IC11_24 ANIMAL FACILITY SUPPORT SPECIALIST

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JOB TITLE

Animal Facility Support Specialist

Context:

The Institut d’Investigació Sanitaria Pere Virgili (IISPV) is an institution that integrates research in the field of biomedicine in the “Camp de Tarragona” and the “Terres de l’Ebre”. The IISPV is the instrument that the university hospitals of both health regions have been endowed with (Joan XXIII University Hospital of Tarragona, Verge de la Cinta Hospital of Tortosa, Sant Joan de Reus University Hospital, Institut Pere Mata University Hospital of Reus) and Rovira and Virgili University, in order to bring together and manage biomedical research and innovation in the territory.

We are pleased to announce a call for hiring a professional from the Institut d’Investigació Sanitaria Pere Virgili to provide essential support to the specific pathogen-free (SPF) animal facility. This initiative is in line with the collaborative efforts between the Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV) and IISPV for the establishment and operation of the new SPF animal facility.

The collaboration between URV and IISPV represents a substantial advancement in bolstering research capacities and cultivating innovation within the realm of health sciences. With the establishment of the new facility, we are poised to conduct cutting-edge research and contribute meaningfully to scientific advancements. However, the success of this endeavour hinges upon having an adequately staffed team capable of managing the complexities of SPF animal care.

The tasks associated with maintaining an SPF animal facility demand a high level of expertise, precision, and adherence to stringent quality standards. From ensuring optimal environmental conditions to implementing strict biosecurity measures, every aspect of animal care requires meticulous attention to detail. Moreover, the unique nature of SPF facilities necessitates specialised knowledge in microbiology, animal husbandry, and facility management to mitigate the risk of pathogen contamination effectively.

By enlisting the support of a professional from IISPV, renowned for its expertise in health research and biomedical sciences, we can leverage their specialised skills and experience to enhance the capabilities of our animal facility. Their familiarity with SPF protocols, coupled with their understanding of regulatory requirements and best practices, will undoubtedly contribute to the operational efficiency and overall success of the facility.

Furthermore, the collaborative nature of our partnership with IISPV presents an opportunity to pool our resources and expertise for mutual benefit.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Number of available positions:1

The appointed candidate will undertake the following responsibilities:

• Provide guidance to the research team on optimal options, resources, and tools available for animal models of metabolic diseases.
• Assist in devising the most suitable experimental designs for projects integrating clinical methodologies and in vivo studies in animal models, ensuring the selection of appropriate disease models for study success.
• Offer advice on the application of the Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement (3Rs) principles, ensuring compliance by keeping researchers abreast of technical advancements and best practices in applying these principles.
• Participate in the Animal Experimentation Ethics Committee and offer professional counsel in the processing of experimental research project approvals.
• Oversee the maintenance and management of transgenic colonies in both conventional and Specific Pathogen-Free (SPF) facilities.
• Implement and sustain the accreditation of SPF animal facilities.
• Regularly update procedural protocols.
• Provide technical support to other researchers.
• Conduct training sessions for researchers in the realm of preclinical research.
• Offer guidance on matters concerning animal welfare, including acquisition, housing, care, and utilisation.

CANDIDATE PROFILE & REQUIREMENTS

• Degree in Veterinary Sciences.
• Animal Experimentation Training A+B+C+D+F functions
• The candidate must hold a Doctorate (Ph.D.) in a field related to Life Sciences.
• Minimum of 5 years of verifiable experience in animal procedures, with a comprehensive understanding of animal welfare regulations and ethical principles governing the use of animals in research.
• Proven track record in providing technical assistance and specialised guidance to researchers across various projects, particularly those involving anaesthesia and surgical procedures.
• Extensive experience and active participation in Animal Ethics Committees, offering professional counsel to research projects as needed. Ability to maintain a robust professional network, stay updated on advancements in laboratory animal science and anaesthesia, and identify areas for improvement, including the promotion and implementation of the ‘3Rs’ principles to enhance animal care and welfare.
• Proficiency in contributing to the establishment and upkeep of rigorous standards to secure external accreditation for Specific Pathogen-Free (SPF) animal facilities.
• Knowledge of assisted reproduction techniques such as in vitro fertilization, aseptic rederivation via embryo transfer to enhance the health status of contaminated strains, and the import/export of strains with cryopreserved or refrigerated material, along with expertise in strain cryopreservation.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting animal work in accordance with current animal welfare regulations, including expertise in experimental design, executing animal studies, data analysis, and report writing adhering to GLP standards.
• Proficient in preparing and submitting ethics applications for animal research.
• Experience in documenting and implementing compliant processes for animal management, ensuring accurate data recording, storage, and reporting to stakeholders within specified deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking abilities, with a focus on task orientation and a solutions-driven approach.

IT WILL BE VALUED

• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organisational abilities.
• Motivation, creativity, initiative, and a proactive approach.
• Willingness for continuous learning, flexibility, and adaptability.
• Dedication to quality, resource optimisation, and goal attainment.
• Previous involvement in comparable projects.
• Capability to identify and resolve problems and challenges effectively.
• Prior experience in animal procedures.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

• CV Screening: CVs will be reviewed to identify suitable and unsuitable candidates based on the specified requirements. Applicants failing to meet the outlined criteria in the candidate profile and requirements will not progress to the next phase.
• CV Evaluation: Evaluation of CVs will be conducted, with a maximum score of 40 points assigned.
• Cover Letter: Applicants are required to submit a cover letter with a maximum length of 2500 characters including spaces, which will be scored up to a maximum of 20 points.
• To proceed to the interview phase, a minimum score of 40 points in the combined scores of the CV evaluation and cover letter is required.
• Personal Interview: Candidates who meet the minimum score criteria will proceed to the personal interview phase, with a maximum score of 40 points allocated.

SELECTION COMMITTEE

▪ President: Joan J Vendrell (Director)

▪ Chair 1: Lluis Gallart (Platforms Coordinator)

▪ Chair 2: Sonia Fernandez Veledo (Group leader)

SUBSTITUTES:

▪ President: Francesc Lopez (Mannager)

▪ Chair 1: Elisabet Galve (Head of technical office)

▪ Chair 2: Fàtima Sabench (Group leader)

CANDIDATURES 

• The CV must include the DNI/NIE number or another personal identity document number.
• Send the CV and the Cover Letter through the IISPV website.

For any questions or queries: recruitment@iispv.cat

DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF CV 14/03/2024

COMMUNICATIONS

IISPV will communicate the results of each stage of the selection process to candidates via its website.

HR EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH

The IISPV has the European accreditation The Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R), complies with the general principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the recruitment of researchers.

The IISPV has an internal recruitment policy that follows the Open, Transparent and Merit-based Recruitment (OTM-R) policies. More information about the HRS4R policies implemented at the IISPV is available on the following website: https://www.iispv.cat/hrs4r-hr-excellenceresearch/

The IISPV will guarantee the right to equal opportunities and treatment, as well as the real and effective exercise of rights by people with disabilities under equal conditions with respect to other citizens, through the promotion of personal autonomy, universal accessibility, access to employment, inclusion in the community and independent living and the eradication of any form of discrimination, in accordance with articles 9.2, 10, 14 and 49 of the Spanish Constitution and the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and international treaties and agreements ratified by Spain.

In the event of a tie, priority will be given to hiring the person with a disability.

In the event of a tie between people of different genders, the person of the least represented gender in the work group/department/service in which he joins will be hired.