Head of Veterinary Services
Start Date
January 1, 2027 or by arrangement
Employment Relationship
100%, fixed-term for one year
Institution / Workplace
Experimental Animal Center (EAC)
Bern
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For yourself and for society.
About us
The Experimental Animal Center (EAC) is the unit responsible for in vivo research at the University of Bern. The EAC accounts for over 15 animal facilities, serving 43 research institutes from the Faculties of Medicine, Science, and Veterinary Medicine (VetSuisse) and supports > 350 scientists performing in vivo research with mice, rats, rabbits, large mammals, fish, amphibians, and reptiles.The EAC aims at providing optimal conditions for animal experimentation to achieve the best quality of basic, translational and clinical research involving animals. The 3Rs (Reduce, Refine, Replace), the “culture of care”, high quality, state-of-the-art veterinary support, and compliance to guidelines and regulations are cornerstones of the EAC strategy. To reach this goal, the EAC team accounts for a team of more than 50 between animal caretakers, infrastructure personnel, administration support, and veterinary team (including specialists accredited by ECLAM and ECVAA).
Areas of responsibility
The responsibilities include, but are not limited to:- Leading and coordinating the veterinary team, including allocation of responsibilities, service planning, staff development and continuity of veterinary coverage across EAC facilities
- Managing and participating in veterinary facility rounds, including on-site visits
- Managing the Health Monitoring programs, vendor surveillance, and quarantine programs. Organizing the diagnostic and therapeutic measures in case of diseases and injuries in animals, aligned with their experimental purpose; implementing quarantine measures in case of outbreaks
- Centralizing and coordinating animal & bio-material imports, exports and transfers between EAC facilities including oversight of all documentation, shipment procedures, in collaboration with facility heads and teams, transport providers and the competent authorities
- Managing operations and control of the veterinary pharmacy and deputizing the clinical veterinarian
- Monitoring of pertinent quality reports and certificates
- Consulting scientists in experimental models' design and optimization (anesthesia, analgesia and post-operative care, imaging, 3Rs and culture of care)
- Ensuring regulatory compliance with internal guidelines, local and national regulations in collaboration with the AWOs and cantonal authorities
- Preparing Standard Operating procedures and guidelines relevant to all facilities
- Implementing consistent veterinary standards across facilities, reviewing their effectiveness and coordinating corrective actions
- Supporting education and training of personnel working with animals for procedures and database (pyrat)
- Participating into the Veterinary team education through seminars and Journal Club
- Providing on-call veterinary service during working time and participating in week-end shifts
Requirements
- Degree in Veterinary Medicine and national license
- Five-year experience in the field with the relative species; laboratory fish (especially Danio rerio) experience very welcome
- Postgraduate specialisation in lab animal medicine
- ECLAM/ACLAM certification is a plus
- Fluency in English and German or commitment to learn it at a professional level
- Pro-active and goal-oriented attitude; capacity to present complex issues with the appropriate detail and clarity level, understanding the needs of all the various stakeholders (e.g. Veterinary Authorities, scientists)
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Interest in scientific dissemination and in implementing new ideas
Your Benefits
- Salary range according to the Univ. of Bern ranges, roughly 130K CHF / annum
- High degree of creative freedom in an academic setting
- Inspiring work environment
- Access to cutting-edge technology and innovation
Working at the University of Bern
The University of Bern not only offers exciting tasks but also an environment that actively promotes development, diversity, and equal opportunities. Discover what makes us stand out as an employer and how you can grow with us.
Application and Contact
We are looking forward to receiving your fully documented application, including a cover letter, a 2-page CV, and your publication list in one PDF-File to: admin.eac@unibe.ch until Nov 30st 2026.
The selection process and interviews will proceed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
University of Bern
EAC
Murtenstrasse 46
3008 Bern
Reference: Head of Veterinary Service
For preliminary enquiries, feel free to contact PD A. Bergadano: alessandra.bergadano@unibe.ch.
The selection process and interviews will proceed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
University of Bern
EAC
Murtenstrasse 46
3008 Bern
Reference: Head of Veterinary Service
For preliminary enquiries, feel free to contact PD A. Bergadano: alessandra.bergadano@unibe.ch.