Clinical Assistant: Small Animal Medicine - Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies

University of Pretoria; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 50,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Pretoria is seeking a Clinical Assistant in Small Animal Medicine. The role involves advanced training, teaching veterinary students, and providing clinical services. Candidates must have a BVSc-degree or equivalent and two years of veterinary experience. The contract begins on January 1, 2026, with a closing date for applications on October 2, 2025.

Qualifications

• Two years’ veterinary clinical experience focusing on Small Animal practice.
• One-year rotating clinical internship in Small Animal medicine and surgery.

Responsibilities

• Participate in an advanced training programme in Small Animal Medicine.
• Conduct didactic teaching and practical training of veterinary students.
• Engage in departmental research and publications.
• Provide a clinical service in the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital.
• Engage in community engagement activities.

Skills

Commitment to further academic development

Subject knowledge: Small Animal Medicine

Good computer skills (Windows, MS Office)

Appropriate language and communication skills

Conscientiousness and attention to detail

Good interpersonal skills

Ability to work under pressure and multitask

Education

BVSc-degree or BVMCh or equivalent veterinary qualification

Registration with the SAVC or eligibility within one year

Job description

Overview

UP Posting - Academic
FACULTY OF VETERINARY SCIENCE
DEPARTMENT OF COMPANION ANIMAL CLINICAL STUDIES
CLINICAL ASSISTANT: SMALL ANIMAL MEDICINE (FOUR-YEAR CONTRACT APPOINTMENT) (1 POST)

PEROMNES POST LEVEL 10

In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following vacancy. The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development. Applications are invited for a position as Clinical Assistant (Resident) with effect from 1 January 2026. The post is targeted at a veterinarian who wishes to become a clinical specialist in Small Animal Medicine by completing a MMedVet-degree. Please refer to the relevant yearbook for the programme information at: https://www.up.ac.za/yearbooks/2025/VET-faculty/MA-programmes/view/08251046

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will actively participate in the following areas:

• An advanced training programme in Small Animal Medicine with the view of obtaining the MMedVet (Small Animal Medicine) degree;
• Didactic teaching and practical training of undergraduate veterinary and veterinary nursing students;
• Departmental research and publications;
• Providing a clinical service in the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital and surrounding community, including a 24-hour service; and
• Community engagement activities.

Minimum Requirements

• BVSc-degree or BVMCh or equivalent professional veterinary qualification;
• Registration with the SAVC or eligibility for registration within one year of appointment; and
• Two years’ veterinary clinical experience with focus on Small Animal practice completed upon commencement of appointment or one-year rotating clinical internship in Small Animal medicine and surgery. The CCS year may be considered as a year of clinical experience, provided that evidence, such as a case log, can be provided to this effect.

Required Competencies (Skills, Knowledge and Behavioural Attributes)

• Commitment to further academic development;
• Subject knowledge: Small Animal Medicine;
• Good computer skills (Windows, MS Office);
• Appropriate language and communication skills;
• Conscientiousness and attention to detail;
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team; and
• Ability to work under pressure and multitask.

Added Advantages and Preferences

• Two years’ experience in Small Animal Medicine;
• Teaching experience;
• Exposure to research in an appropriate field of Small Animal Medicine; and
• Publications in the areas of veterinary science or Small Animal Medicine and/or related field.

The all-inclusive remuneration package for this contract position will be commensurate with the incumbent’s level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines.

Application Process

Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za, and follow the link: Careers@UP.

PLEASE NOTE: All shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in relevant skills assessments as part of the selection process.

In Applying For This Post, Please Attach

• Cover letter indicating that you comply with the above-mentioned requirements;
• A comprehensive CV;
• Certified copies of qualifications and SAVC registration; and
• Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact.

CLOSING DATE: 2 October 2025

No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.

Contacts

ENQUIRIES: Ms MB Nyathela: [e-mail] (HR)

Job content enquiries: Prof J Schoeman ([e-mail])

Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 31 December 2026, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.

The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity. In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups. All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply. By applying for this vacancy, the candidates consent to undergo verification of personal credentials and related information including, but not limited to, qualifications, criminal record, credit record, current and historic disciplinary proceedings as part of the selection process. The University of Pretoria reserves the right not to fill the advertised position.