Head of animal facility

The Central Animal Facility is the largest facility of the Experimental Animal Center (EAC), University of Bern (Switzerland).
The main function is to breed and house small rodents and rabbits and to provide the infrastructure for conducting animal experiments as part of the biomedical research program of the University of Bern. The 3Rs (Reduce, Refine, Replace), the "Culture of Care" and compliance with guidelines and regulations are cornerstones of the EAC strategy.
100% position, 2 years contract (renewable)

• Direct all operations of the Central Animal Facility (processes, finances) Perform husbandry/other duties when necessary.
• Write, maintain, review, and uphold compliance of all SOPs for facility maintenance, equipment use and maintenance, and animal husbandry procedures.
• Lead, motivate, instruct, and supervise the laboratory animal caretakers to provide optimal animal care with respect to the current standards for housekeeping, safety, regulations, developments, and trends in animal care, certification programs, and continuing education.
• Coordinate, communicate, and work with the Attending Veterinarians regarding: animal health concerns, equipment, animal vendors, diet and bedding procurement, detergent and sanitizers, preventative medicine scheduling, facility improvement renovations, animal health, and environmental monitoring programs.
• Ensure the compliance with the regulations of the Animal Welfare Act, University's directives and process specifications
• Participate to building renovation projects
• Serve as the Team Leader for the Emergency Preparedness Plan
• Provide professional consultation for faculty, and academic staff, in connection with research involving the use of laboratory animals and the CAF. Communicate facility information to users regularly.
• Coordinate, communicate, and work with the other Head of the animal facilities heads of the EAC, AWOs, GM Manager; reporting to the Head of EAC
• Collect and organize information for, and participate in inspections, visits, and writing reports for accreditors and regulators

• Master degree in veterinary medicine or natural sciences/biology
• At least three (3) years of proven animal facility management and leadership experience.
• Management and prioritization of multiple facilities and tasks, goal and solution oriented
• Demonstrated effective written and verbal communication, attention to detail, and organizational and interpersonal skills, team oriented.
• English speaking; German or a second national language

A plus

• A specialisation in laboratory animal science
• Working knowledge of cantonal and national regulations related to Laboratory Animals

• Varied and independent work in a large, multispecies animal care and use program
• A motivated veterinary team with ECLAM and ECVAA diplomates
• Possibility of further training in the field of laboratory animal science and career development
• Employment according to cantonal guidelines and attractive workplace in the city of Bern

For more information, please contact PD. Dr. A. Bergadano (alessandra.bergadano@unibe.ch).