Job Summary
The Veterinarian - Vivarium Management will oversee the operations of Satya Pharma’s vivarium, ensuring the humane care and ethical treatment of laboratory animals used in pre-clinical oncology research. This role requires expertise in veterinary science, vivarium management, and a deep understanding of Indian government regulations, including compliance with the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee (IAEC) and the Committee for the Purpose of Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CPCSEA). The veterinarian will collaborate with research teams to support pre-clinical studies while maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare and regulatory compliance.
Key Responsibilities
• Vivarium Operations Management: Oversee the daily operations of Satya Pharma’s vivarium, including animal husbandry, facility maintenance, and staff training to ensure optimal care for laboratory animals (e.g., rodents, other small mammals) used in research.
• Animal Health and Welfare: Monitor and maintain the health, welfare, and well-being of laboratory animals, including routine veterinary care, diagnosis, treatment, and preventive health programs. Ensure compliance with the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) principles.
• IAEC and CPCSEA Compliance: Serve as a key liaison with the IAEC, ensuring all pre-clinical studies comply with IAEC guidelines, CPCSEA regulations, and other relevant Indian laws. Prepare and submit protocols, reports, and documentation for IAEC approval.
• Regulatory Oversight: Ensure adherence to Indian government regulations governing animal research, including CPCSEA guidelines, GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) standards, and biosafety protocols. Maintain accurate records for inspections and audits by regulatory bodies.
• Protocol Development and Review: Collaborate with research scientists to design and review animal study protocols for pre-clinical research, ensuring scientific rigor, ethical standards, and regulatory compliance. Provide veterinary input on study design, dosing, and endpoint determination.
• Training and Supervision: Train and supervise vivarium staff and researchers on proper animal handling, experimental procedures, and ethical practices. Foster a culture of compliance and compassion in animal research.
• Facility Standards: Maintain vivarium facilities in compliance with CPCSEA standards, including sanitation, environmental controls, and biosecurity measures. Oversee procurement and maintenance of vivarium equipment and supplies.
• Emergency Response: Develop and implement emergency protocols for animal health crises, facility issues, or regulatory non-compliance. Provide immediate veterinary intervention as needed.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain comprehensive records of animal health, study outcomes, and regulatory compliance. Prepare reports for IAEC, CPCSEA, and internal stakeholders. Support data integrity for regulatory submissions.
Qualifications and Skills
• Education: Bachelor of Veterinary Science (B.V.Sc.) or equivalent degree from a recognized institution. A Master’s degree (M.V.Sc.) in Veterinary Science or a related field is preferred.
• Experience:
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in veterinary care and vivarium management, preferably in a biotech, pharmaceutical, or pre-clinical research setting.
• Demonstrated experience with IAEC protocol preparation, CPCSEA compliance, and Indian regulatory frameworks for animal research.
• Prior work with rodent models in oncology or drug discovery is highly desirable.
• Technical Skills:
• Expertise in laboratory animal medicine, including health monitoring, surgical procedures, and anesthesia for small mammals.
• In-depth knowledge of CPCSEA guidelines, IAEC processes, and Indian regulations governing animal experimentation.
• Regulatory Knowledge:
• Proficiency in preparing and submitting IAEC protocols and ensuring compliance with CPCSEA audits.
• Understanding of biosafety, bioethics, and environmental regulations related to vivarium operations.
• Soft Skills:
• Strong organizational and leadership skills to manage vivarium staff and coordinate with research teams.
• Excellent communication skills to interact with IAEC members, regulatory authorities, and internal stakeholders.
• Compassionate approach to animal welfare combined with a commitment to scientific excellence.