Higher Animal Technician

MHRA; South Mimms; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

MHRA is seeking a Higher Animal Technician to join the Scientific Research and Innovation Group in South Mimms, Hertfordshire. This full-time, permanent role supports specialised in-vivo procedures and animal husbandry across containment levels.

The successful candidate will have experience supervising a specialised area, a Home Office Personal Licence, and knowledge of ASPA regulations, with MIAT qualification or equivalent being preferred. Weekend cover may be required.

Qualifications

• Must have Home Office Personal Licence experience and knowledge of ASPA.
• Experience supervising a specialised area including staff training.

Responsibilities

• Daily organisation and operation of a specialised area within Biological Services.
• Staff training and supervision.
• Performing in-vivo procedures on a range of laboratory animal species including at higher containment.
• Ensure high welfare standards and provide weekend/Bank Holiday cover when required.

Skills

Self-organisation

Staff supervision

Education

MIAT

RAnTech desirable

Tools

Home Office Personal Licence

Job description

We are currently looking for a Higher Animal Technician to join our Research and Development Function within the Scientific Research and Innovation group.

This is a full-time opportunity, on a permanent basis. The role will be based in South Mimms, Hertfordshire.

Government departments and agencies are working towards implementing a minimum 60% attendance in office sites.

Who are we?

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.

The Scientific Research and Innovation Group Research & Development function will deliver 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.

Biological Services, within Analytical and Biological Sciences supports three sub-groups of SR&I; Standards Lifecycle, Control Testing and R&D in all aspects of in vivo experimentation. The division houses a range of species across two floors at different containment levels up to and including containment level 3 (CL3) and Specified Animal Pathogen Order 4 (SAPO4). A highly trained and professional technical team care for the animals and perform the scientific procedures, underpinned by a specialist support team, ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare are maintained at all times.

What’s the role?

The role will support the needs of the Scientific Divisions by supporting a specialised area of work, performing in-vivo procedures and husbandry duties both to a high standard, across a large range of species and containment levels.

Key responsibilities

• Daily organization and operation of specialised area within Biological Services.
• Staff training and supervision.
• Performing a diverse range of in-vivo scientific procedures on a variety of laboratory animal species including at higher containment.
• Maintaining the high standards of care and welfare of a variety of animal species, including non-human primates (NHPs), with the expectation of contributing to the provision of weekend and Bank Holiday cover for the care of animals.

Who are we looking for?

Oursuccessful candidatewill:

• Apply high degree of self-organisation in day-to-day working situations.
• Have experience in supervising a specialised area including staff training.
• Have practical and proven experience in the use of a Home Office Personal Licence involving a range of common laboratory animal species, scientific techniques, and biological containment levels.
• Be knowledgeable of ASPA legislation, and relevant sections (in detail) of the Guidance, along with how the regulations are implemented in practice.
• Hold a minimal professional qualification of Certificate of the Institute of Animal Technology (CIAT), or equivalent.

Person Specification:

Method of assessment:A=Application, T=Test, I=Interview, P=Presentation

Behaviour Criteria:

• Delivering at Pace (A, I)
• Developing Self and Others (A, I)

Experience Criteria:

• Experience in supervising specialised area. Experience of mouse breeding areas and colony management, in vivo imaging capability, immunocompromised and humanised mice is desired (A, I)
• 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 (A, I)
• 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 (A, I)
• Substantial experience in prioritizing, working to deadlines, and making the best use of time whilst applying a high degree of self-organization in day-to-day working situations (I)

Technical Criteria:

• Minimal professional qualification of Membership of the Institute of Animal Technology (MIAT), or relevant equivalent. Registered Animal Technician status (RAnTech) is desirable (A)
• Holds a current Home Office Personal Licence or has recently held a Home Office Personal Licence with evidence of appropriate training, competency and proven experience (A, I)
• Proven training and competence records for species, techniques and working at different containment levels (A, I)
• Good knowledge of ASPA legislation, and relevant sections (in detail) of the Guidance, along with how the regulations are implemented in practice (A, I)
• Up to date on developments in education and training on laboratory animal science and welfare (A, I)

Use of AI in Job Applications

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Closing date:31st August 2026

Shortlisting date: from 7th September 2026

Interview date:from 14th September 2026

Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements as well as Civil Service nationality rules. Further information on whether you are able to apply is available.

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check as well as animal rights and pro-life activism checks. People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks.

Certain roles within the MHRA will require post holders to have vaccinations, and in some circumstances, routine health surveillance. These roles include:

• Laboratory-based roles working directly with known pathogens
• Maintenance roles, particularly those required to work in laboratory settings
• Roles that involve visiting other establishments where vaccination is required
• Roles required to travel overseas where specific vaccination may be required.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

Any move to the MHRA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility.

Individuals appointed on level transfer will retain their existing salary and are responsible for ensuring they fully understand the financial implications of any potential move and the impact (if any) on their terms. If an individual is in any doubt, they should seek clarification before accepting a job offer.

Staff joining on promotion will receive up to a 10% increase of their current basic salary, or the pay band minimum, whichever is the greater.

Successful candidates may be subject to annual Occupational Health reviews dependent on role requirements.