Junior Animal Technician

The Institute of Cancer Research; Greater London; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

The Institute of Cancer Research in Sutton is seeking a Junior Animal Technician to join the Biological Services Unit. You will contribute to world‑leading cancer research by providing high‑quality animal care, husbandry and technical support for mouse colonies.

Working with licensed researchers, you will help maintain breeding colonies, monitor welfare, support regulated procedures, and participate in weekend and out‑of‑hours rotas, in a modern research environment.

Qualifications

• Level 2 qualification in Animal Technology or equivalent relevant experience.
• Commitment to maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare.
• Understanding of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 or willingness to develop this knowledge.
• Awareness of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement).
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office.
• Willingness to learn and undertake further training.
• Ability to work in a physically demanding environment.

Responsibilities

• Providing daily care and husbandry for laboratory mice.
• Monitoring animal health and welfare and reporting concerns promptly.
• Assisting with breeding colony management, including identification, weaning and record keeping.
• Supporting regulated procedures following appropriate training and competency assessment.
• Maintaining animal accommodation, procedural areas and equipment to high standards.
• Ensuring compliance with Home Office regulations, SOPs and animal welfare requirements.
• Working collaboratively with researchers to support high‑quality cancer research.
• Participating in weekend, public holiday and out‑of‑hours rotas.

Skills

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Teamwork

Microsoft Office

Physical stamina

Willingness to learn

Laboratory animal handling

Education

Level 2 qualification in Animal Technology

Experience in laboratory animal facility

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Breeding colony management tools

Job description

Key Information

Salary: £31,920 - £33,600 per annum. Commencement on the salary range is subject to comparable skills and experience.

Reporting to: Emma Mustafa, BSU Facility Manager

Duration of Contract: Non time limited

Hours per week: 35 hours per week (Full Time), Weekend and bank holiday rota participation required.

Location: Sutton

Closing Date: 20th September 2026

Job Details

Are you passionate about animal welfare and interested in supporting world‑leading cancer research? We are seeking a motivated and dedicated Junior Animal Technician to join the Biological Services Unit (BSU) at The Institute of Cancer Research. In this role, you will contribute to pioneering cancer research by providing high‑quality animal care and technical support within a modern research environment.

About Us

The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) is one of the world's leading cancer research organisations, with an exceptional track record spanning more than 100 years. Working in partnership with The Royal Marsden, we are recognised as one of the top centres for cancer research and treatment worldwide. Our mission is simple but ambitious: to make the discoveries that defeat cancer.

The BSU supports researchers across the organisation by maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare while enabling innovative in vivo research that advance our understanding of cancer and the development of new treatments.

About the Role

As a Junior Animal Technician, you will play an important role in delivering exceptional animal care, welfare, and husbandry services. Working alongside experienced technicians, researchers, and licence holders, you will help maintain breeding and experimental mouse colonies and support a range of research activities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing daily care and husbandry for laboratory mice.
• Monitoring animal health and welfare and reporting concerns promptly.
• Assisting with breeding colony management, including identification, weaning and record keeping.
• Supporting regulated procedures following appropriate training and competency assessment.
• Maintaining animal accommodation, procedural areas and equipment to high standards.
• Ensuring compliance with Home Office regulations, SOPs and animal welfare requirements.
• Working collaboratively with researchers to support high‑quality cancer research.
• Participating in weekend, public holiday and out‑of‑hours rotas.

What We're Looking For

Essential

• Level 2 qualification in Animal Technology or equivalent relevant experience working with laboratory animals. Experience working in a laboratory animal facility or research environment.
• Commitment to maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare.
• Understanding of the principles of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 or willingness to develop this knowledge.
• Awareness of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement).
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office.
• Willingness to learn and undertake further training.
• Ability to work in a physically demanding environment.

Desirable

• Associate Membership of the Institute of Animal Technology (IAT) or willingness to work towards membership.
• Home Office Personal Licence (PIL).
• Knowledge of laboratory animal husbandry and mouse colony management.
• Experience of welfare monitoring, breeding colony management and supporting animal procedures.
• Experience working within a regulated environment.
• Knowledge of cancer research models and in vivo studies.

The BSU supports researchers across the organisation by maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare while enabling innovative in vivo research that advances our understanding of cancer and the development of new treatments.

The ICR is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.

We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

For further information or to discuss your application please contact Glyn Fisher (Head of BSU) and Professor Kamil R. Kranc (Director of the Centre for In Vivo Modelling) via email: [email protected] and [email protected].

About The Institute of Cancer Research

Why work for us?

As a member of staff, you'll have exclusive access to a range of staff benefits.

The ICR is committed to supporting overseas applicants applying for roles, please click here to find out further information.

The Institute of Cancer Research, London, is one of the world's most influential cancer research institutes, with an outstanding record of achievement dating back more than 100 years. Further information about working at the ICR can be found here.

At the Institute of Cancer Research, we champion diversity as we believe it fuels innovation and drives impactful research. We welcome applicants from all walks of life, valuing diverse perspectives that enrich our work.

Don't let a checklist of qualifications hold you back - if you're passionate about the role, we want to hear from you. Your unique experiences and backgrounds contribute to the richness of our team. We are committed to being an equal opportunity for all, regardless of ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other dimension of diversity. Join us in creating an inclusive environment where everyone's voice is heard and valued.