Laboratory Animal Veterinarian

Location:  

Edinburgh, GB

Salary:£48,350 – £59,421

This is an excellent opportunity for a veterinary surgeon to join the Bioresearch & Veterinary Services (BVS) department at the University of Edinburgh. BVS provides biomedical research services including Home Office and Named Veterinary Services across the University. We work within a large and diverse scientific community and oversees all aspects of welfare, breeding and husbandry of rodents, fish, farm animals and poultry used in biomedical research, under the Animal (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. BVS is looking to recruit a Named Veterinary Surgeon (NVS) to join our enthusiastic and experienced NVS team supporting our world-leading research.

The Named Vets in BVS play a key role in supporting our research, training, Culture of Care and engagement with the 3Rs. Each NVS looks after a dedicated area, providing animal care advice, support to researchers and technicians and in house Personal Licence training. This includes a 1 in 4 on-call rota. The Named Vets work as a team to develop key aspects of our processes and procedures so that we are always trying to improve the quality of our research and the welfare of the animals under our care. The post holder will participate in the ethical review process and be part of the University’s Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body. This role would suit an experienced NVS or veterinary surgeon with research experience who is keen to work independently and develop their own skills and interests whilst part of a friendly team who are striving to care for animals and staff alike. Vets without NVS experience will also be considered if they bring relevant clinical experience and enthusiasm to the role. This post may particularly suit an applicant with large animal or mixed practice experience. Applicants should be members of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Closing Date: 31 May 2024

The Role

To be part of a team of Named Veterinary Surgeons within BVS providing a comprehensive, professional service to University Animal Research across all sites and species. To undertake Named Veterinary Surgeon legal responsibilities as described under the Animal (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 [A(SP)A], revised 2012, and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons guidance,2 and other relevant UK and EU legislation. To be fully involved in all aspects of animal research at the University, fostering a Culture of Care, compliance with the legislation and implementation of the 3Rs. This is to ensure that husbandry, facilities and procedures are optimal for animal welfare and high quality research.

Main Responsibilities

• To provide expert, specialised veterinary advice (including out of hours) to facilities staff and researchers on health, disease and breeding of relevant species as well as advising researchers on optimal practice with respect to methods of anaesthesia, analgesia, technical procedures, monitoring or surgery and on choice of appropriate animal models.  25%
• Take responsibility for specific facilities, being aware of all procedures undertaken involving animals in research and promoting the implementation of the 3Rs through advising researchers and reviewing Project Licences and Experimental Request Forms. 25%
• To make a significant contribution to formal and informal training, and assessment of all staff working with animals in research. This includes Personal Licence training courses as well as day-to-day training and assessing of specific techniques, working closely with the Named Training and Competency Officer, facility staff and researchers. Contributing to supervision of veterinary students attending for extramural experience in laboratory animal medicine. 20%
• To provide expert, professional advice, guidance and training in all aspects of relevant legislation, especially ASPA (1986), guiding all Licence holders, Named Persons and relevant staff in the interpretation of legislation and ensuring that the University is fully compliant in this area. 20%
• To be part of relevant internal groups and committees, in particular the Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Bodies, contributing to the broader picture of animal research at the University. Interact with the Home Office inspectorate as needed. 5%
• To contribute to the broader picture of animal research and welfare by involvement with external groups and committees, through research projects, publications and presentations at relevant veterinary and scientific associations e.g., LAVA/LASA and continual professional development.

Key Contacts/Relationships

• Director, Bio research and Veterinary Services
• Deputy Directors (HO & Vets, Facilities and Business), Bio research and Veterinary Services
• Establishment Licence Holder
• Named Veterinary Surgeon team
• Named Training and Competency Officer
• Home Office Liaison Contact and Named Information Officer
• Home Office Inspectors
• Animal facility managers and animal technicians.
• Academic staff and students working with animals in research
• Represent the University and network with local and international Laboratory Animal Science colleagues via email lists, meetings and conferences.

The Person

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential

• Member of Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (or eligible)
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Highly motivated and able to show initiative and work independently
• Clinical veterinary experience

Desirable

• Preferably qualified as a veterinarian for at least three years but more recent graduates may be considered
• Laboratory animal experience preferred including NVS training
• Postgraduate research experience in biomedical science
• Experience in teaching especially practically as well as lecturing
• Official Veterinarian certification

Requisition ID: 10365