Veterinarian, Animal Welfare Officer

Your role
We are looking for an innovative and science-driven veterinarian to join the VivOrion Research unit within Integrated DMPK and Safety at Orion Pharma R&D in Turku. The position is permanent full-time role and includes shared on-call duties. The start date is August/September 2026 or as agreed.

In this role, you combine veterinary responsibilities with the role of Animal Welfare Officer. You ensure full compliance with legislation and Orion’s bioethical principles in animal care, use, and study conduct, working closely with the Designated Veterinarian, Animal Welfare Body (AWB), animal caretakers, and research teams. Strong collaboration and communication skills are essential.

You contribute to drug discovery and development by supporting both high-quality science and animal welfare. You may also participate in research projects. Expertise in areas such as animal welfare, laboratory animal medicine, pharmacology, soft tissue surgery, anesthesia, and pain management is considered an asset.

What you can expect from us
You can expect a versatile and impactful role in preclinical research with strong opportunities to develop your expertise. You will work in a skilled and collaborative environment where high-quality science and animal welfare go hand in hand. Orion offers career development opportunities in a global organization focused on improving patient and societal well-being.

At Orion, your work creates true impact and well-being for our customers, patients and society at large.  Our culture of friendliness, respect, mutual appreciation and diversity creates a safe working environment where you can strive for excellence. We offer a wealth of career paths and development opportunities that support the development of innovative solutions and improving the quality of life.

Please visit our website to find further information about our values and Orion as an employer https://www.orion.fi/en/careers/orion-as-an-employer/ 

What are we looking for
We are looking for a qualified veterinarian with a few years of relevant professional experience after graduation. In this role, you combine strong clinical competence with a science-driven approach and the ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment.

You are a licensed veterinarian in Finland and willing to participate in on-call duties, including weekend and occasional evening work. As most of the work is carried out on-site, regular presence at our facility is required. You have a solid understanding of experimental design and scientific principles, along with excellent communication, networking, and presentation skills in both English and Finnish.

We value an enthusiastic and innovative mindset, as well as strong clinical skills in diagnostics and decision-making. Experience in soft tissue surgery, anesthesia, and pain management is expected, while additional expertise in laboratory animal science, immunology, oncology, pain research, or drug discovery and laboratory animal medicine is considered an advantage.

How to apply
Please submit your cover letter and CV latest on Sunday, 16 August 2026. We review applications on a rolling basis and may start interviews before the closing date, so we encourage you to apply as early as possible.

Approved medical examination which also includes drug testing is required prior to the employment. We will also carry out a security clearance prior to the employment for the selected person.

Your new team
Orion’s pharmaceutical innovations are created within its R&D organization. We employ over 400 top professionals in the field of drug discovery and development. We work globally: in Espoo and Turku in Finland, in Nottingham and Cambridge in the UK, and in Cambridge, MA, USA. Orion R&D and the Innovative Medicines business division are dedicated to making a transformation to become a global player in the pain and oncology therapy areas.  

VivOrion Research provides expertise in in vivo research, histology, imaging, animal care, and welfare, supporting all therapy areas such as oncology, pain, safety pharmacology, toxicology, PK/PD, and animal health.