Animal Technician

Medical Research Council; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research organization is seeking an Animal Technician to ensure the proper care and maintenance of research mice. The role includes daily welfare observations, record-keeping, and maintaining hygiene standards. Ideal candidates will demonstrate attention to detail and have a passion for animal welfare. Opportunities for overtime may be available on weekends.

Qualifications

• Experience of caring for animals.
• Experience of working as part of a team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Daily care and maintenance of mice.
• Liaise with scientific staff about animal welfare.
• Maintain high standards of hygiene in animal rooms.

Skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Time management

Education

Interest in 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
• 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 written 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 session is 3 hours per weekend day. There are opportunities to work additional 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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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
• 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 written 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 session is 3 hours per weekend day. There are opportunities to work additional 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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