Research Assistant Technical - Biological Services Unit

University College Cork; Ireland; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

University College Cork is seeking a dedicated post holder for a 6 months fixed-term, full-time position in the Biological Services Unit. The postholder will support operation, maintenance and regulatory compliance, conducting laboratory and animal facility duties, and data collection under the Manager's direction.

Responsibilities include daily animal care, welfare monitoring, inventory and equipment maintenance, and training demonstrations while upholding health, safety and ethical standards.

Qualifications

• This role requires knowledge of regulatory requirements governing preclinical animal research, including Directive 2010/63/EU.
• Experience in SPF or high-containment animal facilities, or relevant qualifications in animal science, management or welfare.
• Relevant experience in laboratory animal care and welfare is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Data collection and record management to support research programmes.
• Preparation of laboratory materials, and operation/maintenance of equipment.
• Support approved research procedures and ensure compliance with protocols.
• Daily animal husbandry, welfare monitoring, and weekend/out-of-hours rotas as required.
• Maintain inventories, training demonstrations, and uphold health, safety and record-keeping standards.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

Animal care & welfare

Laboratory skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Laboratory Animal Science

Tools

Laboratory equipment operation

Record keeping/data management

Job description

Organisation/Company University College Cork Department HR Research Research Field Other Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Other Positions Application Deadline 30 Oct 2026 - 12:00 (Europe/Dublin) Country Ireland Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 39 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

6 Months Fixed-Term, Whole-Time Post

This position, funded by APC Microbiome Ireland, supports the operation, maintenance and regulatory compliance of the Biological Services Unit (BSU) at University College Cork. The postholder will provide technical and operational support to research programmes under the direction of the Manager and Deputy Manager. The role involves conducting a range of laboratory and animal facility duties, including data collection and record management, preparation laboratory materials, operation and maintenance of equipment and supporting approved research procedures. The postholder will contribute to the efficient running of the laboratory and animal research facilities while ensuring compliance with established protocols and project requirements.

The role includes responsibility for maintaining high standards of animal care and welfare through the provision of daily husbandry, welfare monitoring and participation in weekend and out-of-hours rotas as required. The postholder will maintain laboratory and animal facility inventories, ensure equipment is properly maintained and available, support training and practical demonstrations and uphold rigorous standards of health, safety, hygiene, and record keeping.

The successful candidate will possess knowledge of regulatory requirements governing preclinical animal research, including Scientific Animal Protection legislation and Directive 2010/63/EU. Experience working within a Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) or high-containment animal facility, together with qualifications or relevant experience in laboratory animal science, animal management, or animal care and welfare, will enable the postholder to support research activities while ensuring compliance with ethical, scientific and welfare standards.

UCC is an accredited research organisation and as such can form hosting agreements with third country nationals (and non-EEA nationals) for the purpose of conducting research in the University.

Please note that Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance check may form part of the selection process.

Project:APC funded support in the BSU

For an information package including full details of the post, selection criteria and application process see https://ore.ucc.ie/ .

The University, at its discretion, may undertake to make an additional appointment(s) from this competition following the conclusion of the process.

University College Cork is committed to being a fully inclusive global university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) are core values under our UCC Strategic Plan 2023-2028. UCC holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advancing equality in higher education. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all our employees and the communities they represent.We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from everybody, regardless of age, care-giving status, disability, ethnicity, gender and/or gender identity or expression status, nationality, marital status/civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion/creed, and/or sexual orientation. We are committed to supporting all staff through flexible working schemes, family-friendly policies, training and development, and staff networks. We value the enrichment that comes from a diverse community and seek to promote equality, prevent discrimination and protect the human rights of each individual in line with equality legislation. We encourage applicants to consult our Dignity and Respect Policy andlearn more about our EDI related initiatives

Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with public sector pay policy.

We encourage you to reach out to us directly should you require assistance or reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process.

Please note interviews will be conducted either online via Microsoft Teams or in person in the first instance. Candidates may also be required to attend interviews in person if an interview takes place online. Candidates will be notified as appropriate

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER

Please note that an appointment to posts advertised will be dependent on University approval, together with the terms of the employment control framework for the higher education sector.