Veterinary Science Specialist

Important messages

We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please use the Contact information below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Assessment accommodation

You must meet all essential qualifications in order to be appointed to the position. The scope and breadth of experience may be considered when screening, evaluating and/or selecting candidates. Provide concrete, detailed examples that clearly explain where, when, and how you gained the experience. We will only use your CV as a secondary source of information.

Duties

The Veterinary Science Specialist ensures that the National Microbiology Laboratory Branch (NMLB) conducts all animal research activities in accordance with the Canadian Council on Animal Care’s (CCAC) policies and guidelines. This position leads the Animal Models Program to establish, coordinate and support animal science initiatives for all scientific and research activities across the National Microbiology Laboratory Branch that use animal models to study pathogen behaviour and for pre-clinical testing of medical countermeasures. Specific duties include but may not be limited to; directing the use of resources to deliver an end-to-end laboratory animal medicine program, consulting and providing guidance regarding the administration of procedures and protocols, conducting risk assessments, exchanging scientific information, perspectives and expert advice on animal models with a variety of clients and stakeholders and, responding to inquiries and developing recommendations for laboratory programs and senior management as required. Due to the nature of the work, the Veterinary Science Specialist must be willing and able to work in laboratory biocontainment at all biosecurity levels including CL2, and high security containment levels CL3, and CL4.

Work environment

The Public Health Agency of Canada's National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) provides scientific expertise and laboratory capacity for infectious disease monitoring, detection, investigation and outbreak response to support national and international public health action. Our laboratories lead the development and application of cutting edge tools to support innovation in infectious disease diagnostics, lab-based surveillance and applied and basic research on a range of pathogens with public health significance. The Animal Models program is fundamental to bridging the gap between basic research and clinical application in infectious diseases research. NML strives to be the employer of choice for Canadian and international scientific and non-scientific staff. Our employees contribute leadership, ingenuity, expertise and innovation to safeguard the health of Canadians and the global community.

Intent of the process

The intent of this process is to fill one (1) indeterminate full time position.
The result of this selection process will be to create a pool of qualified candidates from which future permanent and/or temporary vacancies may be filled within the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter "in 1,000 words (maximum) summarizing your credentials and relevant experience as it relates to the position described and any additional insights into what makes you a strong fit for this opportunity."

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

Essential education
Graduation from a recognized school of Veterinary Medicine, defined as: Graduation from a veterinary school accredited or approved by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA); or Graduation from another veterinary school and holding a Certificate of Qualification granted by the National Examining Board (NEB) of the CVMA.

Degree equivalency

Occupational Certification: Eligibility for membership in a Canadian veterinary association, defined as: current members of a Canadian veterinary association with a license recognized by the CVMA; and non-members of Canadian veterinary associations holding a Certificate of qualifications granted by the National Examining Board (NEB) of the CVMA

This means possession of or eligibility for an unconditional general license that constitutes acceptable evidence of occupational competence and that is granted by an organization legally established by federal, provincial or territorial law as a certifying or licensing body.

Eligibility means that an individual has met all academic and occupational requirements with respect to degrees, examinations etc., without having to have obtained or maintained actual registration, certification or membership.

Eligibility for an unconditional general license as a Veterinarian also includes the mandatory requirement of successful completion of the National Examination Board (NEB) examinations (Parts A & B, as well as Part C for foreign-trained individuals).

Essential Experience
• Experience working with laboratory animals in a government, university or pharmaceutical laboratory facility, or alternatively at least two years experience in veterinary clinical practice.

The following will be applied / assessed at a later date (essential for the job)

English essential

Information on language requirements

Essential Knowledge
• Knowledge of the principles, methods and practices of animal science or animal medicine
• Knowledge of the principles, methods and practices of medical or scientific research involving the use of animal models

Essential Competencies
• Create Vision and Strategy
• Mobilize People
• Uphold Integrity and Respect
• Collaborate with Partners and Stakeholders
• Promote Innovation and Guide Change
• Achieve Results

Essential Abilities
• Ability to translate complex data and information into synthesized advice and guidance

The following may be applied / assessed at a later date (may be needed for the job)

Asset Education:
Graduation with either a Master or PhD degree in a natural, physical or applied science from a recognized post-secondary institution, with a specialization in animal health, veterinary epidemiology, veterinary pathology, microbiology, virology, molecular biology, or a related discipline.

Degree equivalency

Asset Experience:
• Experience in design, delivery and improvement of programs involving animal use
• Experience collecting, evaluating and interpreting scientific study results and data related to animal models
• Experience in reviewing, researching, and analyzing scientific and technical information and in the production of scientific reports
• Experience in providing advice and recommendations to management in areas such as animal health, veterinary medicine, laboratory environment, or veterinary biological products or drugs
• Experience in working in multi-disciplinary groups or project teams in environments such as government organizations, academic institutions or industry
• Experience implementing and following Canadian Council on Animal Care guidelines
• Experience with Animal Care Committees and/or Post Approval Monitoring
• Experience in planning and managing human resources
• Experience in planning and managing financial resources
• Experience working in biocontainment laboratories (CL3 or CL4)

Asset Knowledge:
• Knowledge and understanding of the application of animal models in the prevention and control of infectious diseases
• Knowledge of zoonotic and other rare or emerging pathogens of Public Health concern in Canada
• Knowledge of national oversight organizations, regulations and guidance on animal care and use

Operational Requirements
• Willing and able to work in laboratory biocontainment at all biosecurity levels including CL2, and high security containment levels CL3, and CL4.
• Willingness to abide by strict biosecurity protocols which may require showering out of containment levels and/or abiding by certain restrictions on contact with livestock outside of the workplace.
• Willing and available to work irregular hours (e.g., nights, weekends, statutory holidays).
• Willing and available to work overtime.
• Willingness to be on standby during off-duty hours. When on standby, willing and available to be called back to work any time outside normal working hours (e.g., nights, weekends, statutory holidays).
• Security clearance under the Human Pathogens and Toxins Act (HPTA) may be required for certain laboratory functions.

Conditions of employment

Security clearance - Candidates must participate in the security clearance process through the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) to obtain Secret (level II) clearance prior to employment.

Medical Clearance - Candidates must participate in the medical clearance process prior to employment.

Medical Surveillance - Candidate must participate in the Medical Surveillance Program (Occupation Health) which may require certain vaccinations and medical clearances to work in the animal facility/ies.

Protective Equipment - Candidate must wear Personal Protective Equipment, such as a positive pressure suit, as part of the mitigation measures indicated in Risk Assessments associated with containment level/s and Animal Use Documents.

Other information

Organizational Needs:
The Public Health Agency of Canada is committed to Employment Equity. In order to ensure a diversified workforce, preference may be given to candidates self-identifying as belonging to one or more of the following Employment Equity groups: aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minority groups provided the candidates meets all essential qualifications listed on the job opportunity notice and any applicable asset qualifications(s).

Preference

Preference will be given to veterans first and then to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, with the exception of a job located in Nunavut, where Nunavut Inuit will be appointed first.

Information on the preference to veterans

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Contact information

Apply online