Trainee Technician

HIRANI; Belfast City District; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

Queens University Belfast's Biological Services Unit is recruiting a Trainee Technician for a 12‑month fixed‑term programme, with the aim of progressing to a permanent Grade 3 Technician role on successful completion. Salary starts at £28,087‑£28,417 during training and rises to £29,118‑£30,630 after completion.

You will work alongside experienced technicians to provide high standards of animal care and husbandry, support SPF colony maintenance, operate specialist equipment, keep accurate

Qualifications

• A minimum of five GCSEs (Grade C/Level 4 or above), including English Language and Mathematics.
• Some practical work experience (up to one year) in animal care, laboratory, technical, healthcare, agricultural or similar environment.
• A genuine interest in laboratory animal technology, scientific research and maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare.
• Willingness to undertake a structured training programme and obtain PILA + PILB within the first 12 months.
• A Basic AccessNI check will be required prior to appointment.

Responsibilities

• Provide high standards of animal care and husbandry.
• Support the maintenance of SPF animal colonies.
• Operate specialist equipment and maintain accurate records.
• Ensure compliance with ASPA, Health and Safety legislation and SOPs.
• Support teaching and research activities and day‑to‑day facility operations.

Skills

Animal care interest

Record keeping

Compliance awareness

Education

GCSEs including English and Maths

Job description

• £28,087 - £28,417 during training, increasing to £29,118-£30,630 upon successful completion of training.

Join the Biological Services Unit (BSU) at Queens University Belfast as a Trainee Technician and begin a structured training programme leading to a permanent Grade 3 Technician role upon successful completion. This 12-month fixed-term opportunity is ideal for individuals looking to develop a career in laboratory animal technology and scientific research.

Working alongside experienced technicians, you will learn to provide high standards of animal care and husbandry, support the maintenance of Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) animal colonies, operate specialist equipment, maintain accurate records, and ensure compliance with the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA), Health and Safety legislation, and University Standard Operating Procedures.

Throughout the programme, you will receive comprehensive training, complete competency assessments, and work towards obtaining a Department of Health Personal Licence (PILA + PILB). You will also support teaching and research activities while contributing to the smooth day-to-day operation of the Biological Services Unit.

This role offers excellent opportunities for professional development within a supportive team committed to animal welfare, scientific excellence, and continuous improvement. Participation in a planned overtime rota, including weekends and University closure periods, is required to support the continuous operation of the facility.

You must be willing to undertake a structured training programme, successfully complete competency assessments and obtain a Department of Health Personal Licence (PILA + PILB) within the first 12 months of appointment. You should also be able to meet the physical requirements of the role and be willing to participate in an overtime rota, including weekends and University closure periods.

About the person:

The successful candidate must have, and your application should clearly demonstrate that you meet the following essential criteria:

A minimum of five GCSEs (Grade C/Level 4 or above), or equivalent, including English Language and Mathematics.

Some practical work experience (up to one year) in an animal care, laboratory, technical, healthcare, agricultural, manufacturing or similar environment.

A genuine interest in laboratory animal technology, scientific research and maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare.

A willingness to undertake a structured training programme, successfully complete competency assessments and obtain a Department of Health Personal Licence (PILA + PILB) within the first 12 months of appointment.

A Basic AccessNI check will be required prior to appointment.