The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is seeking a lead animal health scientist with an annual salary range of £42,577 – £47,039.
Applications for the role will close at 11:55p.m on Monday, July 15, 2024.
The chosen candidate will join the animal sciences team as part of a team of specialist veterinary surgeons, bioveterinary scientists and animal technicians in the Department of Pathology and Animal Sciences (ASPA).
They will provide specialist expertise, leadership and management to APHA’s Animal Science Technical team.
They will lead biocontainment and livestock management and the advancement of animal sciences, ensuring compliance with APHA’s Animal Welfare and Biosecurity Standards, developing and driving APHA animal science capability, and providing specialist support to the APHA Weybridge plan development (animal facility requirements).
APHA said the role is a great opportunity for the candidate to further their career if they have a keen interest in animal science.
Animal science
The chosen candidate will be specialist with regards to the species in their area. They will advise on and oversee housing and husbandry.
They will liaise with the named information officer if new species or housing changes are being discussed.
They will actively advance animal sciences and are expected to further science capability within the department.
APHA said the chosen candidate will also acquire an E2PPL certificate and may be required to hold their own project licence.
“They will be a personal licence holder and develop a wide range of skills in regulated procedures including animal euthanasia and assist with necropsy and sampling procedures as appropriate,” APHA said.
“They will oversee a range of livestock and disease biocontainment facilities and will develop specialist containment expertise for farmed livestock and animal models up to ACDP 3 and SAPO 4 classification – working on a wide range of zoonotic pathogens.”
The chosen candidate will be partaking in the daily husbandry and care of animals and poultry as required.
They are also expected to be an active member of the Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB).
Requirements
The chosen candidate will need to demonstrate the following:
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills – written and oral, teamwork;
- Experience in working with a range of animals;
- Previous experience with experimental models or pathogens at different containment levels.
They will also need to display a deep understanding of ASPA and the code of practice for the housing and care of animals bred, supplied or used for scientific purposes.
The chosen candidate must also possess a degree in animal science.
