Animal Technician

MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge is seeking an Animal Technician to join the Biological Services Group. You will provide husbandry for laboratory mice, maintain high welfare standards, and keep detailed records while working closely with scientific staff across the facility.

Applicants should be able to work as part of a small team, follow SOPs, and comply with Home Office requirements. The role involves routine, physical work and overtime on weekends, with remuneration

Qualifications

• Experience of caring for animals
• Experience of working as part of a team
• Understanding SOPs and Home Office regulations
• Knowledge of the 3Rs
• Ability to follow written processes and strict guidelines
• Demonstrate record keeping (electronic and written)

Responsibilities

• Daily care and maintenance of research mice in individually ventilated cages
• Daily welfare observations with attention to detail
• Regular cage cleanliness and base changes
• Provide food, water and enrichment to animals
• Maintain hygiene in animal rooms
• Liaise with scientific staff responsible for the animals
• Follow SOPs and ensure Home Office compliance
• Maintain accurate records of all activities

Skills

Animal care

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Record keeping

Time management

Communication

Adaptability

Education

IAT Level 2 Diploma in Laboratory Animal Science & Technology or equivalent

GCSEs or equivalent

Level 2/3 Animal Care qualification

Relevant scientific degree

Tools

Mouse Colony Management Systems

Job description

£27,406 to £29,343 per annum (pro rata if part-time)

Overall purpose:

To work within a small team, within an animal holding room, forming part of the larger team known as the Biological Services Group (BSG), whose aim is to support scientific researchers at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB). Specifically to provide animal husbandry for laboratory mice used in medical research.

Main duties/ Key responsibilities:

• Daily care and maintenance of research mice within individually ventilated caging systems (IVCs). Each room can hold up to 1000 cages
• 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:

Typicaly 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 position involves sustained physical activity, including lifting and moving items such as cages. Candidates should therefore be comfortable with the physically demanding and repetitive aspects of the role.

Appointment within the salary range will be commensurate with experience, with higher points reserved for candidates demonstrating significant relevant skills, qualifications, or experience.

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

Person Specification

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 e.g. 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 instructions
• 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 written

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
• Ability to demonstrate adaptability and flexibility in order to respond to the changing demands of the animal rooms and overall facility.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the role.
• Able to safely lift and move animal cages weighing up to 5kg

Additional Information

We welcome applications from all and are open to discuss requests for reasonable adjustments.

Corporate Responsibilities

You must at all times carry out your responsibilities with due regard to the UKRI:

• Code of Conduct
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy
• Health and Safety policy
• Data Protection policy

Job descriptions should be reviewed on a regular basis and at the annual appraisal. Any changes should be made and agreed between you and your manager.

The above lists are not exhaustive and you are required to undertake such duties as may reasonably be requested within the scope of the post. All employees are required to act professionally, co-operatively and flexibly in line with the requirements of the post, the MRC and UKRI.

The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.