Position Overview

The holder of this position will teach and assess final year Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) students and postgraduate students while involved in authentic clinical service delivery, in veterinary anaesthesia, in the University's on-campus veterinary teaching hospital. Clinical service may also be required in the teaching hospital at times of the year when students are not present.

The role also involves some teaching and assessment of more junior BVSc students in practical sessions and other modes. The incumbent will also contribute to the management and development of the veterinary science teaching programme, especially in veterinary anaesthesia and related fields.

The appointee will apply for research funding and devise and participate directly in clinical research activity leading to peer-reviewed publications while encouraging collaborative research. Time allocated to different aspects of the role will be discussed at least annually during performance management planning interviews.

Organisational Charts

James Cook University

Division of Tropical Health and Medicine Link

College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences 

Discipline of Veterinary Science

Principal Accountabilities

1. Contribute enthusiastically, efficiently and effectively to the teaching of veterinary anaesthesia to undergraduate and postgraduate veterinary students, particularly fourth and final year undergraduate veterinary students.
2. Prepare, deliver and promptly and accurately mark student assessment items (e.g. examinations, quizzes, and continuing assessment pieces) in veterinary anaesthesia and closely related subjects.
3. Provide high-quality clinical service in veterinary anaesthesia.  This may be done while teaching final year veterinary students in the context of this authentic clinical service delivery but may also be done in student-free times of the year. The amount of clinical work undertaken will be dependent on the requirements of the teaching hospital, the incumbent’s teaching commitments and time spent in the other areas of teaching, service, research and engagement. 
4. Mentor other veterinarians and veterinary nurses in veterinary anaesthesia. Contribute from time to time, as required, to the continuing professional development of other veterinarians (for example, referring veterinarians).
5. Contribute to the efficient operation and management of the School’s veterinary teaching hospital by participating, as necessary, in hospital management meetings and carrying out related administrative work.
6. Contribute to the management and further development of the James Cook University veterinary science curriculum.
7. Contribute to the advancement of the discipline of veterinary anaesthesia by devising, participating in and assisting with clinical research projects and other scholarly activities, with a view to presenting findings at conferences and in peer-reviewed publications.
8. Support the University's commitment to the principles of reconciliation, which exemplify respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and the valuing of justice and equity for all Australians.
9. Demonstrate a commitment to the University values and the University's policy on Animal Welfare and Ethics.
10. Support  the  principles  of  the  TropEco  program  and  engage  in  commitment  to  JCU  sustainability goals and objectives.
11. Supporting the administrative functions of the school, through work on various committees, and organizationally through subject, course or year coordination as indicated in schedule 4 of the Enterprise Agreement.

Generic Accountabilities

There are generic responsibilities that apply to all James Cook University staff.

1. The Veterinary Anaesthetist is required to observe the lawful and reasonable directions, policies and decisions of the University Council, understand and comply with the Enterprise Agreement, the Statutes and Rules of the University, the policies and decisions of the University Council and other appropriate University authorities, as in force from time to time.
2. The Veterinary Anaesthetist is required to demonstrate a personal commitment to ensure personal safety and the safety of others and contribute to the continuous improvement of our WHS performance. This includes the effective implementation and compliance with James Cook University WHS policies, procedures and safe systems of work, together with all relevant legislation, duties and obligations. Contribute to the continuous improvement of our WHS performance.
3. The Veterinary Anaesthetist is required to exercise proper discretion in all matters affecting the well-being of the University which involve public writing or speaking in  accordance with the University’s Code of Conduct.

Clinical Responsibilities

The incumbent will provide clinical service to JCU Univet Pty Ltd patients and clients as part of the JCU Univet Pty Ltd team and observe all JCU Univet Pty Ltd policies and procedures.

These include, but not limited to;

1. Standards of care
2. Code of Conduct
3. Behavioural  Standards
4. Communications with referring veterinarians, as required

Selection Criteria

Selection and appointments will be assessed against selection criteria.

Essential Qualifications/Experience:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Science, or equivalent, allowing the holder to be automatically registrable in the State of Queensland.
2. Formal training in veterinary anaesthesia, with demonstrable progress towards achievement of a specialist-level credential.
3. A strong interest in, and aptitude for, teaching veterinary anaesthesia with demonstrable commitment to teaching excellence.
4. Strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to working as an effective, cooperative member of a dynamic clinical teaching team.
5. Willingness to develop and to participate in veterinary clinical research projects.

Desirable Qualifications/Experience:

1. A specialist-level credential in veterinary anaesthesia.
2. Experience in teaching veterinary anaesthesia, particularly to small groups of students where teaching is done in the context of authentic clinical service delivery.
3. Evidence of research experience in the broad field of veterinary anaesthesia leading to publications in the peer-reviewed literature.