Director: Research Animal Facility at University of Cape Town

Requirements for Veterinarian/Scientist/Para-Veterinarian:

• Leadership experience, with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in the management and/or supervision of persons or groups of people
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience working in a research animal facility or performing research involving animals
• Experience in managing budgets and preparing business plans
• Experience conducting scientific research
• Experience in authoring scientific publications
• Experience in curriculum development, presenting training courses, lectures and practical demonstrations
• Up-to-date knowledge of the regulatory and ethical requirements for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes
• Understanding of the operations and core functions of a university environment
• Knowledge of biocontainment, working with infectious substances, health and safety in animal research
• Computer skills (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, professional email, and efficient internet use)
• High level of numeracy
• Demonstrate personal integrity, honesty, ethical nature, respect for animals as sentient beings
• Ability to multi-task, work under pressure, and assume high level of responsibility
• Excellent interpersonal skills, clear verbal and written communication skills, successful teamwork, effective line management, conflict resolution

Advantages for Veterinarian/Scientist/Para-Veterinarian:

• Demonstrated ability to successfully attract funding by grant applications and presentation of educational courses
• Experience working under specified pathogen-free or biocontainment (biosafety) conditions
• Experience in managing a research animal facility
• Experience serving as member of an institutional animal research ethics committee
• Experience in quality management systems and quality-assurance systems
• Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA)

Specific requirements for a Veterinarian:

• Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc or equivalent)
• Registered, or eligible to register, with the South African Veterinary Council
• Willingness to assume regular and emergency veterinary duties within the various UCT RAF core and satellite facilities

Specific advantages for a Veterinarian:

• Postgraduate diploma or degree in one of the Biological Sciences
• Experience in clinical practice as a veterinarian or veterinary specialist
• Experience in a broad range of veterinary procedures in a variety of animal species

Specific requirements for a Scientist/Para-Veterinarian:

• Master’s degree in the Biological Sciences

Specific advantages for a Scientist/Para-Veterinarian:

• PhD degree in one of the Biological Sciences
• Authorisation, or eligible to be authorised, by the South African Veterinary Council

Responsibilities:

• Leadership of the UCT RAF, including ensuring the sustainability of animal research and maintenance of appropriate standards and regulatory compliance related to the care and use of animals, as well as attention to the wellbeing of all staff within the UCT RAF
• UCT-RAF business model and its financial stability, including active fundraising endeavors
• Oversee the SAVC-registration of all FHS animal facilities, including the UCT RAF core facilities and Departmental satellite facilities
• Leading the development and appropriate provision of education and training in Laboratory Animal Science