Job Description
Lead Veterinary Disease Investigator
An opportunity for a Lead Veterinary Disease Investigator has arisen at the Wales Veterinary Science Centre (WVSC). The role is part-time (3-4 days per week) and there would be a requirement (at least initially) for the post holder to work on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays in order to ensure full postmortem cover throughout the week.
This role is varied to support the variety of work now being undertaken at WVSC. It will include livestock and wildlife PMEs, liaison with APHA/Welsh Government and vet practices, quality system maintenance and continuous improvement, CPD courses/conferences, undergraduate and postgraduate level teaching and research.
Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.
THE PRIMARY ROLE OF THE VETERINARY DISEASE INVESTIGATOR
1. Direct management responsibility for the Veterinary Disease Investigators and Postmortem Assistant.
2. Take the lead in undertaking livestock PMEs, collect and submit samples for appropriate further testing to investigate possible differentials and provide clear and concise reports arising from the PMEs detailing diagnoses and advice (all with budget constraints).
3. Conduct PM audits in line with the PM Quality Assurance protocol. Promote best practice and lead by example in maintaining best quality standards, document control, carrying out audits, regular review of veterinary and postmortem processes and work.
4. Work with the Health and Safety lead to deal promptly with any issues arising including reports/complaints from customers and implementing any necessary corrective action. Ensure PM protocols, SOPs and forms are kept up to date and reviewed at least annually.
5. Ensure the smooth delivery of the APHA PME surveillance contract, including attend quarterly contract meetings with APHA and ensuring key performance indicators are met, issues logs are completed and the contract is being followed. Liaise with vets in private practice to triage potential cases for PME.
6. Advise vets and farmers on specific cases and general disease control.
7. Conduct BVD Benchmarking audits on BVD Interpretations and opinions in line with UKAS audit schedule.
8. Support the Quality Manager role ensuring the quality requirements of ISO17025 are met. Undertake PMEs of badgers and submit appropriate samples for laboratory testing.
9. Provide appropriate training to other members of the WVSC team, discussing with the Centre Manager where appropriate.
10. Assist the administration team with arranging and delivering vet/farmer CPD events.
11. Provide veterinary advice and guidance on grant applications and tender applications, projects and other reports or work as deemed appropriate by the Centre Manager or Directors.
12. Assist other members of the WVSC in additional areas of activity as the demand arises.
13. Contribute to WVSC Newsletters.
14. Attend monthly staff meetings and quarterly management meetings to provide guidance on all veterinary and pathology matters.
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Degree in veterinary science and medicine. Member of Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (MRCVS). Experience of performing farm animal PMEs. Experience of disease diagnosis in farm animals. Excellent interpersonal and team working skills. Excellent communication and IT skills.
DESIRABLE BUT NOT ESSENTIAL FOR THE RIGHT CANDIDATE:
Experience in team management Welsh language (spoken and written)
Terms and conditions
Part time, 3-4 days a week, must be able to work Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. However there may be opportunity in the future to realign work days. FTE Holiday allowance is 33 days including bank holidays (plus 1 additional day for every full year worked up to a maximum of 5 additional days). CPD by a range of media is encouraged and sufficient to fulfil RCVS requirements must be undertaken. This includes working up new projects. 7.5 hour working day, but flexibility expected due to seasonality of work. Salary commensurate with experience.
For more information about WVSC please visit our website: www.wvsc.wales or contact admin@wvsc.wales
To apply please send a CV and cover letter including two referees to hwright@wvsc.wales with the subject heading: Lead Veterinary Disease Investigator Vacancy.
Closing date: 4th April 2026