Are you involved in the care and use of animals for scientific and medical research? Registration is now open for a free virtual professional education course in research animal sciences, welfare and ethics, tailored specifically to address the needs of colleagues in Africa. A partnership between University of Leeds and Makerere University taking place from 28th-30th June. To register, go to: https://lnkd.in/dNirpKQ

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS…

• Three-year diploma in experimental Animal Technology or equivalent (IAT Level 3)
• Registration/Full Authorisation with the South African Veterinary Council

     Responsibilities:

• SPF rodent breeding management
• SPF operations management
• Managing of staff
• Monitoring, evaluation and reporting
• Liaison with researchers and technical support
• Establish and implement a quality assurance system
• Service and appliances liaison
• Import/ export permits

JOB SPECIFICATION

Functional/Technical competencies (Knowledge and Skills)

• Knowledge of different rodent strains and an understanding of the application of Mendel’s laws
• Knowledge of health screening systems (sentinels) and aseptic sampling techniques
• Knowledge of laboratory rodent breeding behaviour
• Knowledge of different infectious agents, how they multiply, spread and affect animals
• Technical knowledge of and experience in especially an SPF area
• Experience in keeping animals in the best microbiological status
• The ability to function independently and as part of a team
• Small animal (rodent) experimental techniques
• Computer literacy, particularly in processing data (Excel, MS Word)
• Good planning and forethought
• Analytical thinking and data interpretation
• Interpersonal relations

Recommendations…

• Membership with SAALAS
• 3 Years’ experience in an experimental rodent breeding facility
• 3 Years’ experience with animal research (mice and rats) techniques
• 3 Years’ experience in implementation of a quality assurance system such as OECD Good Laboratory Practice

       ENQUIRIES                                         : Prof RK Hayeshi

       CLOSING DATE                                  : 29 March 2021

       COMMENCEMENT OF DUTIES           : As soon as possible

       TO APPLY                                           : Please visit website: ***url***/vacancies”>***url***/vacancies

The University subscribes to and applies the principles of the Employment Equity Act and is committed to transformation.

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. If you are not contacted within two months from the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful

The main responsibility of a Laboratory Animal Technologist (LAT)

This week we will not only be celebrating Laboratory Animal Technologist Day but recognise and celebrate laboratory animal technologists for their essential contributions as members of the veterinary and research team.

Did You Know?

• LATs are involved with setting-up and ensuring that animal research projects are done as described in approved Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) protocols.
• LATs are directly responsible for ensuring that animals used for scientific purposes are provided with the best housing and care as well as maintaining the laboratory animal facility.
• LATs perform clinical procedures such as anaesthesia, substance administration, and sample collection.
• LATs manage laboratory animal breeding programs which may include specialised reproductive procedures like embryo transfers.
• LATs work with Quality Management Systems and are responsible for animal facility management tasks.

The Symposium will run for 4 half-days on June 4, 7, 11 & 18, 2021. You can stay up to date with information regarding Virtual Symposium https://calas-acsal.org/site/symposium/annual?nav=sidebar

Dear SAALAS Members,

The South African Association for Laboratory Animal Science (SAALAS) is excited to join the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) in celebrating the para-veterinary profession of Laboratory Animal Technologist (LAT) on Friday 12 March 2021.

We recognise the essential contributions that Laboratory Animal Technologists and animal caretakers bring as members of veterinary and research teams – both to the wellbeing of the animals in their care and the scientific discoveries. We encourage institutions to take part in this celebration! Below are ideas from AALAS (https://www.aalas.org/certification/technicians/tech-week) on how to celebrate the day. If you have performed any fun activities or would like to share your facility’s celebration, please send a short paragraph and/or photo to Jabu.magagula@uct.ac.za for inclusion in the next SAALAS newsletter.

Please note that the intention in coming years is to celebrate this day in South Africa at the same time as the International Laboratory Animal Technician Week (usually near the end of January / Beginning of February each year). We look forward to celebrating the first LAT day in South Africa on Friday.

Kind regards,
Tamsyn Fourie
SAALAS President

A free to attend online conference/meeting we are holding on practical refinements for fishes in research and testing – more info, and register here: www.focusonfish.co.uk

https://tinyurl.com/ZebrafishPosters

Due to the global COVID-19 developments and following thoughtful considerations, the SAALAS Executive Committee and the 2020 conference organising committee has decided to postpone the conference scheduled to take place in November 2020. This decision also reflects public health concerns and acknowledges the restrictions now in place for national and international travel. The risk of bringing together a large group of professionals is currently difficult to justify and could jeopardize the continuity of science and care.

A new date will be announced in the future and we are hopeful that the Conference will take place in 2021.