Technical Manager & Animal Specialist

King's College London; Greater London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading university in London seeks a part-time post holder to provide technical support for small animal experimentation related to cardiovascular research. The ideal candidate will have a relevant degree and substantial experience in this field, alongside skills in communication and planning. Responsibilities include advising on animal models, performing microsurgery, and providing training to students. This role offers an indefinite term contract with 21 hours a week commitment.

Qualifications

• Substantial work experience in relevant technical/scientific service posts.
• Prior documented experience in small animal experimentation.
• In-depth knowledge of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act.

Responsibilities

• Support coordination and advise on animal models for cardiovascular research.
• Involve in research projects through rodent microsurgery and phenotyping.
• Train early career scientists in animal experimentation.

Skills

Small animal experimentation

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Planning skills

Knowledge of regulatory frameworks

Education

Relevant undergraduate degree or equivalent

Job description

About Us

The School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine & Sciences (SCMMS) at King's College London comprises over 70 academic research groups, supports more than 400 staff members and 110 PhD students, and offers an exceptional multidisciplinary environment for cutting‑edge cardiovascular and metabolic research. Learn more about our school at https://www.kcl.ac.uk/scms.

About The Role

The post holder is a member of the School's professional services team who provides high quality technical support related to small animal experimentation to the community of academic investigators interested in cardiovascular research in the School and, in particular, operating in the Denmark Hill Campus. The incumbent will:

• Support, coordinate and advise on appropriate animal models to investigate cardiovascular pathophysiology.
• Be involved in specific research projects by performing rodent microsurgery and cardiovascular phenotyping for the most relevant small animal models of interest for cardiovascular research (e.g. echocardiography, cardiac catheterisation via the carotid approach, implantation of telemeters, etc.).
• Provide advice and guidance and, where appropriate, training on Home Office and University policies related to animal experimentation, processes.
• Provide training related to animal experimentation to early career scientists and students when required.
• Provide other duties related to small animal experimentation and animal phenotyping.

This is a part time post (21 hours a week), and you will be offered an indefinite term contract.

About You

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

1. Level 6 qualification, e.g., relevant undergraduate degree or equivalent, plus substantial work experience in relevant technical/scientific service posts OR Extensive work experience in relevant technical/ scientific posts with management experience and/or qualification.
2. Prior documented experience in small animal experimentation and phenotyping in the cardiovascular field.
3. In depth knowledge of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act.
4. Comprehensive knowledge of regulations and best practice governing area of work, including Health & Safety and Home Office regulations relative to animal experimentation.
5. Excellent spoken and written communication skills, with advanced computer use and strong interpersonal and influencing/behavioural skills to build a strong network to support the delivery of the service.
6. Excellent planning and analytical skills, able to manage staff and facilities, setting performance standards, and establishing protocols to deliver these.
7. Knowledge of environmental impacts of laboratory work, environmental sustainability best practice and an interest in reducing the negative impacts.
8. Evidence of an active commitment to professional development, such as working towards CSci and clear progression in increasingly demanding jobs.

Desirable criteria

1. Effective management skills - of staff and other resources.
2. Comprehensive knowledge of a range of technical or scientific practices, and, where relevant, scientific specialism applicable to the work area with a full understanding of the technical/scientific theory underpinning these, with particular relationship to the cardiovascular field.
3. Experience of working in a biological services unit.
4. Knowledge of Breeding techniques, anaesthesia, removal of bodily fluids.
5. Able and willing to provide support beyond core hours, as required.

Further Information

At King's, we believe that the diversity of our community and a culture that is welcoming, open, inclusive and collaborative, are great strengths of the university.

The Equality Act of 2010 protects the rights of our students and staff and provides a framework to fulfil our duties to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and in addition, to advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between those who share a protected characteristic and those who do not. At times, this will include balancing rights and beliefs that can feel in tension.

We are committed to free speech and to academic freedom, believing that our foundational purpose as a university, is to create spaces where a wide range of ideas, including ideas that are controversial, can be discussed and debated, and where members of our community can express lawful views without fear of intimidation, harassment or discrimination.

When engaging in the robust exchange of ideas, we ask that our community is mindful of our Dignity at King's guidance.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the person specification section of the job description. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

*We welcome your thoughts on how organisations can create an inclusive environment, including one which supports free speech and the exchange of a wide range of ideas.*

To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our 'How we Recruit' pages.

Interviews are due to be held on End February / early March.

This post is subject to Occupational Health clearances.