Vet

Opportunities in Veterinary Science

Information for Applicants

Welcome from the Head of Veterinary Science

JCU's Head of Veterinary Science Margaret Reilly

The JCU Veterinary Science program is growing, join us on our journey as we continue to offer excellence in undergraduate, postgraduate and clinical training for the veterinarians of the future.

As a leader in animal science and veterinary practice, JCU Veterinary and Animal Science programs promote, foster, and administer quality teaching and research, as well as having a strong focus on delivering authentic clinical services.

At JCU's Veterinary Emergency Centre and Hospital, located at JCU Townsville, we offer a mix of clinical and academic work and you will have the opportunity to work with a wide range of state-of-the-art diagnostic, monitoring, and therapeutic equipment.

We look forward to hearing from you and wish you well on the journey you are about to begin.

Regards,

Dr Margaret Reilly

Professor, Head of Veterinary Science

About JCU

Discover JCU Veterinary Science


From pet cats and dogs at home to cattle in the Outback, JCU Veterinary Science covers all animals — great and small. Through access to unique locations and with an emphasis on academic excellence, staff have opportunities to teach, conduct research and advance in some of the most interesting places in the world.


Stories about Research and Teaching

A group of students sitting on a sunny beach in Tropical North Queensland.

Discover Townsville

With more than 320 days of sunshine and the Great Barrier Reef, Australian Outback and ancient rainforests as backyards, Townsville is the ideal location for adventure and relaxation.

As the largest urban centre in North Queensland, Townsville is a major commercial and tourism hub, providing opportunities for both business and recreation. Townsville's economy is diverse, ranging from education to retail and manufacturing. Townsville is small enough for you to escape the hustle and bustle of capital cities, yet large enough to host major events, including sport, music, theatre and festivals.

Townsville enjoys a tropical climate with less rainfall than elsewhere in the Tropics due to the city's geographical location. Winter in Townsville brings blue skies, warm days and cool nights due to south easterly trade winds. Summer brings balmy temperatures and increased rainfall with thunderstorms usually starting in late October.

For more information, visit Living in Townsville.

Working at JCU Veterinary Science

At JCU we aim to meet tomorrow's demands in sustainable animal farming and increased expectations for animal health and welfare.  We offer students world-class education through supportive learning environments with access to our leading lecturers and experts in companion animals and livestock. We are proud that our graduates receive extensive, hands-on experience to become well-rounded and highly skilled professionals.

The JCU Veterinary and Animal Science program is rated #1 in Australia for skills development, learner engagement and full-time employment and #1 in QLD for median salary, overall educational experience, student support and teaching quality*

We are looking for people with the dedication and passion to drive the agenda of future-proofing the vet science program at JCU. As enthusiastic and qualified vets, you will demonstrate enthusiasm and capacity for teaching vet sciences and your ability to engage effectively with multidisciplinary academics, community and professional bodies will see you excel in these interesting and rewarding roles educating the vets of the future.

Join a committed team of professionals dedicated to educating the vets of the future at one of the world’s leading educational institutions focusing on the Tropics.

*2024 Good Universities Guide, UG Veterinary Science

Teach in the BVSc curriculum while providing high-quality clinical service in canine and feline internal medicine in the veterinary teaching hospital.

  • 36.25 hour working week
  • Influence the Vets of the future
  • Enjoy a tropical lifestyle whilst achieving your career goals
  • Level B Salary - $97,856 - $115,465 + 17% Superannuation
  • Level C Salary - $119,983 - $136,591 + 17% Superannuation
  • Level D Salary - $142,460 - $156,540 + 17% Superannuation
What you can accomplish in the role

You will have the opportunity to teach in the Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) curriculum while providing high-quality clinical service in canine and feline internal medicine at the University's on-campus veterinary teaching hospital. Developing and participating directly in clinical research activity, leading to peer-reviewed publications, you will encourage collaborative research and be instrumental in contributing to the development of the veterinary science teaching program, especially in veterinary surgery and related fields at JCU.

What you will bring to the role

With an enthusiasm and passion for Veterinary science, you will hold a Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Science or equivalent and be eligible for registration in Queensland. Your formal training in small animal surgery and a strong interest in, and aptitude for, teaching Veterinary Surgery will see you excel in this interesting and rewarding role educating the Vets of the future.

