Agenda has an exciting opportunity for a Named Veterinary Surgeon to work in a prestigious institute. The Named Veterinary Surgeon (NVS) is a veterinary specialist legally required for institutions holding animals for research and development under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act (ASPA). Under the Veterinary Surgeons Act, the NVS has a professional duty to ensure the health and welfare of animals committed to their care.

Basic Requirements:

• Educated to degree level with RCVS Veterinary Medicine degree
• Up to date MRCVS registration
• Approved home office NVS qualification
• Significant veterinary experience within a similar environment, including experience in anaesthesia, surgery and emergency treatment.
• Experience of providing advice and training in general veterinary techniques, surgical techniques and post-operative care.
• Knowledge, skills and veterinary competence in animal surgery
• Demonstrable knowledge of legislation and regulations
• Demonstrable knowledge of health surveillance and disease outbreak management
• Fully conversant of AWERB processes including PPL and PIL applications, 3Rs and their application
• Proven computer skills, including ability to use Microsoft Office software programmes.
• Knowledge of the types of work conducted, and the species used at the university
• Confidence dealing with staff at all levels
• Good organisational skills able to manage own time and use initiative to work proactively and independently

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Fulfil the responsibilities of the NVS role as set out in RCVS “Guide to Conduct” section 24 and in the “Guidance on the operation of the Animal Scientific Procedure Act.”
• Monitor the health, welfare and breeding performance of animals under their veterinary care
• Being an active actor in promoting animal welfare and the 3Rs to the scientific community. Delivering lectures, seminars or practical workshops on various subjects for internal staff or external clients
• Collaborating on animal research projects by supporting anaesthesia, surgery and minor procedures on laboratory animals
• Investigate and prevent the spread of infectious disease in animal colonies by health surveillance and disease outbreak management
• Fulfil veterinary duties for other establishments not under the designation of University of Cambridge
• Inform the Establishment Licence Holder (ELH) of any Animal Welfare issue and to keep the ELH and the Home Office inspector (HOI) of any steps implemented to ameliorate the issue.
• Participate in AWERB and provide advice and support to PPL
• Prevent or minimise the risk of zoonotic and notifiable diseases
• Controls, supplies and directs the use of controlled drugs, prescription only medicines and other therapeutic substances for use on protected animals
• Attends interview panels to appoint named animal care and welfare officers
• Maintains client confidentiality as set out in the code of conduct and supporting guidance
• Supervise and train licensees or animal care staff
• Provide advice and support to PPL holders during the PPL writing and amendment process
• Collaborate with other veterinary and animal welfare personnel to harmonise and standardise veterinary practices
• Collaborate with diagnostic test providers to discuss test results and implement new testing methodologies
• Communicate information to the named information officers that needs to be disseminating to licence holders and animal care staff.

Agenda and its clients only recruit people who are passionate about animal care and welfare, people with integrity who are honest and trustworthy and who have a great work ethic.  To enable us to hire the very best people, we will conduct a comprehensive background and pre-employment screening, an essential part of Agenda's recruitment process.