The Australian BioResources Pty Ltd (ABR) facility in Moss Vale, NSW, is a state of the art centralized facility specializing in the breeding of congenic, mutant and genetically modified mouse lines for Garvan and partner institutes. Services provided include husbandry, breeding and issuingof mice to researchers, imports and exports, rederivation, cryopreservation, and microinjection using the latest targeting technologies. The facility is supported by a world-class facility management system called “Stuart”.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Quality Coordinator supports the effective operation of Australian BioResources by maintaining and improving the facility’s quality assurance systems, documentation, and compliance processes.
This position plays a key role in ensuring the facility maintains high standards of animal welfare and operational quality.
The role provides hands-on coordination of quality control (QC) activities related to animal breeding, husbandry and facility operations; assists with audits and accreditation processes; and supports continuous improvement initiatives to promote excellence in research animal care and facility operations.
This role requires close collaboration with the animal facility management and administration team, technical staff, and researchers to ensure the ABR’s activities are conducted in accordance with approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) requirements and quality standards and provides support to ensure compliance with the NSW Animal Research Act, the Gene Technology Act, the Biosecurity Act, and other relevant standards.
Salary: Up to $90,000 + 12% super + salary packaging (depending on experience)
Employment Type: Permanent full time
SNAPSHOT OF BENEFITS
Generous salary packaging to save you income tax on your wages thereby boosting your monthly take home pay (max. $15,900 general expenses + $2,650 meals/accom)
Ample opportunities for on-going training and development
Stimulating, diverse and highly international research environment
Flexible work arrangements e.g. start / finish times
18 weeks paid parental leave for both parents including paid superannuation
A range of additional leave types to meet your personal needs including cultural leave, conference leave, community service and study leave
Discounted Health Insurance
Lifestyle discounts with our community partners
WHAT YOU WILL DO
The key responsibilities include:
Quality:
Maintain and curate QC data and reports within relevant electronic systems in accordance with SOPs, facility policies and regulatory standards.
Conduct and document regular checks across animal breeding, service and support areas to ensure compliance and consistency leading to high quality outcomes.
Coordinate the ABR health monitoring program including planning sample collection, making submissions to external and internal reference laboratories, receiving, collating and communicating results with the Director Animal Facilities, Head of Operations, Technical services manager and relevant stakeholders
Coordinate and implement the genetic screening program for ABR colonies to ensure compliance with the Jax (or other vendor) propagation agreement
Prepare summary documents and keep records associated with health monitoring results, at a standard that can be published on the ABR website
Review QC outcomes, identify non-conformances, and initiate or track corrective actions.
Monitor and provide periodic reports on quality and facility performance indicators and compliance with internal standards.
Support preparation and maintenance of documentation for audits, inspections and accreditation reviews.
SOPs and Process
Assist with the development, review and updating of SOPs to reflect current practices, regulatory changes and continuous improvement initiatives.
Provide feedback to management on process improvement opportunities and participate in validation of new or modified procedures.
Support document control and ensure current versions of SOPs and forms are accessible to staff.
Training and Support
Support staff training in quality-related procedures, record keeping, and best practice in breeding and husbandry.
Provide advice to technical staff on quality standards and assist in troubleshooting breeding and colony management issues.
Contribute to induction and refresher training in quality and compliance.
Administrative and Reporting Responsibilities
Assist in compiling data for management reviews, audits, and performance summaries.
Maintain accurate, accessible and secure records to meet institutional and legislative requirements.
ABOUT YOU
The key skills and experience include:
Degree or diploma in Science, Animal Technology or a related field, preferably with an emphasis on animal biology, health or quality systems.
Essential
Strong fundamental computer literacy skills (Excel, databases, quality management tools) and ability to learn and adapt to new systems
Competence in data management, electronic record keeping, preparing reports and presenting quality data.
Knowledge of animal breeding and husbandry practices, including GM and inbred lines.
Understanding of relevant legislation and standards governing animal research and facility quality systems.
Strong commitment to animal welfare, ethical conduct, and quality assurance.
Ability to interpret and apply SOPs, regulatory requirements and quality standards.
High attention to detail, strong observational and problem-solving skills.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
Ability to plan, organise and prioritise workload to meet deadlines.
Desirable
Experience in developing or maintaining quality documentation and SOPs.
Understanding of document control systems and NATA accreditation requirements.
Knowledge of biosecurity and quarantine procedures.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply for this position, please submit your application with a CV and cover letter as one document, stating why you are interested in this role. We are reviewing applications as they are received. If you think you’re the right person for this role, we’d love to hear how your capabilities, achievements and experience set you apart. Only applicants with full working rights in Australia are eligible to apply for this role.