Position Title: Director: Research Animal Facility

Requisition ID: 673

Department: Faculty of Health Sciences

City: Cape Town

Director: Research Animal Facility

Research Animal Facility

Faculty of Health Sciences

The main purpose of this position is to provide strategic leadership of, and vision for, the UCT Research Animal Facility (UCT-RAF). Included within this is to represent and promote the UCT-RAF on institutional, national and international levels; to ensure the maintenance of appropriate standards (including animal health and wellbeing, scientific, veterinary, health & safety, and service provision) and regulatory compliance related to the care and use of animals in the UCT-RAF; to oversee the appropriate management of the UCT-RAF; to spearhead the development and provision of education and training in laboratory animal science; and to contribute to the research agenda of the university. This role reports directly to the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) Deputy Dean of Research (primary line of reporting), and for academic development, to the Head of the Academic Home Department.

We are looking to employ a Veterinarian/Scientist/Para-Veterinarian for this Director position.

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

For detailed information on this post, please view the job description on the following link: (view)

This appointment is on academic conditions of service, at the level of Senior Lecturer with an additional HOD allowance. Other allowances based on relevant qualifications and experience will be added.

To apply, 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:

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

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 around the application process to be addressed to Ms Tracy Moore at tracy.moore@uct.ac.za or 021 650 5405.

Closing date: 30 September 2024

Website: https://health.uct.ac.za

Reference number: ID673

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 https://uct.ac.za/media/9482.

UCT reserves the right not to appoint.