Job Purpose

To assist the Named Veterinary Surgeon(s) in the discharge of their statutory role under the Animal (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA) and RCVS guidance. To provide veterinary advice and care to all animals used for scientific research at the University of Glasgow ensuring compliance with legislation and implementation of the 3Rs to ensure optimal animal welfare.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provide veterinary care and advice (including out of hours) on the health and welfare of all animals used for research, including undertaking regular visits to all animal units.

2. Undertake clinical diagnosis and treatment of research animals at the University of Glasgow, including dispensing veterinary controlled drugs in compliance with the requirements of the Veterinary Medicines regulations.

3. Contribute towards advising and training animal care staff and scientists on best practise for providing appropriate housing and environment for research animals to ensure their welfare and wellbeing. Includes ensuring the promotion of 3R’s: Refinement, Replacement, Reduction and supporting a culture of care.

4. Provide veterinary support, advice, training and practical assistance to scientific staff in the humane and effective conduct of experimental and surgical procedures to ensure and potential harms to the animals are minimised. Includes dispensing controlled drugs, prescription-only medicines and other therapeutic compounds used on animals in compliance with the requirements of the Veterinary Medicines Regulations.

5. If required, advise and guide senior research staff in the preparation and design of experimental protocols and assist with the monitoring and review of animal studies throughout their lifetime.

6. As a member of the Biological Services NVS team, take part in the on-call rota outside normal working hours ensuring that the statutory obligations in veterinary care are provided 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential:

A1 Either: Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in a similar or number of different roles. Or: Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 9, (Ordinary Degree, Scottish Vocational Qualification level 4), or equivalent (including professional accreditation with relevant formal training), and experience of personal development in a similar or related role(s)

A2 Veterinary degree and a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (or eligible to be a member)

A3 Demonstration of continuing professional development as required by the RCVS

A4 Good working knowledge of current EU/UK legislation e.g. ASPA and Veterinary Surgeons Act

A5 Requirement to retain professional registration and maintain an up to date and comprehensive knowledge of laboratory animal medicine and relevant legislation

Desirable:

B1 Hold a personal licence under ASPA with authorities to carry out and or supervise a range of technical and surgical procedures on animals

B2 Postgraduate scientific qualification (e.g. MSc or PhD)

Skills

Essential:

C1 Excellent interpersonal, organisation and communication skills

C2 A high degree of computer literacy and experience with databases

C3 Ability to work individually or as part of a team

Experience

Essential:

E1 Experience of working in a research environment or general practice

E2 Clinical experience gained in general practice or from working in a research environment

E3 Undergraduate research or selective experience may be considered if appropriate

Desirable:

F1 Experience in training or teaching

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 7, £41,064 - £46,049 per annum.

This post is full time (35 hours per week) and is fixed term.  This post is to cover maternity leave for up to 12 months or until the substantive postholder returns.

Please Note: If you are a current employee of the University of Glasgow, please be advised that the University would consider an internal secondment opportunity for this post. University of Glasgow applicants should seek clearance for release for internal secondment from their line manager before making a formal application.

Closing Date:  14 September 2025

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.