Position: Postgraduate studies in animal production

An opportunity exists for a highly motivated applicant to study and conduct research projects with SBScibus, a consulting & research group based in Camden, NSW. The position is full time and is supported by an industry placement scholarship provided by Dairy Australia and co-funded by SBScibus. You will be required to enrol in and complete a postgraduate study project and will be eligible to receive a Masters degree in either veterinary or agricultural science at the University of Sydney at project completion. You will be investigating the impact of ruminal acidosis in Australian dairy herds.

Your primary role will be to advance study of ruminal acidosis from initiation through to measuring rumen fermentation products. You will also be required to provide scientific and technical support to our research and consulting staff. You will assisst the research staff with the conduct of field trials, sample collection and laboratory analysis. You may be required to assist the SBScibus consultants in the field.

We require a confident communicator with exceptional interpersonal skills, and you will liaise frequently with key staff members. Your robust organisational ability, methodical approach and attention to detail will be imperative to collect and store specimens, maintain accurate databases and records, and assist with the development of protocols.
To succeed you will have a degree in Veterinary Science, Agriculture Science or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience, and an understanding of farm animal production and agriculture. Demonstrated professional or research experience is an advantage. You are required to be able to work independently and as part of a dynamic and friendly team, and wish to be involved in a worthwhile project that assists with groundbreaking veterinary and agriculture research and field work. This is a role that potentially offers a permanent full-time or part-time capacity, with job sharing.

The position is for a period of 24 months, subject to the completion of a satisfactory probation period, with a possibility of further offers subject to funding and need. For further information visit our website www.sbscibus.com.au or contact SBScibus Business Manager at carolew@dairydocs.com.au or 02-4655 8532. Closing date for applications: 22th January 2010.

SBScibus PROFILES

The Research and Development arm of SBScibus (former Bovine Research Australasia) works with the dairy, beef, sheep, pharmaceutical, nutritional and agronomic industries. We are looking for opportunities to bring our expertise in product and strategy evaluation to these and other industries. We are focussed on animal productivity and health. Data integrity, study design and validated analytical procedures are particular strengths. We conduct contract research and develop projects in a number of areas; efficacy studies, economic impacts, and risk assessment, randomized controlled clinical studies and meta-analyses.

Our work is framed on the principles of animal welfare, regulatory compliance, data integrity, and validated analytical procedures. Staffed by experienced researchers with both veterinary and agricultural backgrounds and higher degree qualifications, we are backed up by a team of consultant veterinarians with extensive contacts in the Australian rural sector.

SBScibus is able to provide contract research for the purpose of fundamental efficacy studies, safety trials, pharmacodynamic studies, agronomic studies and farm-scale efficacy and comparison studies. Our experience covers diverse fields such as dairy cattle nutrition and agronomy. Added to this is our renowned capacity for epidemiology and statistics, which enables us to assess and validate experimental results.

Further, SBScibus’s links to world leaders in animal production research through Global Dairy gives us access to the latest ideas and newest technologies in livestock and crop production.  Our clients have included some of the largest farms in Australia, the USA and New Zealand. We have consulted widely internationally in South America and Asia. We are recognised as leading service providers and provide research and education services for veterinarians, animal scientists and agronomists in animal health, reproduction and nutrition. 

History

SBScibus (formerly Bovine Research Australasia) was formed in 1996, when Dr. Ian Lean, later to become adjunct professor at the University of Sydney, teamed with Dr. Ahmad Rabiee, PhD in ruminant physiology, to establish a company capable of delivering research outcomes for clients, unimpeded by the bureaucratic restraints of university systems. Since this time, they have conducted a large number of experimental trials for a range of clients including leading veterinary pharmaceutical companies, industry bodies, seed companies, government agencies and rural retailers.

Guiding principles

Animal Welfare

The wellbeing and ethical treatment of trial animals is of paramount concern to SBScibus. All trial protocols are submitted to the scrutiny of an Animal Experimental Ethics Committee before commencement. Animals are looked after by trained animal carers, and staff veterinarians monitor animal conditions throughout all of our trials.

Data Integrity

SBScibus is able to conform to the internationally recognised standards of Good Document Practice (GDP). Our experience in the conduct of trials gives us confidence to be able to submit our data to the scrutiny of Quality Assurance auditors.

Regulatory Compliance

Our staff are trained and experienced in the conduct of trials for product registration. Some of the range of protocols used are Good Clinical Practice (GCP), VICH guidelines for the conduct of efficacy trials, and guidelines provided by regulatory authorities in Australia (APVMA) and other countries. We have developed internal protocols for the conduct of trials that are in line with world’s best practice.

Statistical Analysis

SBScibus has access to some of the most sophisticated statistical tools available in the world. Examples of analyses performed by SBScibus staff are published in articles in peer review journals and conference proceedings in several countries. A particular strength is synthesis of data, using meta-analytic methods. Other techniques include Survival analysis, Cluster analysis & Uni- and multivariate analysis

To be considered applicants must respond to selection criteria: Refer to "Duty Statement" documented below for essential requirements to qualify for this role.

Position Details:

Position title: Postgraduate Studies in Animal Production

Location: SBScibus, Camden, NSW 2570
The position will be based in Camden with some possibility of travel if required to field research sites around Australia.

Remuneration package:  An attractive remuneration package will be offered commensurate with experience; from $38k - $50k p.a. (which includes base salary $35k - $45k p.a., leave loading and 9% employer’s contribution to superannuation). The scholarship period is two years and possibility of subsequent permanent employment within the organisation.

Selection Criteria:

Essential qualifications & skills:

 

Desirable skills and experience:

Fair Work Information Statement