We are currently recruiting a Veterinarian Assistant who will join the animal facility at Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKC Medicine), a joint medical school between Imperial College London and Nanyang Technological University (NTU).
The Veterinarian Assistant will assist the attending veterinarian to help address all the needs for veterinary medical services and IACUC requirements at all NTU animal facilities licensed by AVS. As an AAALAC accredited facility, the Veterinarian Assistant will assist the attending veterinarian in ensuring that the accreditation status is maintained. The Veterinarian Assistant will be responsible for carrying out all aspects of the veterinary requirements, from treating the animals, assessing animal health reports of incoming shipments, performing health monitoring of animals, implementing preventive measures to disease outbreaks, so that the welfare and ethical treatment of animal are addressed and maintained according to the guidelines thereby enhancing the research work in the University.
Responsibilities:
- Prevention, Diagnosis, Control and Treatment of Disease
Perform assessment of sick and dead animals, including necropsy of dead animals if needed.
Prescribe and administration of treatment/euthanasia of sick animals Implementing and maintaining the sentinel animal health monitoring system all incoming and outgoing animal health review and approval.
Address nutritional requirements when required. - Pain and distress- prevention, minimization and alleviation
Provide advise to staff and researchers about the use of analgesics and anaesthetics in animals, including dispensing of above-mentioned drugs/agents.
Maintain records of veterinary drugs and other drugs provided to researchers/staff, and maintain controlled drug records.
Manage procurement of drugs or agents used in veterinary medicine.
Ensure that all welfare concerns regarding the use of animals within the facility meets regulatory guidelines.
Maintain proper documentation regarding the use of all drugs is critical to ensure that abuse/improper usage does not occur. - Provide assistance to the researchers on procedures and general equipment usage
Provide training (when required) to the researchers regarding the safe use of euthanasia chambers and anaesthetic equipment.
Ensure all anaesthetic equipment are maintained and calibrated on a regular basis.
Ensure all physical means of euthanasia are carried out appropriately without any welfare concerns.
Advise the researchers and staff on the approved surgical methodologies, fluid administration and withdrawal volumes and breeding colony maintenance.
Conduct Responsible Care and Use of Animals (RCULAC) and Responsible Care and Use of Fish (RCUF) Practical courses for new users.
Review RCULAC online theory course to ensure that information provided is accurate and up to date. - Perform IACUC Responsibilities
Address all regulatory requirements of a veterinarian as defined by the NACLAR Guidelines. This includes sitting on the IACUC committee and reviewing animal use protocol, facility and program evaluations, monitoring of IACUC compliance and advising researchers regarding sick/moribund animal, humane endpoints and treatment plans/euthanasia In cases of non-compliance with IACUC protocols, to work with the IACUC secretariat on addressing such concerns.
Requirements:
- A degree in veterinary medicine, and preferably with at least 2-3 years’ experience in laboratory animals veterinary care in research setting in academia.
- Restricted license veterinarian or veterinarian who are eligible for restricted licenses and with at least 2-3 years working experience in laboratory animals may be considered.
- Knowledge of local, national, and international regulations governing the use of animals in research, such as the Animal Welfare Act, Guide for the Responsible, Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (RCULA), and relevant IACUC guidelines is advantage.
- Proficiency in handling medical emergencies, including trauma, acute illness, and critical care situations
- Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
