BRF Update June 2021
We are still experiencing a lot of change and needing to cover quite a few roles in the BRF, along with supporting and training a large proportion of the team who are new to their roles. I apologise for any delays in responses whilst we continue to work through these challenges. I would also like to say a massive thanks to everyone both within and outside the team for their ongoing hard work and support.
Staff updates
Deputy Manager – Congratulations to Karen Knox who has been successful in being appointed to the Deputy Manager ~8 month maternity leave cover placement. Karen has a wealth of experience from her work in the Research and Training Coordinator roles and I look forward to working more closely for her in leading our team and operations. Rick is currently on leave and Karen formally starts in the role on 16th June, working part time Tues-Thurs each week.
Research coordinator – Congratulations to Aimee Scott who has been successful in being appointed to the Research Coordinator role, providing cover whilst Karen/Rick are in their respective ~8 month maternity leave cover placements. Aimee has done a fantastic job stepping up into higher duties covering a number of aspects of the role and I am looking forward to working with her in the oversight and development of the team and activities in the research wing.
Matt Bates – I would like to congratulate Matt on being successfully appointed to a new role at the PACE facility, and thank him for his brilliant work both in our washup area and in providing support across all the areas of the facility.
New staff – I would like to welcome Lukas Keune, a new trainee animal technical officer who started with us on 24th May, and Reigan Davis who is providing cover in our washup area whilst we recruit for the role that Matt Bates has vacated.
Higher duties – Natasha McGregor-Jones is covering the Breeding Coordinator role while Brad Buchan is on leave 4-23rd June.
We are continuing to recruit for a number of roles and work through the associated backfill/cover/review of our staffing levels.
New online courses for animal procedures
UQBR have been progressing the development of online theory courses to support practical training in animal procedures. Completion of these online courses will now be required before new trainees can be signed off as competent, when trained by UQBR staff. Existing staff are also welcome to access these courses for their own learning, and we encourage feedback to further improve these materials.
Further information on accessing the courses can be found here: https://biological-resources.uq.edu.au/training/learning-management-system
Please note you will need to log in with your UQ credentials to be able to access this page. If you don’t have a UQ login, please email [email protected] with a completed associate request form (found here).
Animal ethics training
UQ have started in-person training sessions for new research staff and students to understand requirements and processes in regards to animal ethics at UQ. I have attached an email with further information and links to register for training via the UQ staff development website.
As always if you have any questions or concerns please let us know, we are happy to assist.
