VETERINARY CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY
TRAINING POST
Job Ref: A-587952
Faculty: Health and Life Sciences, School of Veterinary Science
Location: Leahurst Campus
Hours of work: Full-Time
Grade: 6
Salary: Depending on qualifications and experience
Range: £27,057 - £31,342 pa
Tenure: Until 31 March 2018
Closing Date: 12 May 2015
Interview Date: To be confirmed
_____________________________________________________
Informal enquiries to Dr Dorina Timofte email: d.timofte@liv.ac.uk or Mrs Gill Barker on 0151 7946196,
email: gbarker@liv.ac.uk
Application Procedure
Applications should comprise:
*A completed applicant information form
* A copy of your full curriculum vitae
*A statement indicating the reasons for applying for this post and how your training and experience is relevant
* Additional application form at the end of this document
If you have any particular requirements should you be invited to interview, please make this clear in your
application.
Submitting Applications
Applications may be submitted by e-mail to jobs@liv.ac.uk or by post or in person to: Human Resources
(Recruitment), The University of Liverpool, Hart Building, Mount Pleasant, Liverpool L3 5TQ
ROYAL MAIL – Postal Pricing System. Please ensure that postal applications carry the correct postage according to the weight and
measurement of the item, as items with insufficient postage will be held and delayed by the Royal Mail. Details of their pricing system are
available online at www.royalmail.com or from a Post Office branch.
Acknowledgement of Applications
Please note that we are unable to acknowledge postal applications. If you would like an acknowledgement
please enclose a stamped addressed card or envelope, and place it at the front of your application. If you e-mail
your application you will receive an automated acknowledgement.
Shortlisting and Interviews
Shortlisting and interview arrangements are the responsibility of the recruiting department. Please contact Mrs
Gill Barker on 0151 794 6196, email: g.barker@liv.ac.uk if you have a query after the closing date.
Outcome of Applications
Vacancies at the University often attract a large number of candidates and it is not always possible to respond
individually to every application. If you have not heard from the recruiting department by early June 2015 please
take it that your application has not been successful.
Asylum & Immigration
The University will comply with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, which requires all employees to
provide documentary evidence of their legal right to work in this country prior to commencing employment. Please be
aware that you will be required to bring your passport (and visa if applicable) to interview so that it can be copied and
Job Ref: A-587952
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verified by a member of the Selection Panel. For posts requiring a recognised degree level or equivalent qualification,
and where there is no suitable UK or European Economic Area candidate, the University will take the necessary steps
to secure UK Border Agency permission for a foreign national to take up employment.
Should a candidate require a Certificate of Sponsorship in order to take up a post they will need to meet the UK
Border Agency Tier 2 Points Based Criteria. A self assessment tool can be found on the UK Border Agency website
at: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/pointscalculator
A candidate may also be required to undertake an English Language test prior to commencing work at the University.
Details of Home Office approved tests can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidanceon-applying-for-uk-visa-approved-english-language-tests
Further information on the eligibility criteria
www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/employers/points
for
Certificates
of
Sponsorship
can
be
found
at:
National Insurance Number
All employed individuals must possess a UK National Insurance Number. Further information and how to apply for a
unique National Insurance Number can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number
Diversity and Equality
The University of Liverpool is committed to diversity and equality of opportunity. All employees and applicants for
jobs will be considered on their abilities and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of age, caring
responsibilities, colour, disability, employment status, gender, gender identity, marital status, nationality, race or
ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or any other irrelevant distinction.
Training is available to support career progression within the University.
Two Ticks Disability: Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS)
The University of Liverpool is committed to the employment of disabled people, and as part of our commitment, we
guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for a post and consider them on their
abilities. If your disability prevents you completing the application form by the specified closing date, or when the
vacancy closes early, due to a high volume of applications, please call the Recruitment Team to discuss
alternative arrangements.
To apply for a post under the disability GIS, you must disclose your disability (as defined by the Disability
Discrimination Act, 2005), and mark X in the yes box on the Equal Opportunities Employment Form. This form
must be returned with your application form.
http://www.liv.ac.uk/working/jobvacancies/guaranteedinterviewscheme/
Accessibility
If you require copies of documentation in alternative formats, for example, large print or Braille, please contact
jobs@liv.ac.uk or telephone 0151 794 6771.
If you have any other requirements which will help you access the application or interview process or employment
opportunities at the University of Liverpool, please let us know by contacting jobs@liv.ac.uk or telephone 0151 794
6771.
Pension
The Occupational Pension Scheme associated with this appointment is the Universities Superannuation Scheme
(USS). You are encouraged to familiarise yourself with the full particulars of the scheme which can be found here
LC /April 2015
Job Description
This 3 year clinical training programme is based in the Diagnostic Microbiology Laboratory, School of
Veterinary Science at the University of Liverpool’s Leahurst Campus on the Wirral. You will receive a broad
Job Ref: A-587952
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practical and theoretical training programme in microbiology diagnostics, infection control, clinical teaching
and research. We aim to train individuals who will become leaders in the field of diagnostic microbiology with
an ultimate commitment to improvement of patient care and who have potential for an academic veterinary
career.
Also, there is a formal process under way to establish a European College of Veterinary Microbiology
(ECVM). Therefore, the post is likely to convert into a Residency once the ECVM is established.
Training
You will develop the necessary skills to be able to undertake laboratory management responsibilities, to take
charge of infection control programs in veterinary settings, to support implementation of antibiotic policies
and to generate surveillance and empiric antimicrobial therapy data.
The program will be flexible to ensure a broad range of education and training in veterinary microbiology
diagnostics, teaching and research. In addition, you will have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of
modules currently offered at post-graduate level in the School of Veterinary Science which can lead to the
award of MSc in Veterinary Microbiology (part-time).