How to Apply

Click here to visit the Careers at JCU website to submit a resume and covering letter via vacancy reference number 17443

For more info, please contact Associate Professor Jim Taylor on (07) 4781 4758 or via email at jim.taylor@jcu.edu.au


Provide contemporary teaching and assessment to students of Veterinary Science in Equine Medicine

  • 36.25 hour working week
  • Enjoy a tropical lifestyle whilst achieving your career goals
  • Level B Salary - $97,856 - $115,465 + 17% Superannuation
  • Level C Salary - $119,983 - $136,591 + 17% Superannuation
What you can Accomplish in the Role

Working onsite at the JCU teaching facilities, as well as an authentic clinical environment, you will work with a wide range of state-of-the-art diagnostic, monitoring and therapeutic equipment as you teach equine internal medicine using tutorial, practical, and classroom modalities.  Providing contemporary teaching methodologies, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing development of the JCU Vet science program by developing new and innovative curriculum that ensures our students remain highly sought after for their relevant, practical skills and hands-on experience

What you will bring to the role

With an enthusiasm and passion for Veterinary science, you will hold a bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Science or equivalent and be eligible for registration in Queensland. With strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to working as a member of a cohesive, like-minded teaching and clinical team you will thrive in a dynamic environment. Your formal training in Equine medicine and a strong interest in, and experience with, clinical teaching will see you excel in this interesting and rewarding role educating the Vets of the future.

How to Apply

Click here to visit the Careers at JCU website to submit a resume and covering letter via vacancy reference number 17996

For more info, please contact Associate Professor Jim Taylor on (07) 4781 4758 or via email at jim.taylor@jcu.edu.au


Join a dynamic team of professionals to conduct innovative teaching in Veterinary Anaesthesia at our on-campus veterinary teaching hospital

  • No after-hours or weekend/public holiday on-call duties
  • Well above award salary, negotiable and reflective of skills
  • Contract length negotiable (6 - 12 months)
  • Be at the forefront of Veterinary Sciences in the Tropics

James Cook University (JCU) seeks to appoint a full-time, Veterinary Anaesthetist, within the College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences. This will be a locum position, 6 – 12 months, shorter periods may be negotiable.  Starting late 2023/early 2024 to cover a staff’s long service leave.

What you can Achieve

This position will involve clinical service, and clinical supervision, instruction, and assessment of 5th year (final year) veterinary students in our modern and well-equipped veterinary teaching hospital.  The successful candidate will join our anaesthesia team which is well supported by two veterinarians and anaesthesia-trained nurses working in our small but fast-growing veterinary referral centre.

What You’ll Bring
  • An enthusiasm and passion to support Veterinary science and educate the Vets of the future
  • Qualifications in a veterinary degree immediately registerable in QLD, Australia.
  • Excellent communication skills, and a strong ability to work as part of a team.
  • Board certification in the American College or the European College and fellowship in ANZCVS is preferred, however, board eligible candidates or those with a strong interest in veterinary anaesthesia who have undergone some formal anaesthesia training will be considered.
Interested to find out more?

Click here to visit the Careers at JCU website to submit a resume and covering letter via vacancy reference number 18506

For more info, please contact Associate Professor Jim Taylor on (07) 4781 4758 or via email at jim.taylor@jcu.edu.au


Benefits of Working at JCU

JCU is strongly committed to equity and diversity in the workplace and aspires to continue developing a workforce that reflects the diversity, capacities and capabilities of people from the regions in which we operate. We are committed to developing future leaders, building upon the wealth of wisdom and experience embodied by our current academic leaders, we will identify and nurture those who will take JCU into the future.

Remuneration Package

An appropriate and attractive salary will be offered including a range of flexible salary packaging options.

Benefits
  • Five weeks’ annual recreation leave
  • Annual Leave Loading
  • Cash out annual leave and time in lieu options
  • Generous sick, carer's and cultural leave
  • Generous long service leave pro-rata at 7 years
  • Up to 6 months paid maternity leave
  • Flexible working options
  • Ongoing professional and career development
  • Attractive options for salary packaging
  • Staff study assistance and paid study leave
  • Fitness Passport
  • access to online media subscriptions
  • corporate discount on health insurance
  • Free Employee Assistance Program (Coaching and Counselling)
  • on-campus cafés, gym, pool and childcare
  • Re-location and immigration assistance can be negotiated
  • Balance of work and life so you can enjoy a lifestyle that supports a diverse range of leisure and sporting interests
Superannuation

Generous superannuation scheme with up to 17% employer contributions.


We’re looking for our employees of the future who subscribe to our values and beliefs and recognise that knowledge has the power to change lives. We ignite and support a passion for learning in our community and welcome dedicated professionals who can help us make a difference.

