Designated Veterinarian at University of Cape Town

• We seek to attract a suitably qualified and experienced veterinarian to the post of Designated Veterinarian in the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Research Animal Facilities in the Faculty of Health Sciences.
• The ideal candidate would have an active interest in a career in biomedical science; have experience in a range of veterinary procedures in several animal species; and an interest in education, training and supervision of animal research personnel.
• The post provides professional veterinary oversight of the care and use of animals for scientific purposes in the Faculty and plays a supervisory role for multiple facilities, personnel and processes.
• Animal welfare and research quality are paramount. Own research is encouraged. The candidate will join a highly motivated and dedicated team of veterinary and para-veterinary professionals. The line of reporting is to the HoD/Director of RAF.

Requirements:

• BVSc degree or equivalent qualification
• Master’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline
• 3 years’ experience practicing as a veterinarian or veterinary specialist
• Registered with the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) to practice as a veterinarian or veterinary specialist
• 2 years experience in the management or supervision of persons or groups of people
• Experience conducting research on animals or other relevant research or scientific experience
• Up-to-date knowledge of the regulatory and ethical requirements for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes
• Knowledge of biocontainment, working with infectious substances, health and safety in animal research
• Knowledge of formal quality management systems and their application in animal research
• Computer skills (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, professional email and efficient internet use)
• Ability to multi-task, work under pressure, assume high level of responsibility, work alone and in a team
• Willingness to assume veterinary or emergency on-call afterhours duty including weekends, as required
• Responsible nature, personal integrity, honesty, ethical nature, respect for animals as sentient beings
• Excellent interpersonal skills, verbal and written communication skills

Advantageous:

• Experience in curriculum development, presenting training courses, lectures or presentations
• Experience working under specified pathogen-free and/or biocontainment (biosafety) conditions
• Experience serving as member of an institutional animal research ethics committee
• Experience in controlled quality management systems and quality-assurance systems
• Experience in a broad range of veterinary procedures in a variety of animal species
• Experience in the management of a research animal facility, hospital or clinic
• Registered with the SAVC as a laboratory animal science specialist
• PhD degree in a relevant scientific discipline
• Authoring scientific publications

Responsibilities include:

• Oversight of compliance with laws & standards that govern the care and use of animals for scientific purposes
• Provision of professional veterinary clinical and para-clinical scientific services, support functions and procedures
• Veterinary epidemiological and clinical oversight of animal health and wellbeing in multiple animal facilities
• Teaching, training, competency assessment and the supervision of research personnel in clinical procedures
• Engage actively in the development, implementation and refinement of animal research ethics processes
• Assist in the development and provision of education and training courses in laboratory animal science
• Collegial interaction with the research community to support scientific quality and a culture of care

Closing date: 27 April 2026