Diagnostic training will be gained by spending time in the laboratory with the lecturer and technical staff to
ensure that the trainee is technically proficient at performing laboratory procedures. This will enable you to
interpret the clinical significance of laboratory results, to write bacteriology reports and to give advice on the
diagnosis and treatment of bacterial infectious agents. Specific training will be offered for working with
Containment Level 3 (CL3) pathogens. As your experience and base of knowledge increases, you will be
expected to assume more responsibilities, including staff supervision.
Diagnostic training will also include spending time in Diagnostic Laboratories of other Veterinary Schools or
Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) to ensure training in diagnostic techniques currently not offered as
part of our Diagnostic Service.
You will take part in the development and optimisation of new diagnostics tests.
Teaching
You will also contribute to clinical training of veterinary undergraduates as part of the Diagnostic Pathology
and Bacteriology clinical rotation for year 4/5 BVSc students. This will involve small group teaching and
assessments. Initially, this will be with the academic and eventually more responsibility will be shared. There
will also be opportunities for teaching microbiology in other parts of the BVSc course. It is expected that you
will attend a course in small group teaching run by the University.
Research
Research opportunities are made available to you upon entering the program. You should learn to integrate
research into your other commitments. Research can be applied, clinical, or basic. Research opportunities
are available with the training staff as well as with academic staff in the Institute of Infection and Global
health, the majority of whom have significant veterinary research programmes. It is understood that your
primary responsibility in the first year is to become technically proficient in diagnostics and that teaching and
research will follow. During the second and third years, three month blocks of time will be made available for
you to pursue research interests. The School is well known for its diverse, clinically based research
achievements, and you will therefore be expected to pursue an intensive program of clinically oriented
research in infectious diseases. It is expected that this research will be presented at national meetings and
quality publications in refereed journals are also expected.
Time frame
The majority of the technical training will occur during the first year of the programme. After the technical
training is completed, you will be expected to begin to assume significant administrative and consultative
Job Ref: A-587952
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responsibilities in the diagnostic laboratory; you will be expected to supervise technicians and PhD students
and lead laboratory discussions and provide didactic teaching on the clinical rotation in bacteriology. You will
also be taking part in coordinating the infectious control/surveillance schemes in place in the Small Animal
and Equine hospitals at Leahurst.
As the University of Liverpool Veterinary School is investing in this element of its microbiology
teaching, clinical research and diagnostic provision, you will receive excellent training which will
equip you well for a career in academia or veterinary diagnostic laboratories.
Bio Hazards
You will be working in an area where there may be a risk of infection, although appropriate measures will be
in place to control the risk. You may be offered appropriate immunisations and/or records of your work with
infectious material/infectious micro-organisms may be kept. Appointment will be subject to medical
assessment by Occupational Health.
Manual Handling
The post involves bending, stretching and the manual handling of loads up to 15kg. A system to control the
risks is in place. Appointment will be subject to medical assessment by Occupational Health.
Pathogens
You will be required to handle pathogens or potentially infected specimens of unfixed human/animal tissue
(including blood), although appropriate measures will be in place to control the risk. You may be offered
appropriate immunisations and/or records of your work with infectious material/infectious micro-organisms
may be kept. Appointment will be subject to medical assessment by Occupational Health.
Allergies to Animals
As an applicant for a post which involves work in animal houses and/or handling animals, you should be
aware that:
 There is a possibility that you may develop an allergy to the animals you are in contact with. The risk is
substantially reduced if correct working practices are used and protective clothing is worn.
 Milder cases may be controlled by the use of protective clothing or medication and some people who are
affected are able to continue working with animals.
Appointment will be subject to medical assessment by Occupational Health.
__________________________________
Job Ref: A-587952
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EMPLOYEE SPECIFICATION – Shortlisting Criteria
Post Title: Veterinary Clinical Microbiology Resident
(Training Post)
Salary: £27,057-£31,342 pa
School: Veterinary Sciences
Job Ref: A-587952
Attributes
1.
EXPERIENCE
2.
EDUCATION
QUALIFICATIONS
TRAINING
3.
SKILLS, GENERAL
AND SPECIAL
KNOWLEDGE
4.
PERSONAL
ATTRIBUTES AND
CIRCUMSTANCES
No.
Essential Criteria
Desirable Criteria
(Identified from – Application form/CV/Supporting
Statement/Interview/References)
(Identified from – Application form/CV/Supporting
Statement/Interview/References)
1.1
Relevant clinical experience and demonstration of a Previous laboratory
particular interest in diagnosis of infectious agents
diagnostics
2.1
BVSc or equivalent qualification
3.1
Good understanding of veterinary infectious diseases, Experience in teaching veterinary students
conventional and molecular diagnostic methods
Research experience
Published papers/papers in publication
Good communication and interpersonal skills
Aptitude for teaching
Positive team attitude
Aptitude for research
Commitment to providing an excellent clinical service
3.2
3.3
4.1
4.2
4.3
experience
in
veterinary
PhD in Microbiology
Job Ref: A-587952
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PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS FORM WITH YOUR
APPLICATION FORM AND CV
Name
Veterinary
degree
MRCVS
Awarding university
Date of graduation
Date of registration
Registration
number
Details of post-graduation PAID veterinary employment (if applicable) (do not include
externships, visitations, unpaid internships or “seeing practice”)
Date
started
Date finished
Name and type of
practice (e.g. Supervets,
mixed practice)
Case
responsibility
OOH and/or
Emergency work?
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Job Ref: A-587952
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Nationally or internationally recognised veterinary CPD post-graduation
Date
e.g. 5th Dec 2012
Subject area , duration, title
Anaesthesia, day course: sedating the sick
Career goals
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