Leader Research Ethics & OGTR Compliance

Department of Primary Industries, Strategy and Engagement division are currently seeking a dynamic Leader Research Ethics & OGTR Compliance to join their high performing team dedicated to promoting ethical standards in science and research!

• Ongoing full-time opportunity
• Willing to consider candidates across all NSW locations.  
• Offering a salary range from $141,313.00 - $145,682.00p.a. + superannuation

Diversity and inclusion are core values of the Department of Regional NSW. We encourage applications from people with a range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. This includes differences in culture, gender, sexual orientation, language and disability status or other attributes.

The Department of Regional NSW is a workplace where everyone is able to contribute and participate to their full potential, and we are proud to have a team that reflects the richness and complexity of the regional NSW communities we serve.

About Us 

The Department of Regional NSW (DRNSW) was formed in 2020 as a central agency for regional issues. The Department has responsible for building resilient regional economies and communities, strengthening primary industries, managing the use of regional land, overseeing the state’s mineral and mining resources and ensuring government investment in regional NSW is fair and delivers positive outcomes for local communities and businesses.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) supports the development of profitable primary industries that create a more prosperous NSW and contributes to a better environment through the sustainable use of natural resources.

About the role

Based within the DPI Chief Scientist’s Unit’s Research Integrity & Data Team, the role will lead a large portfolio across multiple government areas to deliver policy and operational reform, and to meet complex regulatory requirements associated with research ethics and biosafety, in particular dealings involving the use of genetically modified organisms. The role liaises extensively across all Branches within DPI, stakeholders in other government agencies, and where required, with academia and industry.

In this role you will:

• Lead the delivery of effective policies, guidelines, and frameworks to establish best practice policy and institutional reform relating to human and animal research for DPI and the Regional NSW cluster, as well as DPI biosafety and laboratory performance.
• Lead the provision of expert policy and technical advice to staff, stakeholders and line management on the standards, protocols, policies, processes, and procedures governing research ethics and biosafety, and the critical importance of statutory compliance and institutional performance. 
• Work closely with the Manager Research Integrity & Data to ensure institutional compliance with the Animal Research Act and the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research by managing accreditation and coordinating the activities of the DPI’s research ethics committees.
• Ensure compliance of DPI’s institutes by managing accreditation and reporting under the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR), coordinating the activities of DPI’s Institutional Biosafety Committee(s) (IBC), and providing specialist secretariat support where required.
• Deliver internal and external briefings, papers, submission, investigations and reports regarding research ethics business and performance, DPI animal research activities, and Departmental laboratory performance and biosafety arrangements, such that those briefings and documents withstand expert internal and external scrutiny.
• Lead internal processes to facilitate monitoring of DPI research activities and external audits for assessment of institutional performance and compliance with relevant legislation.
• Maintain awareness and expert knowledge of relevant and related issues, nationally and internationally, and approaches of other jurisdictions to shape best practice outcomes.
• Represent the Department in negotiations, and foster links, with key central agencies, partners, stakeholders, academic institutions, welfare organisations and other state jurisdictions to ensure DPI is continuously improving and developing best practice solutions.
• Manage reporting staff including the allocation of work, appraising and providing feedback on performance.

Apply now:

All applications must be submitted online and should include your current resume (maximum 5 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining your suitability for this position and how you meet the essential requirements outlined in the role description.

If you would like to hear more about this role, please contact Angela Cleall at angela.cleall@dpi.nsw.gov.au. View role description.

Applications close on Sunday, 29 January 2023 11:55pm

A talent pool may be created from this recruitment action for ongoing and temporary roles of the same standard that may become available for filling over the next eighteen months. The successful applicant in this role may be required to undergo a police check, health assessment and other assessments as required.

Why work for Department of Regional NSW (DRNSW)? 

Exciting career pathways and opportunities 

We offer vibrant and exciting career paths for people from a wide range of backgrounds and skills. Once you join the NSW Government, you’ll be supported to develop your skills and expertise through ongoing training, and opportunities to move easily from role to role, and agency to agency across the entire NSW Government. 

Wellbeing

Providing a safe, supportive, ethical, diverse and inclusive workplace for our people is one of our priorities. We run a variety of programs and provide a range of supporting resources to ensure the wellbeing of all our people. 

Our people

Join DRNSW and you’ll be joining a team of more than 4,000 passionate people spread across a diverse range of disciplines and functions including - public works, land services, fisheries, agriculture and biosecurity. If you’re motivated and passionate about making a difference to the people of Regional NSW we invite you to become part of our story.

Inclusion and Flexible Working

We strive to reflect the community we serve and encourage our people to explore new ways of working across Regional NSW. We are open to arrangements that help individuals balance their work and life commitments. We embrace difference and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.