Animal Technician

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Cambridge is seeking an Animal Technician to provide essential care and welfare for small rodent cancer models, supporting the scientific research across the Institute.

Role includes assisting regulated procedures, potential Home Office licensing, and working a 1 in 4 rota including weekends and bank holidays. The department emphasises care, 3R ethos, and opportunities for professional development within a world-renowned institution.

Qualifications

• Care and welfare of small rodent cancer models.

Responsibilities

• Provide fundamental support and care to animals and assist scientific staff.
• Support regulated procedures once authorised and competent, including potential Home Office licence requirements.
• Work as part of a team with a 1 in 4 weekend/bank holiday rota.

Job description

Within the Biological Resources Unit, we work very closely with research groups to deliver award winning science. This close relationship allows our technicians to be an integral part of the discoveries and breakthroughs at the Institute and provides them unique opportunities to develop a wide range of skills and experiences. Cancer Research UK is passionate in finding new ways to further our understanding of cancer, with the Cambridge Institute leading the way in which novel approaches are investigated and developed to come closer to the goal of beating cancer. Become a member of the Cambridge Institute community and join us in making a difference in patient's lives.

We are seeking a candidate to join our team as an animal Technician. The post holder will play an active part in providing fundamental support and care to the animals while supporting the scientific research carried out at our establishment. Once authorised and competent there will also be the opportunity to support the research staff by performing regulated scientific procedures essential to all research which will require a personal Home Office licence.

We promote a strong culture of care both for our staff and the animals under our charge. The successful candidates will work with the 3R's ethos (for reproducible and ethical research, that has open, fair, and inclusive communication with focus on compassion and respect) and be responsible for the care and welfare of small rodent cancer models housed within the facility and help with maintaining a good standard of hygiene. Further details and weightings can be found in the Further Particulars.

We have a proactive approach to personal and team development. Individuals may be enrolled onto their next appropriate IAT qualification if not already started once they have completed their probation. As a department within the University of Cambridge the successful applicants will benefit from the stability that comes from such a world-renowned Institution. They will also have access to a broad selection of staff benefits and personal development opportunities including discounts at a wide range of local and national businesses and educational opportunities available exclusively to University of Cambridge employees.

The unit operates a paid rota system to provide additional cover at weekends and Bank Holidays. The candidates will therefore be required to work outside of normal working hours, on a currently a 1 in 4 rota.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check and a security check.

The closing date for applications is: 29th September 2026

The interview date for the role is: To be confirmed

Please quote reference SW50925 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.