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, please visit the UCT Jobs Site (www.jobs.uct.ac.za). Internal Applicants link (For Internal Applicants)
and External Applicants link (For external Applicants) 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 email 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 Employment equity | University of Cape Town (uct.ac.za).
UCT reserves the right not to appoint
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