Animal Technician - £32,617 p.a. + benefits

Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency; Potters Bar; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental health agency in the UK is seeking a professional to conduct in vivo scientific procedures on various laboratory animals and ensure their welfare. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with a Home Office Personal Licence and demonstrate a high commitment to animal welfare. Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package are offered, including annual leave and a pension scheme.

Benefits

Annual Leave: 25 days plus bank holidays

Occupational Sick Pay

Civil Service Pension Scheme

Flexible working arrangements

Interest-free loans for travel or bikes

Qualifications

• Practical experience in the use of a Home Office Personal Licence for in vivo testing.
• Experience with common laboratory species and techniques.
• Commitment to high standards of animal welfare.

Responsibilities

• Perform in vivo scientific procedures on laboratory animals.
• Ensure care and welfare of animal species.
• Involvement in additional organizational duties.

Skills

Home Office Personal Licence experience

Animal husbandry

Animal welfare commitment

Job description

This is a full-time opportunity, on a permanent basis. The role will be based in South Mimms, Hertfordshire. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas.

The Scientific Research and Innovation Group delivers public health impact, world-leading research innovation, and a unique proposition via an ambitious Science Strategy which will balance innovation against sustainability and affordability. It is divided into 6 sub-Groups, Innovation Accelerator, Clinical Investigations and Trials, Research and Development, Standards Lifecycle, Control Testing and Quality Assurance and Health & Safety.

SR&I Research & Development (R&D) function delivers statutory mandated strategically aligned, sustainable and impactful Regulatory Scientific research that is applied primarily to biological reference materials development and medicines control testing and areas of international and national priority for future biological medicines.

Analytical and Biological Sciences (ABS) is a multi-laboratory, multi-disciplinary team of experts within R&D. Both in vitro and in vivo methods are used to deliver practical laboratory analysis, experimentation and expertise aligned the Agency objectives. Biological services, within ABS supports three Functions of SR&I; Standards Lifecycle, Control Testing and R&D in all aspects of in vivo science.

The role holder will use their knowledge and skills to perform a diverse range of in-vivo scientific procedures on a variety of laboratory animal species including at higher containment levels, including injections, blood and tissue sampling, and safe use of anaesthetics: this will involve expert safe animal handling and restraint techniques, and the ability to use specialised equipment associated with procedural duties.

Key Responsibilities

• Scientific Procedures for in vivo testing work: this requires an experienced holder of a Home Office Personal Licence, detailed knowledge of ASPA legislation, and an awareness of the parameters set out for procedures.
• Care and welfare of a variety of animal species, including non-human primates (NHPs): ensuring all animals are cared for and maintained to the highest standards of health and welfare.
• Additional Divisional organisational or support duties: involvement in activities which contribute to the overall service of Biological Services.
• Additional tasks: general cleaning of designated procedural rooms, including restock of materials, and other duties as required.

We use the Civil Service Success Profiles to assess our candidates. The job description is not intended to be exhaustive, and it is likely that responsibilities and outcomes may be altered from time to time in the light of changing circumstances and after consultation with the postholder.

Requirements

• Practical and proven experience in the use of a Home Office Personal Licence with a range of common laboratory species and techniques and at a range of containment levels, for in vivo testing.
• Practical experience of working in the animal technology field, including daily husbandry, handling and restraint, dealing with health issues and evidence of a commitment to high standards of animal welfare.

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard checks.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency enhance and improve the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices, underpinned by science and research.

Alongside your salary of £32,617, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency contributes £9,449 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

Benefits

• Annual Leave: 25 days annual leave on entry, rising by one day for each completed year of service to a maximum of 30 days and pro-rata for part-time staff. PLUS 8 bank holidays
• Privilege Leave: 1 day
• Hours of Work: 37 hours (net) per week for full time staff in all geographical locations, including London and pro rata for part-time staff
• Occupational Sick Pay (OSP): One month full pay/one month half pay on entry, rising by one month for each completed year of service to a maximum of five months full pay/five months half pay
• Mobility: Mobility clause in contracts allowing staff to be mobile across the Civil Service
• Civil Service Pension Scheme
• Flexible working to ensure staff maintain a healthy work-life balance
• Interest free season ticket loan or bike loan
• Employee Assistance Services and access to the Civil Service Benevolent Fund
• Eligibility to join the Civil Service Motoring Association (CSMA)
• Variety of staff and Civil Service clubs
• On-going learning and development