Position Title: Designated Veterinarian

Requisition ID: 1307

Department: Faculty of Health Sciences

City: Cape Town

DESIGNATED VETERINARIAN

(Payclass 11; Permanent position)

Veterinary Scientific Services, Research Animal Facility

Faculty of Health Sciences

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

For detailed information on this post, please view the job description, see link: view.

The annual cost of employment, including benefits, is between R812 303 and R955 647.

To apply, please click the 'apply' button to create a candidate profile and to submit your application.

Please complete/attach the following to your profile before submitting your application:

Motivational letter that speaks to the requirements of the position
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Three referee names which must include their title and name, position details, relationship to you, their e-mail address and telephone number
Highest qualification
ID/Passport

An application which does not comply with the above requirements will be regarded as incomplete.

Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo competency and pre-placement-medical assessments. References may be requested by UCT at any stage of the selection process.

Any enquiries for the position to be addressed to Ms Tracy Moore at tracy.moore@uct.ac.za or 021 650 4505.

Closing date: 27 April 2026

Website: http://www.health.uct.ac.za

Reference number: ID1307

UCT is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at www.uct.ac.za/downloads/uct.ac.za/about/policies/eepolicy.pdf.

When you apply for a position at UCT, we collect your personal information to assess your application, communicate with you, and coordinate interview logistics. Information such as race, gender, nationality, and disability status is used to support our Employment Equity obligations. We also verify your references, qualifications, conduct criminal and, for certain roles, credit checks. For more information about how the University of Cape Town uses personal information and your rights, please email popia@uct.ac.za.

The University reserves the right to extend the closing date for applications if deemed necessary and reserves the right to make no appointment.