At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in rabbit and exotic animal medicine while working in a busy veterinary hospital.
- Company: Join the University of Edinburgh, a world-class institution committed to your growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and a vibrant international community.
- Other info: Dynamic learning environment with mentorship and opportunities for further training.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on animal health and kickstart your veterinary career.
- Qualifications: Must be a member of RCVS or eligible, with enthusiasm for small animals.
The predicted salary is between 40704 - 40704 £ per year.
Grade UE06: £35,302 - £40,704 per annum
Hospital for Small Animals
Full-time: 35 hours per week
Fixed-term: for 52 weeks
Your next step starts here. Make a meaningful impact. Join the University of Edinburgh and you’ll be making a difference to everything around you. Be part of something bigger — where you’ll do meaningful work, grow and progress, be rewarded and recognised, and benefit from our strong commitment to your wellbeing.
The Opportunity: Based within the Hospital for Small Animals at Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, this one-year Small Animal Rabbit and Exotic Animal Internship offers excellent preparatory experience for those considering further clinical training. Candidates must have enthusiasm, a willingness to learn and an ability to function as part of a dedicated team in a busy hospital. Each intern will also be paired with a mentor, to assist with pursuing a research project and guidance on career progression. We also boast a thriving programme of continuing education within the hospital, including dedicated weekly seminars for interns, as well as practical sessions, journal clubs, board review sessions, specialty rounds and book clubs. During the internship, there is the opportunity to enrol in the Higher Education Academy, to achieve a teaching qualification. This post is full-time, and includes out of hours duties.
Your skills and attributes for success:
- Member of RCVS or eligible at time of appointment
- Appropriate English language qualification
- Experience working in a UK veterinary practice (preferable but not essential)
- Proven interest in and enthusiasm for Small Animal Rabbit and Exotic Animals
- Ability to work in the UK – please check right to work pages.
How to apply: Please include the following documents in your application:
- CV
- Cover letter
An internship is a 12–18-month fixed term position awarded to qualified veterinary surgeons (usually early career) who wish to explore becoming a Specialist by achieving a specialist qualification. This applies to both small animal and equine internships. The role is heavily supervised by more senior vets and has formal taught components. A 12-month internship rotating through different Specialties is a requirement to be eligible to apply for the next step in Specialist training - a residency. Specialist training is via a three-year residency followed by examination. The Specialist diplomas are awarded by either the European Board of Vet Specialists (EBVS) or the American equivalent and are recognised by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) in the UK.
As a valued member of our team, you can expect:
- A competitive salary.
- An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
- To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
- Comprehensive Staff Benefits, including generous annual leave entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, a wide range of staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options.
The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter, and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.
Prior to any employment commencing with the University, you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages.
The University may be able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. This will depend on a number of factors specific to the successful applicant.
Key dates to note: The closing date for applications is 1st December 2026. Unless stated otherwise, the closing time for applications is 11:59 pm UK time.
As a world-leading research-intensive University, we are here to address tomorrow’s greatest challenges. Between now and 2030 we will do that with a values-led approach to teaching, research and innovation, and through the strength of our relationships, both locally and globally.
The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies is a one-of-a-kind centre of excellence in clinical activity, teaching and research. Our purpose-built campus, set against the Pentland Hills Regional Park, is home to over 800 staff and a thriving student community. The School comprises the Roslin Institute, three veterinary hospitals, a pathology unit, innovation centre and a range of research centres and services. We represent one of the largest concentrations of animal science expertise in Europe, impacting local, regional, national and international communities in terms of economic growth, the provision of clinical services and the advancement of scientific knowledge.
The School is widely accredited, enabling our graduates to practise across the globe. We are ranked among the best vet schools in the UK and internationally, evidencing our leadership in veterinary education, research and clinical practice.
The School’s position as part of the College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine enables the translation of expertise and knowledge into human health and vice-versa.
Research Impact: In a joint submission to the latest UK Research Excellence Framework exercise, research at the School and Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) ranked number one in the UK for agriculture, food and veterinary sciences by combining ratings for each institution. The research environment was rated 100 per cent world leading or internationally excellent, as was the impact of our research on society.
The campus is home to a thriving and diverse community of staff and students, with access to facilities including allotments, cycle facilities, fitness trails, restaurants and a gym.
Intern in Rabbit and Exotic Animal Medicine and Surgery employer: University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture where every team member is valued. As an Operations Supervisor, you will enjoy a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth while contributing to a world-class institution that prioritises community impact and diversity. With award-winning facilities and a commitment to equality, this role provides a unique chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students and visitors alike.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Intern in Rabbit and Exotic Animal Medicine and Surgery
✨Get to Know Local Hospitals
Hit those local hospitals! Most have internship programmes or seasonal hiring windows, so don’t hesitate to walk in and introduce yourself. It’s a great way to get your foot in the door and show that you're keen right from the start.
✨Join Nursing Associations
Check out nursing associations or student groups at your university. They often host events where you can network with seasoned professionals. These connections can lead to internship opportunities that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Utilise Social Media to Connect
Follow and engage with healthcare professionals on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn. Join discussions about patient care and share your thoughts — it’s a super way to build your visibility in the nursing community and might just catch the eye of recruiters looking for fresh talent.
✨Apply Directly through Us!
Don’t forget to check our website for internship postings specifically at University of Edinburgh! Applying directly makes you stand out and shows your dedication to landing that internship. Plus, we’ve got resources to help you shine throughout the process.
We think you need these skills to ace Intern in Rabbit and Exotic Animal Medicine and Surgery
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Patient Care:In your cover letter, make sure to share your enthusiasm for nursing and patient care. Talk about what motivated you to pursue this path, any relevant volunteer work, or experiences that underscore your commitment to helping others. This is your chance to show that you’re not just looking for an internship; you’re eager to learn and make a difference at University of Edinburgh.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications, like Basic Life Support (BLS) or First Aid training, definitely include those in your CV. Show us that you come prepared and know the basics of patient care. These qualifications can set you apart, especially in a field as hands-on as nursing-patient-care.
Emphasise Your Teamwork Skills:Nursing is all about collaboration, so in your CV, highlight any experiences where you've worked as part of a team. Whether it's a group project at university or a charity initiative, showcase how you contributed to the team's success. Talk about communication, conflict resolution, or supporting your peers; these skills will resonate well with us at University of Edinburgh.
Keep It All Structured and Concise:When writing your CV, keep it clear and straightforward. Use bullet points for your experiences to make it easy for us to scan through. Remember, we’re looking for relevant experience and potential, so don't be afraid to show us what you've got in a tidy, professional manner.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Edinburgh
✨Show Your Compassion in Action
During the interview for a nursing internship at University of Edinburgh, make sure to highlight any hands-on experiences you've had caring for patients, even if it was in a volunteer role. Compassion and empathy are key in nursing, so be ready to share stories that demonstrate how you connect with patients.
✨Know Your Medical Basics
Brush up on your essential nursing knowledge, particularly about patient care protocols and common medical terminology. You might get asked technical questions or case scenarios to evaluate your understanding, so be prepared to discuss the basics of patient assessment and care plans.
✨Be Ready to Talk Learning Potential
As this is an internship, focus on your eagerness to learn and grow in a clinical environment. Be prepared to discuss what you hope to gain from the experience at University of Edinburgh and how you plan to apply that knowledge in real-world situations.
✨Ask Pertinent Questions
When it's your turn to ask questions, dive into specifics about the unit you’ll be placed in during your internship. Inquire about the team dynamics, patient demographics, and any special programs that University of Edinburgh offers to support student nurses. This shows your genuine interest and commitment to making the most of your internship.
