Senior Technical Specialist - InVivo in Portishead

For 75 years, Charles River employees have worked together to assist in the discovery, development and safe manufacture of new drug therapies. When you join our family, you will have a significant impact on the health and well‑being of people across the globe. Whether your background is in life sciences, finance, IT, sales or another area, your skills will play an important role in the work we perform. In return, we’ll help you build a career that you can feel passionate about.

The Role

Our In Vivo Pharmacology group is excited to be recruiting for a senior technical team member and holder of a Home Office Personal Licence to join our animal unit in Portishead.

You will have the opportunity to perform a variety of moderately complex licensed procedures, under strategic guidance at a lower grade or independently with the ability to lead more complex models, at a higher grade.

This role requires you to have strong technical expertise and a solid understanding of the regulatory environment for preclinical research in the UK. Utmost attention to animal welfare and a willingness to support contract research services to global pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in the areas of: infection, immunooncology, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. You will work in an exciting and dynamic environment, taking an active part in research performed at the highest scientific standard and contributing to the discovery of new medicines, while adhering to the strictest ethical principles.

Offering you career development and progression plus opportunities to be involved in a variety of projects and initiatives within a drug discovery environment.

Main Tasks

Procedural

• Competently perform a broad range of licensed procedures on a range of in vivo models including more complex techniques in accordance with the UK Home Office regulations and 3Rs best practices.
• Always provide the highest level of animal care ensuring that the animals welfare is a priority throughout the process.
• Be aware of the Home Office guidelines and responsibilities regarding environmental monitoring, report promptly and whenever possible fix any welfare and environmental issues ensuring adequate maintenance conditions for the experimental animals.
• Be technically able to reestablish previously reported techniques and implement novel approaches under strategic guidance or independently according to business needs.
• Adhere to all health and safety protocols, follow biosecurity procedures and comply with PPE regulations, report any quality issues immediately to ensure a safe working environment.

General

• Train and mentor junior staff in a range of licensed techniques applied in moderate to complex models emphasising adherence to Standard Operating Procedures and ensuring smooth execution of preclinical studies and animal unit operations.
• Be a recognised role model, help maintain team resilience and a positive attitude.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing with colleagues internal and external project stakeholders.
• Demonstrate sound judgement, suggest innovative and practicable solutions to a range of technical issues, present these solutions in a competent manner to peers and managers.
• Independently prepare materials required for planning and executing studies according to agreed Statements of Work, Home Office Procedural Project Licence protocols and Home Office best practices.
• Work closely with clients and Client Services ensuring an exceptional client journey.
• Independently input and collate data from studies utilising moderate to complex models, advancing preclinical projects for clients.
• Analyse and, under guidance, interpret and report data from models of moderate complexity.
• Prepare and review Standard Operating Procedures related to preclinical in vivo projects.
• Identify and provide solutions to biosecurity and safety related issues with appropriate line manager involvement.

Candidate must be able to travel to the Portishead site daily and in an emergency.

The role requires ability to provide out‑of‑hours study support and unit work cover.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree, HND in biological or life sciences discipline.
• Extensive experience working in a relevant field, CRO or biotech company, including a proven history of working independently.
• Proven track record of delivering in vivo model development and validation.
• Strong attention to detail with excellent communication skills.
• Proficient in IT: MS Word, Excel, Outlook and Teams.
• Willingness to work adaptively to changing and tight timelines.
• Ability to work independently and as a role model for junior colleagues.
• Experience in experimental design.
• Holder of the Home Office Personal Licence; modules E1L, PIL A, B (or equivalent qualification) with experience of working with rodents or small animals.
• Understanding of animal welfare.
• Scientific understanding of infection, diabetes, immuno‑oncology, autoimmune or inflammatory disease models, or general pharmacology models.
• Hands‑on approach to troubleshooting and participation in the continuous improvement of the unit and associated processes.
• Enthusiastic approach to mentoring junior team members, provision of scientific input to guide the running of in vivo models and data interpretation.

Advantageous, But Not Essential

• MSc/PhD within relevant discipline, in applicable field.
• Familiarity with requirements for ex vivo biomarker analysis techniques, assay development and validation.
• Proven track record of project leadership.
• Experience with client communication.
• Home Office Personal Licence covering surgical procedures and hands‑on surgical experience in rodents (e.g., aseptic techniques, post‑operative care).
• Eligibility and willingness to be appointed as a NTCO and/or NACWO under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA), subject to Home Office approval.
• Understanding of use of anaesthetics and analgesics.
• A strong scientific and practical background in data analysis and experimental design.

What We Offer You

Financial & Retirement

Highly competitive pension contribution packages, group life assurance, and group income protection.

Health & Wellness

Private medical insurance (often extending to family members), private dental care, 24/7 remote GP access, and critical illness cover.

Work‑Life Balance

Generous parental leave policies, flexible working arrangements depending on business needs, and the option to buy or sell annual leave.

Additional Perks

Electric Car Scheme, Cycle to work scheme, paid professional development and training opportunities, and a dedicated employee assistance programme for well‑being support.