Animal Technician

Medical Research Council; Babraham; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in medical research is seeking an animal technician to oversee the welfare and maintenance of research mice. This role involves adhering to strict protocols, maintaining high hygiene standards, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Candidates with an interest in laboratory animal science and relevant experience are highly encouraged to apply.

Benefits

Opportunities for overtime on weekends

Travel costs covered

Qualifications

• Interest in obtaining IAT Level 2 Diploma.
• Experience caring for animals and working in a team.
• Knowledge of Home Office regulations and the 3Rs.

Responsibilities

• Daily care of research mice in ventilated caging systems.
• Conduct detailed welfare observations and maintain hygiene.
• Liaise with scientific staff and maintain accurate records.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Teamwork

Education

IAT Level 2 Diploma in Laboratory Animal Science & Technology

GCSEs or equivalent

Relevant scientific degree

Job description

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• Daily care and maintenance of research mice within individually ventilated caging systems (IVCs)
• Daily welfare observations using good attention to detail in order to check animal numbers and caging information and to report any abnormalities as appropriate
• Regular observations of cage cleanliness and changing cage bases to ensure suitable environments for the animals
• Ensure the animals have access to food, water and environmental enrichment
• Maintain the animal rooms to a high standard of hygiene, for example; damp-dusting the surfaces, vacuuming and mopping the floors
• Liaise closely with scientific staff, whose animals you are responsible for
• Work closely to protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Ensure that Home Office Compliance is met in all areas at all times
• Maintain detailed, accurate records of all activities, using both electronic and manual methods

Working relationships:

Typically you will be a member of a small team (normally 3-5 people), supervised by a senior technician under the overall management of a facility manager.

Additional information:

You are expected to work overtime for one weekend (2 sessions) every month for which overtime and travel costs will be paid according to UKRI-MRC rates. A weekend session is approximately 3 hours per day. There are opportunities to work more overtime on weekends and Bank Holidays via a volunteering system

This job is based on the Babraham Research Campus, there may be occasional travel to our main lab on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus

Key responsibilities

:

• Daily care and maintenance of research mice within individually ventilated caging systems (IVCs)
• Daily welfare observations using good attention to detail in order to check animal numbers and caging information and to report any abnormalities as appropriate
• Regular observations of cage cleanliness and changing cage bases to ensure suitable environments for the animals
• Ensure the animals have access to food, water and environmental enrichment
• Maintain the animal rooms to a high standard of hygiene, for example; damp-dusting the surfaces, vacuuming and mopping the floors
• Liaise closely with scientific staff, whose animals you are responsible for
• Work closely to protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Ensure that Home Office Compliance is met in all areas at all times
• Maintain detailed, accurate records of all activities, using both electronic and manual methods

Working relationships:

Typically you will be a member of a small team (normally 3-5 people), supervised by a senior technician under the overall management of a facility manager.

Additional information:

You are expected to work overtime for one weekend (2 sessions) every month for which overtime and travel costs will be paid according to UKRI-MRC rates. A weekend session is approximately 3 hours per day. There are opportunities to work more overtime on weekends and Bank Holidays via a volunteering system

This job is based on the Babraham Research Campus, there may be occasional travel to our main lab on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus

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Education / qualifications / training required:

Essential: An interest in obtaining IAT Level 2 Diploma in Laboratory Animal Science & Technology or equivalent

Desirable:
• GCSEs or equivalent
• Institute of Animal Technology (IAT) Level 2 Diploma in Laboratory Animal Science & Technology or equivalent
• Level 2 or 3 Animal Care qualification
• Relevant scientific degree

Previous work experience required:

Essential:
• Experience of caring for animals
• Experience of working as part of a team

Desirable:
• Experience of working as an animal technician
• Experience of barriered facilities, including isolation systems individually ventilated cages (IVCs), and flexible film isolators
• Working knowledge of Home Office regulations
• Knowledge of the 3Rs
• Experience of following written processes and working to strict guidelines
• Demonstrate an understanding of working to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Experience of using Mouse Colony Management Systems or other similar databases

Knowledge and experience:

Creativity and initiative
Essential: Can demonstrate good attention to detail

Independent working
Essential:
• Demonstrate an ability to work independently and follow instruction
• Acts on own initiative, but also has the ability to know when to seek advice

Verbal and written communication skills
Essential:
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience of good record keeping, both electronically and manually

Desirable: Experience of communicating with researchers

Personal skills / behaviours / qualities:

Essential:
• A pro-active approach demonstrating commitment to animal welfare with a desire for constant improvement
• Experience of maintaining high levels of hygiene to ensure a suitable environment
• Understands the routine nature of animal care
• Excellent time management and sound interpersonal skills
• Commitment to undertake standard training programs

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