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Job Opportunity: Clinical & Diagnostic Aquatic Veterinarian
2025.04
Location: Africa-based (flexible within sub-Saharan Africa, with travel across key aquaculture regions in Africa)
Start Date: Open until filled
Employment Type: Full-Time
Sector: Veterinary Medicine – Aquaculture (Clinical & Diagnostics)
About the role
We are seeking a passionate and preferably experienced Aquatic Veterinarian to join our dynamic team working across diverse aquatic farming systems in Africa. In this role, you will lead clinical, diagnostic, and preventative health programs focused on fish and other aquatic species, supporting both small- and large-scale aquaculture operations. We will consider applicants with low level of experience as long as we can see that they are committed to the aquatic health space, but then the salary will be at the bottom end of expectation.
This is a position where it is very much a production veterinarian role with a twist. There is a lot of work from home and then combined with visits to fish farms across the continent. The person for this role should enjoy the idea of travel and adapting to working in new systems. For those who would view this as a burden, then this role is not for you.
This is a rare opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the development of sustainable aquaculture across the continent, combining field-based work with diagnostic oversight, training, and research collaboration.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Veterinary Services: Diagnose and treat aquatic animal diseases (bacterial, viral, parasitic, fungal) across finfish species such as tilapia, catfish, trout, and emerging aquaculture species.
Laboratory Diagnostics: Lead and interpret microbiological, parasitological, and histopathological investigations; collaborate with
labs to improve testing workflows.
Disease Surveillance & Biosecurity: Implement risk-based surveillance programs, farm health audits, and customized biosecurity strategies.
Farmer & Technician Training: Provide on-farm and remote training for hatchery managers, farm workers, and technicians on health management and early disease detection.
Vaccine Support: Work with vaccine manufacturers and farms on autogenous and commercial vaccine use, vaccination protocols, and post-vaccination monitoring.
R&D and Innovation: Contribute to clinical trials, health product development, and field validation studies, including antibiotic alternatives and probiotic applications.
Reporting & Advisory: Prepare field reports, SOPs, case studies, and health strategies for internal and external stakeholders.
Required Qualifications
Doctor or Bachelors of Veterinary Medicine (DVM/BVSc) or equivalent, with licensure to practice in one or more African countries. We are preferable looking for a South African qualified veterinarian.
Specialized training or postgraduate education in aquatic animal health, fish pathology, or veterinary microbiology is highly desirable but not critical. Salary offered will be dependent on the level of relevant expertise.
Three (3) years of experience in aquaculture veterinary work (preferably with species like trout, tilapia and catfish) is desirable, but not critical.
Strong diagnostic skills, including familiarity with wet-mount, histopathology, and PCR-based tools.
Excellent communication skills for diverse audiences (farmers, labs, regulators).
Willingness to travel frequently across African aquaculture hubs.
Desirable Experience
Experience working with African aquaculture systems, including cage and pond farms.
Understanding of regulatory frameworks related to aquatic animal health in Africa.
Language skills in French, Swahili, or Arabic are a strong asset.
Prior involvement with donor-funded or development projects in animal health or aquaculture.
What We Offer
Competitive salary package with performance-based incentives. Base salary range ZAR456,000.00 to ZAR720,000.00 per annum dependent on level of experience and ability to function independently. If you are bringing business with you, then that would open the scope to explore financial renumeration further.
Opportunities for continued professional development and international collaboration.
Work in a mission-driven environment committed to improving aquatic animal health and farmer livelihoods across Africa.
Supportive, interdisciplinary team of veterinarians, biologists, diagnostics experts, and aquaculture engineers.
There is the opportunity as well to have a shareholding stake in the business but this will only be considered after more than 1 year of employment.
How to Apply
Please send your CV, a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation as to why you would want to work
with us, and two references to theanette@aquavetafrica.com with the subject: Aquatic Veterinarian Application – [Your Name].
Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
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