At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure animal training and competency standards are met at QUB.
- Company: Join Queen's University, a leader in research and education.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holidays, and a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on animal welfare and ethical practices.
- Qualifications: Relevant qualifications and experience with animals are essential.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse community committed to equality and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Under the terms of the Animal (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (Amended 2012) (ASPA) the post holder will be appointed as the Named Training and Competency Officer (NTCO). Working to the Research Governance Ethics & Integrity Manager, you will be responsible for ensuring that everyone dealing with animals under ASPA at QUB, is adequately educated, trained and supervised until they are competent, and they continue to undertake appropriate further training to maintain their expertise.
As the NTCO, you will work in partnership with the other Named Persons under ASPA (NVSs, NACWOs and NIO) and the Research Governance, Ethics & Integrity Manager. The post-holder be a key member of the University's Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB) to ensure training is standardised across all personal licensees, and regulated procedures are the most refined. They will also draw upon their strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with all levels of staff from the senior academics within scientific groups to individual postgraduate students and technician colleagues.
The NTCO role will involve development, implementation and management of local training modules highlighting how ASPA is delivered in the Biological Services Unit (BSU), alongside facilitating inductions into working at the BSU and promotion of a Culture of Care within the establishment underpinned through promotion of the 3Rs.
About the person:
The candidate will have:
- Academic and/or vocational qualifications e.g. HND/HNC NVQ 4, degree or equivalent standard) in a relevant subject.
- Valid UK Home Office/ Department of Health Personal Licence (or equivalent qualification).
- Substantial experience in working with animals in a higher education or industry setting, particularly in a broad range of procedural skills.
- Experience in performing training and assessments of procedural techniques.
- Experience in producing high quality, accurate training material.
- Experience with Management Information Systems, preferably relating to animal breeding/husbandry/competencies.
To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Informationon our website.
What we offer:
Beyond a competitive salary, the University offers an attractive benefits package including a holiday entitlement of up to 8.4 weeks a year, pension schemes and development opportunities. We support staff wellbeing with flexible working options, work-life balance initiatives and support for physical and mental health. You can find more detail on all of this and more at on our website.
Queen's University is committed to promoting equality of opportunity to all. We subscribe to Equality Charter Marks such as the Diversity Charter Mark NI and Athena Swan and have established staff networks such as iRise (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and International Staff Network) and PRISM (LGBTQ+) which help us progress equality.
For further information on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, please visit our website.
If you are an international applicant and don't already hold a visa that permits you to take up the role you are applying for, please use the information provided on our website to self-assess whether the University is likely to be able to support a visa application.
Skills:
Animal Welfare procedural skills Health Personal Licence
Named Training Competency Officer employer: Queens University
Contact Detail:
Queens University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Named Training Competency Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Animal (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and its amendments. Understanding the legal framework will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to compliance and animal welfare.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of animal welfare and training. Attend relevant workshops or seminars where you can meet potential colleagues and learn more about the culture at Queen's University.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in developing training materials and conducting assessments. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your skills and how they align with the responsibilities of the NTCO role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your interpersonal skills during any interactions with the hiring team. Being able to communicate effectively with a diverse range of staff is crucial for this role, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently.
We think you need these skills to ace Named Training Competency Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Named Training Competency Officer position. Make sure you understand the importance of training and competency in relation to ASPA.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, clearly outline your experience working with animals, particularly in a higher education or industry setting. Provide specific examples of your procedural skills and any training or assessments you've conducted.
Demonstrate Interpersonal Skills: Since the role requires strong interpersonal skills, include examples of how you've effectively communicated and collaborated with various levels of staff. This could be through training sessions, workshops, or team projects.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect how you meet both the essential and desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information. Use specific language from the job description to demonstrate your fit for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Queens University
✨Showcase Your Qualifications
Make sure to highlight your academic and vocational qualifications relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how your background aligns with the requirements of the Named Training Competency Officer position.
✨Demonstrate Your Experience
Prepare specific examples of your experience working with animals, particularly in training and assessments. Discuss any procedural skills you have developed and how they relate to the responsibilities of the NTCO.
✨Emphasise Interpersonal Skills
Since the role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, be ready to share instances where your strong interpersonal skills made a difference. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively with both senior academics and students.
✨Familiarise Yourself with ASPA
Understand the Animal (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and its implications for the role. Being knowledgeable about ASPA will demonstrate your commitment to animal welfare and ethical standards during the interview.