Head of Veterinary Medicine, Basel, Novartis (80-100%*)

The company seeks a senior veterinary professional to lead the Veterinary Medicine program at its Basel rodent vivarium, ensuring high-quality animal care and supporting in-vivo research.

This position involves directing a small team to oversee the veterinary care program for laboratory rodents in Basel. The role focuses on maintaining rigorous health standards, providing clinical support for research projects, and contributing to broader strategy discussions within the facility's leadership.

Responsibilities

• Oversees a group of three veterinary associates to run the local rodent vivarium program.
• Ensures comprehensive animal health through clinical monitoring, treatment protocols, and hygiene management.
• Assists research teams with their in-vivo experimental procedures.
• Participates in leadership discussions to shape veterinary and care management strategies both locally and internationally.
• Executes routine preventive care, diagnostic procedures, therapeutic interventions, and herd treatments.
• Provides round-the-clock emergency veterinary services.
• Performs microbiological monitoring, ad hoc testing, and handles quarantine or hygiene break investigations.
• Handles the intake and export procedures for laboratory animals.
• Administers prescription and non-prescription medications in compliance with legal standards.
• Offers expert guidance to research teams on veterinary medicine, lab animal science, microbiology, surgery, and anesthesia.
• Contributes veterinary expertise to the development of new animal models for human disease.
• Coordinates quality assurance activities within the care management department.
• Manages the shared site documentation and develops guidance materials for care management.
• Prepares for and participates in AAALAC inspections and regulatory audits.
• Engages in global and local projects related to care management, including 3R initiatives.
• Facilitates ongoing training and professional development for care management staff.

Requirements

• Hold a recognized academic degree in Veterinary Medicine valid in Switzerland.
• Possess at least five years of post-graduate experience in relevant fields.
• Be accredited and eligible for a cantonal veterinary practice license, including authorization to handle prescription and non-prescription drugs.
• Demonstrate experience in applied laboratory animal science.
• Show proficiency in laboratory animal microbiology and hygiene monitoring.
• Have practical experience in small animal (rodent) medicine, including surgical and anesthetic procedures.
• Be familiar with experimental in-vivo work involving rodents, surgery, and anesthesia.
• Be available for flexible scheduling, including weekends and holidays.
• Be comfortable working with potential health risks, such as zoonoses or allergies, and wearing personal protective equipment.
• Fluency in both German and English is required.