Animal Technician | PNAC | Biological Services Group | LMB 2808

UK Research and Innovation; Babraham; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

UKRI - UK Research and Innovation at the Babraham Research Campus supports scientific researchers in the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) by providing mouse husbandry within the Biological Services Group (BSG). The role involves daily care for mice, welfare monitoring, hygiene, feeding, enrichment and strict SOP/Home Office compliance.

The successful candidate will work in a small, close-knit team with clear records, and may participate in occasional travel to the main lab in Cambridge.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Daily care and maintenance of research mice in individually ventilated cages (IVCs).
• Daily welfare observations and reporting any abnormalities.
• Regular observations of cage cleanliness and changing bases.
• Ensure animals have access to food, water and environmental enrichment.
• Maintain animal rooms to high hygiene standards (damp-dusting, vacuuming, mopping).
• Liaise with scientific staff and follow SOPs; ensure Home Office compliance.

Skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Independent work

Communication skills

Education

IAT Level 2 Diploma

GCSEs or equivalent

Animal Care qualification Level 2/3

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

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 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. This is a rolling advertisement which can close or be extended, at any time, based on the number of applications received. Interviews will be held as and when applications are reviewed.

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

• 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

• 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

• 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.

UKRI - UK Research and Innovation

UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.

Supporting some of the world's most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.

More information can be found at www.ukri.org.

Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme.

For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI.

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At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit 'How we support EDI in the workforce'.

Disability Confident Employer

As users of the disability confident scheme, any candidate who opts into the scheme and best meets the essential criteria, will be shortlisted for interview. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

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