At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide top-notch animal care and support vital research for national defence.
- Company: Dstl, a leader in defence science with a commitment to animal welfare.
- Benefits: Structured training, professional development, and potential skill-set allowance up to £4,500.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are valued; UK Nationals only due to security clearance.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact while working in a specialist environment.
- Qualifications: Five GCSEs including Double Science, Maths, and English; willingness to learn.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 27000 £ per year.
Dstl is looking for dedicated Animal Technicians to support research that underpins the UK’s defence against chemical and biological threats. This is your chance to play a hands‑on role in nationally important science, contributing directly to policies and decisions that protect the country. You’ll work in a specialist environment where high standards of animal welfare, scientific integrity, and regulatory compliance are at the heart of everything we do.
Whether you’re experienced or looking to grow, you’ll receive structured training, professional development, and support to gain recognised qualifications, including IAT Levels 2–3 and Home Office licensing. Dstl recognises the importance of diversity and inclusion as people from diverse backgrounds bring fresh ideas. We are committed to building an inclusive working environment in which each employee fulfils their potential and maximises their contribution. This role may benefit from our new skill‑set allowance. If you possess a specialist skill‑set required at Dstl, you may benefit from additional monetary allowance in addition to your salary – a handy bonus for your craft! (£1,000-£4,500 per annum). This allowance is payable just 3-months from joining.
What you’ll do:
- Deliver animal care to the highest welfare standards, with accurate monitoring and reporting
- Support research across in vivo and in vitro programmes
- Train and develop through competency assessments and formal qualifications
- Work with specialists including NACWOs, NVS, researchers, and technical teams
- Maintain compliance with Home Office legislation and internal quality frameworks
- Participate in rota including out‑of‑hours and on‑call duties (with additional payment)
What you’ll bring:
- Experience working with animals in a professional, research, or care setting
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
- Clear communication and a collaborative mindset
- Reliability, flexibility, and a proactive approach
- willingness to develop knowledge of ASPA and regulated environments
This is a rare opportunity to build a meaningful career where your work has real‑world impact. If you’re motivated, curious, and committed to excellent animal care, we’d love to hear from you.
Qualifications:
- Five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including Double Science, Maths, and English.
- Willingness to undertake training and development, including: Home Office Personal Licence (PIL) (if not already held)
- Relevant technical and professional qualifications
Our work in defence, security and intelligence requires our employees to be UK Nationals who are able to gain a high level of security clearance to undertake the projects we are involved in to protect us from security threats. For this reason, only UK Nationals will be able to apply for this role. If you are an international or dual‑national candidate, and you think you have the skills we need, please consider applying to any of our government, security or defence partners. This role will require full UK security clearance and you should have resided in the UK for the past 5 years. For some roles Developed Vetting will also be required, in this case you should have resided in the UK for the past 10 years.
Animal Technician in Salisbury employer: Dstl
Dstl is an exceptional employer, offering Animal Technicians the chance to engage in vital research that safeguards the UK against chemical and biological threats. With a strong commitment to high standards of animal welfare and scientific integrity, employees benefit from structured training, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion. Located in a specialist environment, this role not only provides meaningful work but also offers unique financial incentives for those with specialist skills, making it an attractive place for dedicated individuals looking to make a real-world impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Animal Technician in Salisbury
✨Explore University Career Fairs
University career fairs are gold mines, especially for biology roles. We should hit up these events, connect with potential employers like Dstl, and get the inside scoop on full-time opportunities. Plus, it's a fab way to showcase our passion for the field!
✨Join Biology Communities
Get involved in local biology associations or online forums—these are great for networking and hearing about job openings before they hit the mainstream. Engaging in meaningful discussions can help us stand out and get noticed by hiring managers in the biology sector.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Plan to attend biology-related conferences or workshops. These events are perfect for making connections, learning about the latest research, and even finding out which companies, like Dstl, are expanding and hiring full-time positions. Don't forget to bring your business cards!
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
When you land that interview, be ready to flaunt your research experience and practical skills. Discuss any lab work, projects, or internships that demonstrate your expertise in biology. We want to make sure the interviewers see exactly why we're a great fit for the role at Dstl.
We think you need these skills to ace Animal Technician in Salisbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Lab Skills:In the biology field, it's super important to highlight any relevant lab skills. Make sure to include techniques you’ve mastered, like PCR or chromatography, right in your CV. This helps us see your hands-on experience and how you can contribute at Dstl.
Tailor Your Cover Letter with Passion:When writing your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for biology shine through! Share specific examples of projects or research that fuel your passion. It’s the perfect way to convey your motivation and fit for the role of Animal Technician at Dstl.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any certifications related to biology—like Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) or even specific software for data analysis—be sure to mention those. They can really set you apart from other applicants and show us you’re dedicated to your professional development.
Highlight Team Projects and Communication Skills:Biology often involves collaboration, so don’t shy away from mentioning any team projects you've worked on in your CV. Emphasise how you communicated findings or contributed in group settings. This gives us insight into how you’d fit into our team at Dstl.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dstl
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Get ready to dive deep into the scientific concepts related to your field! For a biology role, you'll likely face questions about experimental design, data analysis techniques, and possibly even lab protocols. Make sure you're clear on your coursework and any practical experiences you've had.
✨Show Off Your Lab Skills
Hands-on experience can make or break an interview in biology. Be prepared to discuss your previous lab work, including techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, or microscopy. Bring a portfolio of your lab reports or relevant projects to really impress the hiring team at Dstl.
✨Communicate Your Passion for Biology
As this is a full-time position, employers at Dstl are looking for someone who is not just qualified, but truly enthusiastic about biology. Be ready to share specific moments or projects that ignited your interest in the field. A personal story can really set you apart!
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Don’t underestimate the power of behavioural questions! Expect to discuss situations from your studies or internships where you showed teamwork, problem-solving, or conflict resolution. This is your chance to show that you're not only a great biologist but also a great colleague!
