Please note this vacancy is open to current University of Glasgow employees only.

Job Purpose

To be part of Named Veterinary Surgeons team providing comprehensive veterinary care to all animals used for scientific research at the University of Glasgow. To undertake Named Veterinary Surgeon legal responsibilities as described under the Animal (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA) and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons guidance. To provide veterinary advice in all aspects of animal research at the university, ensuring a Culture of Care, compliance with legislation and implementation of the 3Rs to ensure optimal animal welfare.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provide expert veterinary care and advice (including out of hours) to facilities staff and researchers on health and welfare of all animals used for research at the University of Glasgow. This includes undertaking regular visits to all animal facilities.

2. Advise and guide research staff in the preparation and design of experimental protocols in their Project Licences and assist with the monitoring and review of animal studies throughout their lifetime (via the Glasgow Experimental Request Form). Actively participate in the Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB) and non ASPA committees.

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.

5. Undertake diagnosis, treatment and reporting of disease. Assist with the development and implementation of programmes for preventative medicine, health screening, outbreak management and maintaining biosecurity. This includes quarantine procedures for animal importation and export to prevent the unwanted diseases which could compromise animal welfare and research results.

6. Provide advice and dispense controlled drugs, prescription-only medicines and other therapeutic compounds used on animals in compliance with the requirements of the Veterinary Medicines Regulations.

7. 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.

8. 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.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential:

A1 Scottish Credit and Qualification level 9, 10 or 11 (Ordinary/Honours Degree, Post Graduate Qualification), or equivalent, including being professionally qualified in relevant discipline, with a broad range of professional experience.

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

A3 Good working knowledge of current EU/UK legislation e.g. ASPA and Veterinary Surgeons Act.

Desirable:

B1 Attendance of Home Office approved NVS course.

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

B3 OV training and registration required for animal exports.

B4 Specialist knowledge of health surveillance and disease outbreak management.

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.

C4 A high level of self-motivation.

Experience

Essential:

E1 Broad clinical veterinary experience gained in general practise or from working in a research environment.

E2 Significant NVS experience.

E3 Experience in training, including preparation of course materials.

Desirable:

F1 Experience in teaching or lecturing.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 8, £49,559 - £57,422 per annum.

The appointment also attracts £250 per month / £3000 per annum (stipend) for participation in the Out of Hours rota, and £50 per hour up to a maximum of 4 hours per case (physical visits).

This post is full time and fixed term to cover maternity leave for up to 12 months or until the substantive postholder returns.

The University would consider a secondment opportunity for this post. Applicants should seek clearance for release for secondment from their line manager before making a formal application.

Closing date: 12 June 2025