Higher Animal Technician - £36,395 p.a. + benefits

Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency; South Mimms; On-site; GBP 37,000; Full time

Job summary

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency is seeking a Higher Animal Technician to join the Analytical and Biological Science team. This full-time, permanent position involves supervising animal care and performing in-vivo scientific procedures, ensuring high standards of animal welfare and compliance with legislation.

Benefits

Civil Service Pension Scheme

25 days annual leave

Flexible working options

Employee Assistance Services

Qualifications

• Professional qualifications such as MIAT or similar.
• Experience with animal care and ensuring welfare standards.
• Knowledge of animal welfare legislation.

Responsibilities

• Supervise daily animal husbandry and scientific procedures.
• Provide staff training and maintain compliance with regulations.
• Perform a range of in-vivo scientific procedures on laboratory animals.

Skills

Animal handling

Scientific procedures

Staff training

Reporting skills

Education

Membership of the Institute of Animal Technology (MIAT)

Home Office Personal Licence

Job description

Higher Animal Technician - £36,395 p.a. + benefits

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Higher Animal Technician - £36,395 p.a. + benefits

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Job Summary

We are currently looking for a

South Mimms, Hertfordshire

Job Summary

We are currently looking for a Higher Animal Technician to join our Analytical and Biological Science team within the Research & Development function within the Science, Research & Innovation group.

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

Some out-of-hours, weekend and bank holiday working will be required on a rota basis.

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 Science, Research and Innovation Group (SR&I) 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.

The SR&I 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. Research and Development (R&D) will host and nurture the current excellence in research into biological reference materials, biological activity measurements, product quality testing and standardisation that is currently hosted by the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC).

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 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.

Job Description

What’s the role?

The role holder will have specific responsibility to support the Area Manager including daily organization, operation, and appropriate staff training/supervision. Matrix management of area staff providing training on any new routines implemented and changes in productivity targets.

The post holder will provide regular reports on any findings from routine checks including health status, productivity, husbandry regimes, trials to the Area Manager.

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 at all containment levels, including injections, blood and tissue sampling, safe use of anaesthetics, and performing tissue dissections: this will involve expert safe animal handling and restraint techniques, and the ability to use specialised equipment associated with procedural duties.

In addition to specific procedures the role holder will contribute to the maintenance of high standards for the care and welfare of the of a variety of animal species, including non-human primates (NHPs) housed in the biological services facility in support of the Agency programmes of work that require in- vivo models. There is the expectation of contribution to the provision of weekend and Bank Holiday cover for the care of animals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supervise the Area, including the daily organization and performance of animal husbandry and procedures, and oversee / perform staff training and assessment of competence where appropriate, to ensure standards are met.
• Cover other Area supervisor roles and / or act as appointed Deputy to an Area Manager to provide support, complete delegated duties and cover Area in their absence when required to ensure business continuity.
• Complete Area related administrative duties to meet Home Office, Quality, Safety and scientific study requirements as well as identify, implement and assess trials to promote improvements to routines Health and Safety and animal welfare within the Area and ensure beneficial changes to routines communicated to staff and enacted.
• Taking primary responsibility for the animals under which staff member’s Personal Licence is applied, including awareness of test severity categories and potential adverse effects, limits, and controls. Ensure all testing protocols are fully compliant with the relevant legislative requirements. Ensure accuracy and consistency of in-vivo procedures to meet requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 quality system.
• Performing a diverse range of in-vivo scientific procedures on a variety of laboratory animal species and containment levels, including injections, blood and tissue sampling, safe use of anaesthetics, and performing tissue dissections: this will involve expert safe animal handling and restraint techniques, and the ability to use specialised equipment associated with procedural duties. This will include those requiring a higher level of skill and a higher degree of safety awareness / competence.
• Able to assist with daily husbandry and other care duties for all species, including NHPs, at containment levels 2 and 3 (SAPO 4 work may be undertaken with suitable experience and training), and maintain the highest standards of welfare through continual improvement of environmental conditions for the animals.
  
  

What’s the role?

The role holder will have specific responsibility to support the Area Manager including daily organization, operation, and appropriate staff training/supervision. Matrix management of area staff providing training on any new routines implemented and changes in productivity targets.

The post holder will provide regular reports on any findings from routine checks including health status, productivity, husbandry regimes, trials to the Area Manager.

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 at all containment levels, including injections, blood and tissue sampling, safe use of anaesthetics, and performing tissue dissections: this will involve expert safe animal handling and restraint techniques, and the ability to use specialised equipment associated with procedural duties.