JCU is strongly committed to equity and diversity in the workplace and aspires to continue developing a workforce that reflects the diversity, capacities and capabilities of people from the regions in which we operate.  We are committed to developing future leaders, building upon the wealth of wisdom and experience embodied by our current leaders, we will identify and nurture those who will take JCU into the future.

We are enriched by and celebrate our workplace diversity and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and abilities.


JCU has an Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workforce Strategy.

Candidates are supported knowing JCU’s Vice Chancellor and senior management team are fully committed to the goals and strategies laid out in the Workforce Strategy to increase, retain and develop our Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.

Increasing numbers of staff at JCU are undertaking cultural awareness training, so members of the selection panel should have an understanding of significant cultural differences.

For more current information on Indigenous-themed activities across the University click here


SAGE (Science and Gender Equity)

SAGE is a national program promoting gender equity and diversity in science, technology engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM). It is based on the principles of the UK's Athena SWAN Charter, an evaluation and accreditation framework that addresses the improvement of gender equity policies and practices in STEMM.

JCU is one of 45 organisations participating in the SAGE Pilot of the Athena SWAN Charter, which recognises institutional capacity to eliminate gender inequity and a demonstrated commitment to bolster the hiring, promotion and retention of women, while also improving the workplace environment for people of all genders.

JCU encourages diversity

JCU has an extensive program in place to encourage diversity, examples of which include:

  • Diversity messages in our recruitment advertising, such as, “We are enriched by and celebrate our workplace diversity and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and abilities”.
  • Extensive event calendar where JCU students and staff come together to acknowledge, celebrate and raise awareness of the diverse groups that make up our community, including Harmony Day, International Women’s Day, NAIDOC Week, Disability Action Week, IDAHOT (International Day Against Homophobia), Transphobia and Biphobia.
  • Diversity training for all staff.

JCU has a comprehensive calendar of events that celebrate diversity. Joining the organisation in these activities, or participating as an invitee, is an effective way to participate in diversity focused activities. There are also many student organised events and staff are almost always welcome at these.

Access to disability services during recruitment and selection

If you are interested in applying for a position at JCU and require assistance with making your application, please discuss your needs with the Chairperson for the position.

When offered an interview, please discuss with the person who contacts you any access assistance you may require, so this can be accommodated.

Benefits available to JCU employees

Refer to Working at JCU.

Should you have any additional questions not featured in our FAQs please contact the Chairperson in the first instance.

We wish you the very best of luck with your application and thank you for considering employment opportunities with JCU – A brighter future for life in the tropics.


The University is committed to enhancing staff and student access, participation and success in higher education and embracing the diversity of the communities we serve. We acknowledge our responsibility to support mental health and wellness as part of our core business.

The JCU Mental Health and Wellness Strategy (2022-2026) has been designed in collaboration with students, staff and stakeholders. It presents an integrated model which:

  • Recognises diversity, voice, and reconciliation
  • Develops student and staff agency
  • Supports actions and commitments that are culturally informed, sustainable, and connected to community.

The Strategy is based on three intersecting initiatives:

PROMOTE:

Provide education and policy, early recognition and action, promote self-care, and support help-seeking behaviours and capacity building for positive mental health.

PROTECT:

Foster a supportive and inclusive culture and environment addressing bullying and risks of suicide/harm while increasing protective factors to combat stigma and support positive mental health.

RESPOND:

Provide access to health and wellness support and resources that are flexible and intentional, and offer timely and respectful crisis responses.

A diagram showing how the pillars of promote, protect and repsond are linked

Mental health is about wellness, rather than illness. Having social connections, good personal relationships and being part of a community are vital to maintaining good mental health and wellness.


Your mental health and wellness

Good mental health is when:

- You can work and study to your full potential
- You actively connect and participate with family, friends and your community
- You undertake enjoyable activities
- You are coping with everyday stressors, and
- You are able to bounce back reasonably quickly from unexpected challenges and changes.

We understand that university life is both exciting and stressful, so JCU has a range of people and services to support you.

For further information, click here to visit our dedicated Mental Health and Wellness website:


Fletcherview Research Station

Tropical veterinary research in an iconic location

This is Uni... but not as you know it


Students and staff can develop professional skills during field trips to the most fascinating places on Earth. Students don't just leave with degrees, they finish with stories. JCU staff are committed to inspiring those stories through research and teaching excellence that brings together people and societies, the natural world, the built environment and experiential learning.


For more information

Phone: +61 7 4781 5809 Email: margaret.reilly1@jcu.edu.au