Named Training & Competency Officer

The University of Manchester; Manchester; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Annual leave 29 days + holidays

Flexible working

Job summary

The University of Manchester on Oxford Road is seeking a Named Training & Competency Officer (NTCO), NIO & 3Rs Manager to lead training, competency governance and 3Rs strategies within the Biological Services Facility.

You will collaborate with NTCOs, NIOs, NACWOs and licensed researchers to uphold animal welfare, regulatory excellence and research integrity across FBMH, organising accredited in vivo training and maintaining auditable records.

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and associated statutory responsibilities
• Substantial practical experience in in vivo biomedical research techniques and animal care standards
• Demonstrated commitment to animal welfare and practical application of the 3Rs
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with proven ability to train, assess, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders
• A proven track record of working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team of statutory Named Persons and technical specialists
• Degree in a relevant life sciences discipline or equivalent demonstrable professional experience

Responsibilities

• Fulfilling statutory duties as NTCO and NIO under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA)
• Managing the assessment, continuous professional development, and auditable record-keeping of competence for all personal licence holders and animal care staff
• Serving as 3Rs Manager and Lead for the Experimental Support Group, embedding Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement across all projects
• Organising and delivering accredited training courses in in vivo experimental techniques and regulatory licensing
• Contributing expert guidance to the Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB) on project reviews, procedural standards, and licence compliance

Skills

ASPA knowledge

In vivo techniques

3Rs implementation

Training & assessment

Stakeholder collaboration

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Education

Degree in life sciences

PhD desirable

Job description

Job reference: BMH-032360

Salary: £47,389 - £58,225 per annum depending on experience

Faculty/Organisational Unit: Biology, Medicine Health

Location: Oxford Road

Employment type: Permanent

Division/Team: FBMH Research and Innovation

Hours Per Week: Full Time (1 FTE)

Closing date (DD/MM/YYYY): 11/10/2026

Contract Duration: Permanent

School/Directorate: FBMH Research and Innovation

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative professional to join our collegiate team of existing Named Persons as the Named Training & Competency Officer (NTCO), NIO & 3Rs Manager within the Biological Services Facility (BSF). Working alongside our established network of NTCOs, NIOs, NACWOs, and Named Veterinary Surgeons, this statutory leadership role plays a vital part in upholding animal welfare, regulatory excellence, and research integrity across one of the UK’s largest biomedical research environments. You will collaborate with peers to lead training, competency governance, and 3Rs strategies while supporting hundreds of world-class researchers and licence holders.

You will be responsible for:

• Fulfilling statutory duties as NTCO and NIO under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA)
• Managing the assessment, continuous professional development, and auditable record-keeping of competence for all personal licence holders and animal care staff
• Serving as 3Rs Manager and Lead for the Experimental Support Group, embedding Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement across all projects
• Organising and delivering accredited training courses in in vivo experimental techniques and regulatory licensing
• Contributing expert guidance to the Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB) on project reviews, procedural standards, and licence compliance

We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.

About you

We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:

Essential criteria:

• Thorough knowledge of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and associated statutory responsibilities
• Substantial practical experience in in vivo biomedical research techniques and animal care standards
• Demonstrated commitment to animal welfare and practical application of the 3Rs
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with proven ability to train, assess, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders
• A proven track record of working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team of statutory Named Persons and technical specialists
• Degree in a relevant life sciences discipline or equivalent demonstrable professional experience

Desirable Criteria:

• A PhD or equivalent research qualification in a biological/life science field
• Previous experience serving as a statutory Named Person (NTCO/NIO/NACWO) or AWERB member
• Experience overseeing digital training registers and research support pipelines

Our benefits include:

• Generous employer pension contribution
• 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
• Flexible working policies, Ride to work, and EV car schemes

For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working.

We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy.

Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews.

Name: Dr Maria Kamper (Strategic Director, BSF)

Email Address: BSF Recruitment / [e-mail]

General enquiries and administrative support

[e-mail]

Technical and job portal support

jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

Applications close at midnight on the closing date.

£47,389 to £58,225 per annum depending on experience