The Post
The University of Stirling is seeking to appoint a Named Veterinary Surgeon (NVS). The post offers an attractive alternative to other veterinary career options, such as general practice or work with industry. The postholder will be based at our Stirling Campus where they will have the opportunity to contribute to specialist teaching and training in agreement with or aligned with NVS responsibilities. The NVS role will support optimal health and welfare in groundbreaking national and international research projects and the development of the flagship National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub. The NVS position will operate primarily in the world-leading Institute of Aquaculture, which ranked first (1st) in the UK for research with impact in field of agriculture, veterinary and food science (REF2021).
The NVS is a key role in supporting our animal research, training, and engagement with the 3Rs. This role would suit an NVS who is keen to work independently and develop their own skills and interests whilst part of a team who are responsible for animal health and welfare and supporting staff.
Description of Duties
In addition to fulfilling the responsibilities of an NVS, the person appointed will:
1. Work with an experienced team of Named Persons under ASPA (NACWOs, PPLh, PILh etc.) as well as professional services, academics, and senior management
2. Oversee health monitoring and strategy including Veterinary Health and Welfare plans, clinical diagnosis and treatment
3. Act as NVS for facilities in Stirling and perform routine visits field stations at Buckieburn and on the Kintyre peninsula
4. Support the Establishment Licence Holder (ELH) to ensure Home Office compliance responsibilities are fulfilled
5. Meet regularly with the Establishment License Holder and Deputy to discuss health, welfare and treatment of animals
6. Advise on research ethics applications and be a member of the University’s Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB)
7. Stay informed of all activities, developments, and challenges related to our aquatic animal facilities and provide regular updates to the PELh and other management and staff
8. Work alongside academic researchers and a team of animal care technical specialists with high levels of expertise in aquatic animal production and research
9. Deliver specialist training on clinical aquatic practice and contribute to specialist teaching on undergraduate and post graduate courses, relevant to their role
Essential Criteria
Qualifications
10. Veterinary degree with professional registration with the RCVS
Knowledge & Experience
11. Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
12. Working knowledge of Home Office ASPA legislation and practices
13. Extensive experience of diagnostic and therapeutic practice in aquatic systems
14. Experience of developing and maintaining aquatic Veterinary Health and Welfare Plans
15. Demonstration on a day-to-day basis of involvement in safeguarding the welfare of protected animals in an establishment
16. Ability to ensure that adequate veterinary cover and services are available at all times
17. Be familiar with relevant methods listed on ASPA Schedule 1
18. Experience of working and communicating with specialist, non-specialist and senior level audiences
19. Full Driving licence
Desirable Criteria
Knowledge & Experience
20. Experience of participation in AWERB or equivalent
21. Knowledge of the husbandry, housing and welfare needs of aquatic species
22. Experience of working with commercial aquatic animal production facilities
23. Experience of training and teaching across a range of levels
24. Completion of Home Office approved NVS course
25. Completion of accredited ASPA relevant courses for NVS e.g. (E1, L, K theory and E2 and PILA for the species), PIL, L, E1, A, B and K
Skills & Attributes
26. Excellent interpersonal, organisation and communication skills
27. A high degree of computer literacy and experience with databases
28. Ability to work individually and as part of a team
29. A high level of self-motivation
Additional Information
Part time (60% FTE)
Open ended
Grade 9: £57,422 - £66,537 p.a. pro-rata
The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 03 August 2025.
There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.
For the purposes of sponsorship, this role may be eligible for sponsorship depending on candidate circumstances under SOC code 2240.
The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.
Behaviours and Competencies
The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.
30. Managing self and personal skills
Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.
31. Delivering excellent service
Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.
32. Finding solutions
Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.
33. Embracing change
Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.
34. Using resources effectively
Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.
35. Engaging with the wider context
Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.
36. Developing self and others
Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.
37. Working together
Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.
38. Achieving Results
Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.