Veterinary Advisor (VIO Health Schemes) in Melrose, Scotland

About The Team: SRUC Veterinary Services includes livestock disease surveillance delivered on behalf of the Scottish Government as well as a clinical pathology service and livestock health schemes. The scientific teams in the high throughput diagnostic laboratory based in Pentlands Science Park carry out testing across multiple disciplines (serology, molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, histopathology and parasitology) with around 60 scientists and support staff on site. Testing covers a wide range of farmed, captive and companion animals' species. Veterinary support is provided by Veterinary Investigation Officers (VIOs) based at Pentlands Science Park and surveillance hubs around Scotland (Inverness, Aberdeen, Perth, St Boswells, Ayr and Dumfries). The surveillance hub teams provide postmortem examinations in support of disease investigation and surveillance. The team also collates and interprets data from diagnostic testing in support of surveillance. SRUC Veterinary Services collaborates with teams elsewhere in SRUC to support undergraduate teaching, research projects and other commercial activities. SRUC Veterinary Services also delivers a range of training and Continuing Professional Development activities for farmers and the veterinary profession both as part of the surveillance cycle and funded by Scottish Government and also commercially.

The Opportunity: Are you considering a change in your veterinary career? Do you want a role that offers variety and flexibility while safeguarding animal health and welfare? Join us as a Veterinary Advisor and make a difference. Working under the direction of the Veterinary Services Management Team (VSMT) in this role, you will:

• Play an active role in the delivery and development of PCHS and PSGHS including reporting results, investigating breakdowns and assisting in the promotion of Health Schemes activities to farmers, breed societies and veterinary practitioners.
• Contribute to the provision of an effective, reliable, and efficient veterinary diagnostic and consultancy service to veterinary surgeons in practice. While predominantly relating to livestock species this role is expected to have some responsibility for reporting companion animal clinical pathology.
• Maintain a close working relationship with veterinarians and farmers.
• Contribute to data collection about trends, distribution and nature of livestock diseases in Scotland based on clinical pathology services reporting and conversations to support livestock disease surveillance based on clinical pathology throughput.
• Support VIOs to identify and investigate unusual outbreaks of farm animal disease which form part of SG supported surveillance work.
• Contribute to the education of veterinary undergraduates within the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences so ensuring that students have developed the skills and understanding related to the importance of effective disease investigation, disease surveillance, health planning and herd health management, when they move into their graduate roles.
• Undertake research and develop initiatives with colleagues in SRUC SVMB, the wider SRUC family and external institutions.
• Contribute as required to SRUCVS farmer education and awareness campaigns to promote animal welfare.
• Participate in disease eradication and control programme being directed by APHA by providing appropriate supporting laboratory services as and when required by the Scottish Government.
• Contribute to the development of other commercial activities and opportunities within SRUC Innovations Ltd. including SAC Consulting.
• Carry out any other duties delegated by the Veterinary Services Management Team (VSMT).

Flexible location: St Boswells, other Vet Services hubs, or remote working.

Minimum Qualifications: The ideal candidate will hold a degree in Veterinary Medicine and have proven experience in clinical practice. Preference will be given to those who have undertaken postgraduate study—such as a certificate, diploma, or higher degree—in a relevant species (e.g. cattle or sheep) or discipline such as pathology. Membership of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons is essential.

Eligibility for Sponsorship: For the purposes of sponsorship, this role may be eligible for sponsorship depending on candidate circumstances.

Why work for SRUC? Generous annual leave, enhanced pension contributions, cycle to work scheme, discounted RAC membership, generous family leave, flexible working patterns, hybrid working solutions (in some areas), tailored investment in individuals' learning and development.

How to Apply: Please complete an online application form by pressing “apply” or visiting SRUC | Jobs at SRUC. Please read the Job Particulars document before applying.

SRUC Leading the way in Agricultural and Rural Research, Education & Consultancy. SRUC is committed to valuing Diversity, advancing Equality and respecting Human Rights throughout the organisation and encouraging applications from disabled people using the “Disability Confident Employer” symbol. SRUC is a member of the Athena SWAN charter. SRUC. A Charitable company limited by guarantee, SC003712. Registered in Scotland No SC103046.