ethical animal use in research and teaching.
• Experience in animal husbandry and providing clinical services to various species.
• Knowledge of Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals and related legislation.
• Experience advising senior leaders and stakeholders.
• Experience promoting compliance with organisational values.

Responsibilities

• Lead welfare, ethics, and compliance across research and teaching.
• Oversee health, welfare, and ethical use of animals with policy development and training.
• Review animal ethics applications and provide expert advice.
• Support governance and compliance activities and respond to issues.
• Deliver specialist veterinary services and training to researchers.
• Promote 3Rs and a culture of ethical practice.

Skills

Veterinary degree

SA registration

Ethics advisory

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Degree in Veterinary Science

Job description

• Based in the Research and Innovation Portfolio in the Adelaide CBD
• Full-time 6 month fixed term contract (part-time negotiable)
• Salary Range: (HEO 9) $135,226 to $144,672 per annum (plus 17% superannuation)
• Lead animal welfare, ethics and compliance across research and teaching, providing expert veterinary advice, governance support and training.

At Adelaide University, we create the opportunities you need to achieve your ambitions – because when you thrive, we thrive.

We are transforming education for contemporary learners and global citizens. Building on a proud legacy and shaped by bold ambition, it’s a place of excellence and equity, where our vibrant community of staff are united by our purpose to inspire Australia’s future change-makers and create a better tomorrow.

Workthat matters

This role provides expert leadership in animal health and welfare, ethics, and compliance across research and teaching activities at Adelaide University. Reporting to the Executive direction, Research Infrastructure, you will oversee the health, welfare and ethical use of animals within Research and Teaching through development and implementation of policy, procedures and training whilst maintaining adherence to relevant legislation and the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes.

While the role draws on veterinary expertise, it is predominantly non-clinical in nature, with a strong focus on reviewing animal ethics applications, providing advice, and supporting governance and compliance activities, alongside some hands-on veterinary input where required.

This role delivers specialist veterinary services, provides high-level advice to researchers and senior stakeholders, and leads training to promote best practice in animal care and use. It also promotes the principles of the 3Rs (replacement, reduction, refinement) and fosters a culture of ethical practice, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

This role requires flexibility, including participation in a shared on-call roster, and the ability to respond to issues as they arise, both during and outside standard hours.

Curious to learn more? Explore the full role description to discover more about this opportunity.

The team

This role is part of the University Veterinarian team in the Research Infrastructure sub-function that is aligned to the Research and Innovation Portfolio. This role works closely with the Animal Ethics Committees, Biological Services managers and Animal Technician staff, and researchers, students, Executive Directors, and Deans across Adelaide University. It also collaborates with colleagues in Research Services, Compliance, Ethics and Integrity, and liaises with relevant State and Commonwealth Government departments.

Visit the AU website to learn moreabout Research and Innovation Portfolio.

Our people

Our people are guided by purpose, curiosity and a commitment to lifelong learning. We embrace authenticity, innovation and collaboration, and harness diverse thinking in our pursuit of excellence.

This role is perfect for someone who is a collaborative and adaptable veterinary professional with strong interpersonal and communication skills. You will be confident engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders, including researchers and senior leaders, and able to navigate complex, and sometimes sensitive, situations with professionalism, sound judgement, and resilience.

Learn more about our people, what we stand for and what we offer at Careers at AU.

Experience

Tojoin our community and thrive in this role, you will likely have the following skills and experience:

• A degree in Veterinary Science or equivalent and registered as a veterinary surgeon in South Australia
• Experience providing expert advice to support ethical animal use in research and teaching
• Experience in animal husbandry and delivering clinical veterinary services to a diverse range of animal species
• Knowledge and understanding of the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes and relevant state and national legislation relating to biomedical research
• Experience providing high-level advice and collaborative engagement with senior leaders and stakeholders
• Experience promoting organisational values and compliance with behaviour expectations

Ourcommitment to inclusionand diversity

We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion where diversity is celebrated and everyone feels respected and valued. Adelaide University is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone can thrive. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, and people of all ages, genders, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities. We are committed to supporting flexible working arrangements and providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

Applications welcomed from Australian or NZ citizens, Australian permanent residents and those who have the legal right to work in Australia for the term of appointment.

Submit your application by 11:30pm Friday 30 October 2026