Animal Ethics Manager / 2 years FTC

We’re proud to be partnering with the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute to appoint their next Animal Ethics Manager, a rare leadership role that spans seven institutions, aligning leaders, driving compliance, and shaping research integrity at scale.About The Baker InstituteThe Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute is one of Australia’s most respected independent medical research organisations, dedicated to addressing the world’s most pressing health challenges: heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.About The RoleThis is a rare opportunity to lead a precinct-wide Animal Ethics Office, a role that blends strategic leadership, stakeholder influence, and operational excellence. You’ll oversee a small team of four, manage two Animal Ethics Committees, and work with senior leaders from across seven member organisations to drive alignment, transparency, and compliance with the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific PurposesKey ResponsibilitiesLead the day-to-day operations of the Alfred Research Alliance Animal Ethics Office.Oversee the performance and governance of the Animal Ethics Committees and related compliance frameworks.Build capability through effective leadership, mentoring, and stakeholder engagement across a complex research ecosystem.Ensure all research activities align with the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes.Drive process improvement and digital systems to strengthen reporting, transparency, and efficiency.About YouYou’re a confident and composed leader who thrives in complex, multi-stakeholder environments. With experience in research governance or animal ethics, you bring the judgment and diplomacy to align competing priorities and uphold compliance. You lead with clarity and empathy, building capability within your team while creating alignment and trust among senior stakeholders around shared ethical standards.To Be Successful In This Role, You Will DemonstrateProven leadership and team management capability, with the ability to build, develop and motivate an EA team to deliver excellence and compliance.Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills, with a track record of influencing, aligning and managing expectations across multiple senior stakeholders and partner organisations.Comprehensive knowledge of the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes, and the ability to apply it effectively across diverse research contexts.Strong strategic and operational acumen, capable of balancing long-term governance frameworks with day-to-day administrative and regulatory demands.Sound judgement and decision-making, particularly in managing sensitive ethical matters, complaints, and differing stakeholder perspectives with discretion and integrity.Demonstrated experience in driving systems improvement, including the design and implementation of streamlined processes, digital tools, and reporting frameworks that enhance efficiency and compliance.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, ensuring transparency, alignment, and trust among committees, licence holders, and research leadersWhat will you get in return?You’ll join a globally recognised research institute with a 99-year legacy of discovery, collaboration, and impact. This is a rare leadership opportunity to shape the ethical foundations of world-class medical science, working across one of Australia’s most respected research alliances.You’ll Also Enjoy A truly unique opportunity to influence animal ethics at a precinct level A supportive and flexible workplace with a strong commitment to learning and development Values-driven culture: Human-centred, Empathy, Accountability, Respect, and Transformative A modern base at the Alfred Hospital precinct, close to Fawkner Park, Chapel Street, and St Kilda Road Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and an active social clubIf this sounds like you, apply now, and we will be in touch. Alternatively, for confidential discussion, contact Kristina at kristina@ktalent.com.au