Job TitleVeterinary Nurse.3.04LocationOrganization NameWits Research Animal FacilityDepartment Description

We seek to employ a full-time senior Veterinary Nurse who is self-motivated, focused, and passionate about developing their skills in working with laboratory animals and exotic species. The position would also suit a qualified individual with initiative, good communication and interpersonal skills. The Wits Research Animal Facility (WRAF) is a controlled animal research environment in which biomedical research is carried out. The staff include veterinary and para-veterinary personnel as well as laboratory animal technicians. All research within the unit is strictly controlled and approved by the Animal Research Ethics Committee of the University of the Witwatersrand. The work and function of the unit is guided by the principles of the 3R s for animal-based research as well as compliance with the South African National Standards (10386:2008) and the University s Welfare and Ethical guidelines for research.
The unit provides effective and professional technical support to animal-based researchers by ensuring the efficient functioning of the facility and high-quality animal care.
Brief Description
Key responsibilities include the following:

Assist the WRAF Veterinarian with veterinary care and animal husbandry.
Assist with anaesthetics, surgical operations, and post-surgical care.
Prepare theatre for surgical procedures and assist with procedures.
Responsible for sourcing and ordering medication and veterinary consumables.
Assist researchers with approved veterinary procedures.
Managing equipment maintenance, radiology, in-house lab, theatre, and post-mortem room.
Weekend and public holidays duties on rotational basis. (one weekend a month).
Administrative duties maintain records, produce reports, and study protocols for procedural planning.
Ensuring ongoing refinement and compliance of trial protocols.


Required Academic Qualification/s, competences, and experience.

Recognized Diploma in Veterinary Nursing.
Good standing with and current registration with SAVC.
Minimum of two-years experience of veterinary nursing.
Good communication skills, numeracy, and computer skills.
Previous experience of working in a research animal facility.
Exposure to the research process.

This position is based in Johannesburg, Gauteng.
For more information on this position, please contact: khensani.mathebula@wits.ac.za

Detailed DescriptionJob RequirementsAdditional DetailsHow To ApplyPlease note that applications must be done through iRecruitment only. No hard copies or emails should be submitted. Please submit a covering letter, detailed CV with names and contact details (including email addresses) of three referees and certified copies of degrees/diplomas with your application.


By submitting an application for this post the applicant acknowledges that their personal information will be processed by the University. The Applicant, by their conduct in proceeding with an application for this position, gives their consent to the processing of their personal information as required by the University s Recruitment, Selection and Appointment Policy. Such processing includes logging their information on the University s recruitment systems and disclosing their personal information to University employees identified to take part in the selection and recruitment process. The Applicant consents to any further processing of their personal information as may be required for relevant verification and reference check purposes. The confidentiality of the Applicant's personal information will be maintained.


The University is committed to employment equity. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from the underrepresented designated groups in terms of the relevant employment equity plans and policies of the University. The University retains the right to verify all information provided by candidates.


Please note that correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates.
The University reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re-advertise.


Closing Date: 19 May 2024

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