In addition to specific procedures the role holder will contribute to the maintenance of high standards for the care and welfare of the of a variety of animal species, including non-human primates (NHPs) housed in the biological services facility in support of the Agency programmes of work that require in- vivo models. There is the expectation of contribution to the provision of weekend and Bank Holiday cover for the care of animals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supervise the Area, including the daily organization and performance of animal husbandry and procedures, and oversee / perform staff training and assessment of competence where appropriate, to ensure standards are met.
• Cover other Area supervisor roles and / or act as appointed Deputy to an Area Manager to provide support, complete delegated duties and cover Area in their absence when required to ensure business continuity.
• Complete Area related administrative duties to meet Home Office, Quality, Safety and scientific study requirements as well as identify, implement and assess trials to promote improvements to routines Health and Safety and animal welfare within the Area and ensure beneficial changes to routines communicated to staff and enacted.
• Taking primary responsibility for the animals under which staff member’s Personal Licence is applied, including awareness of test severity categories and potential adverse effects, limits, and controls. Ensure all testing protocols are fully compliant with the relevant legislative requirements. Ensure accuracy and consistency of in-vivo procedures to meet requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 quality system.
• Performing a diverse range of in-vivo scientific procedures on a variety of laboratory animal species and containment levels, including injections, blood and tissue sampling, safe use of anaesthetics, and performing tissue dissections: this will involve expert safe animal handling and restraint techniques, and the ability to use specialised equipment associated with procedural duties. This will include those requiring a higher level of skill and a higher degree of safety awareness / competence.
• Able to assist with daily husbandry and other care duties for all species, including NHPs, at containment levels 2 and 3 (SAPO 4 work may be undertaken with suitable experience and training), and maintain the highest standards of welfare through continual improvement of environmental conditions for the animals.
  
  

Person specification

Who are we looking for?

Our Successful Candidate Will Have:

• Professional qualification of Membership of the Institute of Animal Technology (MIAT), or relevant equivalent.
• A current Home Office Personal Licence or has recently held a Home Office Personal Licence with evidence of appropriate training, competency and proven experience
• Good knowledge of ASPA legislation
• Experience in supervising a team and/or area of work
• 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
  
  

If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity, please read our Job Description and Person Specification!

Please note: The job description may not open in some internet browsers. Please use Chrome or Microsoft Edge. If you have any issue viewing the job description, please contact [e-mail]

Alongside your salary of £36,395, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency contributes £10,543 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• 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. Please see the link for further information http://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/ For enquiries relating to the Civil Service Pension Schemes please contact MyCSP's Pension Service Centre directly on 0300 123 6666
• 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
  
  

Selection process details

We use the Civil Service Success Profiles to assess our candidates, find out more here.

• Online application form, including questions based on the Behaviour, Experience and Technical Success Profiles. Please ensure all application questions are completed in full; your application may not be considered if any responses are left blank. Our applications are CV blind, and our Hiring Managers will not be able to access your CV when reviewing your application.
• Interview, which can include questions based on the Behaviour, Experience, Technical and Strengths Success Profiles. In the instance that we receive a high number of applications, we will hold an initial sift based on the lead criteria of Communicating and Influencing.
  
  

In the instance that we receive a high number of applications, we will hold an initial sift based on the lead criteria of experience in supervising a team and/or area of work; demonstrable leadership skills.

Applicants are assessed on whether they meet any mandatory requirements as well as the necessary skills and experience for the role. Applications are scored based on the competency-based answers provided- ensure you have read these thoroughly and allow sufficient time. You can view the competencies for this role in the job description.

Use of AI in Job Applications

Applicants must ensure that anything submitted is factually accurate and truthful. Plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own.

If you require any disability related adjustments at any point during the process, please contact [e-mail]

Closing date: 4 July 2025

Shortlisting date: 11 July 2025

Interview date: W/C 21 July 2025

Candidates will be contacted within a week of the sift and the interviews completed to inform them of the outcome.

If you need assistance applying for this role or have any other questions, please contact [e-mail]

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 here.

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 here.

In accordance with the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles our recruitment and selection processes are underpinned by the requirement of selection for appointment on the basis of merit by a fair and open competition. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should firstly contact Florentina Oyelami, Head of Talent Acquisition, [e-mail]

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission at:



Civil Service Commission

Room G/8

1 Horse Guards Road

London

SW1A 2HQ

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
  
  

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job Contact :

• Name : Simon Campbell
• Email : [e-mail]
  
  

Recruitment team

• Email : [e-mail]
  
  

Further information

In accordance with the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles our recruitment and selection processes are underpinned by the requirement of selection for appointment on the basis of merit by a fair and open competition. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should contact the Resourcing Team at [e-mail], in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive you can contact the Civil Service Commission at: civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk - [e-mail] - Civil Service Commission Room G/8 1 Horse Guards Road London SW1A 2HQ

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Other

• Industries

  Government Administration

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