We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.
What’s in it for you? Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.
Newcastle is an inclusive global University community where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.
Newcastle University is committed to being a fully inclusive Global University which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from everybody, regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital status/civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, as well as being open to flexible working practices.
Salary: £32,348 to £34,308 with progression to £42,155 per annum
Closing Date: 30 October 2022
The Role
The University’s Vision and Strategy sets out an ambitious and exciting journey, to be a people focused, world-leading university that harnesses academic excellence, innovation and creativity to advance knowledge and provide benefits to individuals, to organisations and to society as a whole.
You will be located in the Comparative Biology Centre (CBC), Newcastle University’s facilities for all research work which involved the use of laboratory animals. Newcastle University has a policy of using animals in research only if there are no realistic alternatives and in projects of major importance. UK standards of care are among the highest in the world, and we strictly enforce them.
You will play an active and engaging role within the CBC team providing excellent veterinary professional services and customer service to research groups utilising CBC facilities and services. You will be prepared to work with multiple species and ensure the highest level of animal care and welfare standards are upheld. You will provide Personal Licence support under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. You will be open to embracing change, continued professional and personal development.
This appointment is subject to receipt of a satisfactory security screening check.
You will be contacted by our provider, Horus Online Screening Service (HOSS), to request permission to facilitate these checks. You will be asked to complete a questionnaire and upload identification as part of this process.
This is a full time, fixed term post available for 3 years.
Newcastle University’s policy on animal research can be found here.
Key Accountabilities
You will join the team of laboratory animal veterinarians looking after animals kept at Newcastle University for the purpose of scientific research. You will support the Named Veterinary Surgeons by performing the following duties:
- Providing veterinary support for research programs involving a wide variety of species including non-human primates. To include a focus on compliance with the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and assist the Department in the implementation of systems and processes that ensure that the University complies with the provisions of the Act
- To maintain an internal and external network of fellow professionals, keep up to date with developments in laboratory animal science and identify new areas for improvement, facilitate implementation of the ‘3Rs’ and recommend changes to promote “Best Practice” in animal care and welfare
- Conduct anaesthesia and surgical procedures under both the Veterinary Surgeons Act and Animal (Scientific Procedures) Act. Providing professional assistance and advice to research workers on a variety of projects
- Participate in and provide professional advice to the Animal Welfare Ethical Review Body process at Newcastle University
- Contribute to the development of veterinary specialist support services for the university’s research animal facilities. To lead specific projects and oversee specific service developments as required by the Director
- To contribute content and deliver in the Department’s training courses for researchers and other parties, to provide practical training and competency assessments for personnel at all levels
- To contribute to the research program of the department, both by assistance with on-going projects and development of independent ‘3Rs’ related research projects
- Work towards and achieve certification in Diploma European College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ECLAM), for which study leave will be accommodated
- Provide on-call ‘Duty Vet’ services on approximately a 1 in 3 to 4 rota, which includes out of hours services for evening and weekend
The Person
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Experience of acting as a veterinary surgeon with a minimum of 1 year clinical
- MRCVS registered or eligible for immediate MRCVS registration
- Good written and oral communication skills
- Good problem-solving skills
- Good planning and organisational skills
- Excellent diplomacy skills
Desirable
- Experience of anaesthesia and surgery in a range of species, including common laboratory species
- Experience of laboratory animal medicine
- Experience with non-human primates
- Understanding of UK legislation controlling the use of animals in biomedical research
- A Personal Licence under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986
Attributes and Behaviour
- Team-working
- Delivering services
- Embracing change
- Understanding others
Qualifications
- University degree in veterinary medicine
Other
- Successful Candidate Information: Appointment is subject to receipt of a satisfactory security screening check. You will be contacted by our provider to request permission to facilitate these checks. You will be asked to complete a questionnaire and upload identification as part of this process
- Appointment is also subject to an Occupational Health Pre-Placement check. You will be contacted by our Occupational Health team to arrange laboratory animal/bird and insect checks
