The New Zealand Anti-Vivisection Society (NZAVS) is seeking a Scientific Research Advisor to help guide the assessment of applications for our University Innovation Grant, a fund supporting research, teaching, and innovation that replaces the use of animals in science.
About NZAVS
NZAVS is Aotearoa’s longest-standing organisation dedicated to ending harmful animal experimentation and accelerating the shift toward modern, human-relevant research and teaching methods.
Through our grants programme, we support researchers and educators developing innovative approaches that fully replace animal use in science.
About the Role
The Scientific Research Advisor provides independent expert advice to NZAVS to ensure rigorous, transparent, and high-impact decision-making in grant assessments.
You will primarily:
Review and score grant applications using an agreed framework
Provide expert commentary on scientific merit, feasibility, and innovation
Assess alignment with human-relevant, animal-free approaches
Offer insights into emerging trends in non-animal science and NZ research landscapes
Provide recommendations to the Executive Officer and Board
This is a voluntary role with a small, focused time commitment during annual grant rounds.
Essential skills:
- Advanced research experience in a relevant scientific field (academic or industry)
- Knowledge of human-relevant, non-animal research models
- Experience critically evaluating scientific proposals or publications
Desirable:
- Experience in peer review, grant assessment, or research leadership
- Interest in replacing animal methods in research or education
- Ability to provide clear, constructive, and timely feedback
Time Commitment
Approx. 3 days per grant round, reviewing grant applications (1-2 times per year)
Occasional input via Teams or email discussions
For a full job description, please email Executive Officer Jade Pengelly: jade@nzavs.org.nz
Please email a CV and cover letter to Jade Pengelly, Executive Officer: jade@nzavs.org.nz
For a full job description, please email Jade
The New Zealand Anti-Vivisection Society (NZAVS) is Aotearoa's primary charity defending animals used in science. Our mission is to end animal experimentation and the harmful use of animals for research, testing and teaching.