Senior Animal Technician

The Institute of Cancer Research; Greater London; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in Sutton is seeking an experienced Senior Animal Technician to join the Biological Services Unit. You will deliver high-quality animal care and technical support to underpin world-leading cancer research.

This role combines hands-on work, colony management, staff supervision and training within a collaborative environment. Applicants should have Level 3 Animal Technology qualifications, Home Office PIL and proven experience in a laboratory animal facility,

Qualifications

• A Level 3 qualification in Animal Technology, Associate or Full Membership of the IAT, or equivalent relevant experience.
• A Home Office Personal Licence (PIL), equivalent certification, or willingness to obtain one.
• Significant experience working in a laboratory animal facility, in vivo research environment, or similar technical setting.
• Experience managing transgenic or genetically altered mouse colonies.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, and training staff.
• Strong organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• A commitment to animal welfare, regulatory compliance, and continuous professional development.

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain mouse breeding colonies and experimental animals to the highest welfare standards.
• Perform regulated procedures under Home Office licences and provide technical support to research programmes.
• Monitor animal health and welfare, promoting a strong Culture of Care throughout the facility.
• Support researchers undertaking innovative cancer research using in vivo models.
• Train, mentor, and supervise junior technicians, researchers, and licence holders.
• Contribute to facility operations, record keeping, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Participate in out-of-hours, weekend, and public holiday rotas to ensure continuity of animal care.

Skills

In vivo research experience

Transgenic mouse colonies

Staff supervision

Welfare & compliance

Communication skills

Education

Level 3 Animal Technology qualification

IAT membership (Associate/Full)

Home Office Personal Licence (PIL)

Job description

Key Information

Salary: Salary range £40,850 - £43,000 per annum. Commencement on the salary range is subject to comparable skills and experience.

Reporting to: Glyn Fisher, Head of Biological Services Unit

Duration of Contract: Not 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

This role is eligible for ICR Sponsorship. If this is your first visa in the UK, support will be provided for costs associated with Visa application. If you are considering relocating to the UK, further information can be found here.

Job Details

Join one of the world's leading cancer research institutes and play a vital role in supporting ground-breaking research that helps improve outcomes for people with cancer.

About the Role

The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) is seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Animal Technician to join our Biological Services Unit (BSU). Working closely with researchers and the Centre for In Vivo Modelling (CIVM), you will help deliver high-quality animal care, welfare, and technical support that underpins world-leading cancer research.

This is an exciting opportunity for an established animal technologist looking to take the next step in their career, combining hands‑on technical work, colony management, staff supervision, and training responsibilities within a collaborative research environment.

Key Responsibilities

As a Senior Animal Technician, you will:

• Manage and maintain mouse breeding colonies and experimental animals to the highest welfare standards.
• Perform regulated procedures under Home Office licences and provide technical support to research programmes.
• Monitor animal health and welfare, promoting a strong Culture of Care throughout the facility.
• Support researchers undertaking innovative cancer research using in vivo models.
• Train, mentor, and supervise junior technicians, researchers, and licence holders.
• Contribute to facility operations, record keeping, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Participate in out-of-hours, weekend, and public holiday rotas to ensure continuity of animal care.

About You

We are looking for someone who has:

Essential

• A Level 3 qualification in Animal Technology, Associate or Full Membership of the IAT, or equivalent relevant experience.
• A Home Office Personal Licence (PIL), equivalent certification, or willingness and eligibility to obtain one.
• Significant experience working in a laboratory animal facility, in vivo research environment, or similar technical setting.
• Experience managing transgenic or genetically altered mouse colonies.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, and training staff.
• Strong organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• A commitment to animal welfare, regulatory compliance, and continuous professional development.

Desirable

• Knowledge of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and associated Codes of Practice.
• Experience as a Named Animal Care and Welfare Officer (NACWO).
• Competence in laboratory animal anaesthesia, substance administration, and tissue collection techniques.
• Experience supporting Home Office licence holders and training programmes.

About Us

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.

About The Institute of Cancer Research

The Institute of Cancer Research is internationally recognised for its contribution to cancer research and innovation. We are committed to excellence, collaboration, integrity, inclusion, and making a meaningful difference for patients

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.

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

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

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: Glyn.Fish[email protected]and [email protected].

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.