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Do you have some experience of working in animal nutrition, toxicology or the animal feed industry? Interested in being a member of a committee that advises the FSA on the safety and use of animal feeds? Then read on.

The Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs (ACAF) is looking to recruit three new ACAF members. ACAF is an independent committee that advises the FSA and Ministers on the safety and use of animal feeds and feeding practices, with particular emphasis on protecting human health and with reference to new technical developments.

Candidates must be strong team workers, able to demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills, sound judgement and strong analytical and problem solving skills. As ACAF members they must be able to work in a committee structure and be able to weigh issues outside their own specialist area. It would be desirable that candidates have an interest or understanding of GM technology, but this is not essential.

These posts represent an excellent opportunity to contribute to food safety and standards in the UK by providing advice on this key stage of the food chain. Appointment is normally for three years. ACAF usually meets in open session four times a year, usually in London. Members are not salaried, although reasonable expenses are reimbursed and there is some remuneration to cover attendance of meetings.

Appointments to ACAF are made strictly on merit by fair and open process in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments’ Code of Practice and taking account of equal opportunities.

If you are interested in this post, an information pack and an application form may be obtained from Raj Pal, ACAF Secretariat, Room 3C Aviation House, 125 Kingsway, London WC2B 6NH. Tel: 020 7276 8083, fax: 020 7276 8910, email: acaf@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk.

The closing date for completed applications is 4 April 2011.