Head of Animal Facility / Head of Animal Facility

Universität Bern - February 1, 2026

Areas of Responsibility

As the leader of the Central Animal Facility, you will oversee a range of essential operations, ensuring compliance and quality care within our diverse animal care program.

  • Direct all operations of the Central Animal Facility, including processes and finances, while performing husbandry and other duties as necessary.
  • Write, maintain, review, and uphold compliance of all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) pertaining to facility maintenance, equipment usage, and animal husbandry procedures.
  • Lead, motivate, instruct, and supervise laboratory animal caretakers, providing optimal animal care aligned with current standards in housekeeping, safety, regulations, and trends in animal care and certification programs.
  • Coordinate and collaborate with Attending Veterinarians on various matters, including animal health concerns, equipment maintenance, procurement of diet and bedding, and preventive medicine scheduling.
  • Ensure compliance with the Animal Welfare Act, university directives, and process specifications.
  • Participate in building renovation projects.
  • Serve as the Team Leader for the Emergency Preparedness Plan.
  • Provide professional consultation for faculty and academic staff concerning research involving laboratory animals and the Central Animal Facility. Regularly communicate facility information to users.
  • Coordinate and communicate with the heads of other animal facilities, as well as the EAC, AWOs, and GM Manager, while reporting to the Head of EAC.
  • Collect and organize information for inspections, visits, and writing reports for accreditors and regulators.

Requirements

  • Master's degree in Veterinary Medicine or Natural Sciences/Biology.
  • At least three (3) years of proven experience in animal facility management and leadership.
  • Ability to manage and prioritize multiple facilities and tasks, while being goal and solution-oriented.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, and excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, along with a team-oriented attitude.
  • Proficiency in English; knowledge of German or a second national language is preferred.

A Plus

  • A specialization in laboratory animal science.
  • Working knowledge of cantonal and national regulations related to Laboratory Animals.

What We Offer

  • Varied and independent work within a large, multispecies animal care and use program.
  • A motivated veterinary team, including ECLAM and ECVAA diplomates.
  • Opportunities for further training in laboratory animal science and career development.
  • Employment according to cantonal guidelines, with an attractive workplace in the city of Bern.

For more information, please contact PD. Dr. A. Bergadano at alessandra.bergadano@unibe.ch.

Apply Online

We are looking forward to receiving applications that match the job profile. Apply online using the form below.

Location : Bern
Country : Switzerland

Application Form

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