NTCO/NIO Training & Competency Lead (3Rs)

University of Manchester; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous pension contribution

29 days annual leave + bank holidays

Flexible working policies

Job summary

University of Manchester seeks a motivated professional to join the BSF team as Named Training & Competency Officer (NTCO), NIO & 3Rs Manager. You will lead training, governance of competency, and 3Rs strategies across hundreds of researchers and licence holders in one of the UK’s largest biomedical environments.

You will collaborate with NTCOs, NIOs, NACWOs, and Named Veterinary Surgeons to uphold animal welfare, regulatory excellence, and research integrity, delivering accredited training and

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 ASPA.
• Managing assessment, CPD, and auditable records of competence for all license holders and 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 techniques and regulatory licensing.
• Contributing expert guidance to AWERB on project reviews, procedural standards, and license compliance.

Skills

ASPA knowledge

In vivo techniques

Training & competency governance

Leadership & collaboration

Communication & training

Education

Life sciences degree

PhD (Desirable)

Tools

Training registers

Job description

University of Manchester seeks a motivated professional to join the BSF team as Named Training & Competency Officer (NTCO), NIO & 3Rs Manager. You will lead training, governance of competency, and 3Rs strategies across hundreds of researchers and licence holders in one of the UK’s largest biomedical environments.

You will collaborate with NTCOs, NIOs, NACWOs, and Named Veterinary Surgeons to uphold animal welfare, regulatory excellence, and research integrity, delivering accredited training and