At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a structured training programme in laboratory animal technology and scientific research.
- Company: Queens University Belfast, committed to animal welfare and scientific excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary during training, with opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Supportive team environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in animal care while gaining valuable skills and experience.
- Qualifications: Five GCSEs including English and Maths; some practical work experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 28087 - 28417 £ per year.
£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.
Trainee Technician employer: HIRANI
HIRANI is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant city of Belfast, offering a collaborative work culture that fosters innovation and growth. Employees benefit from comprehensive professional development opportunities and the chance to lead transformative projects that drive economic impact. With a commitment to supporting local manufacturing and supply chains, HIRANI provides a unique platform for meaningful contributions to the community and industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Technician
✨Dive into Local Biotechnology Events
Check out local biotech meetups and workshops in your area; these are fantastic for networking. You’ll meet industry professionals and can chat about your aspirations while also showcasing your enthusiasm for the field.
✨Join Online Biotechnology Communities
Get involved in biotech forums or online communities, like LinkedIn groups dedicated to biotechnology. Engage with posts and discussions—this not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to connections who might point you towards trainee opportunities.
✨Leverage University Connections
If you’re a student, tap into your uni’s career services. They often have strong links with biotech companies looking for fresh talent and may host job fairs or info sessions where you can network and learn about trainee positions.
✨Apply Through Our Website!
At StudySmarter, we really encourage you to check our website for roles like the trainee position at HIRANI. Applying through our site can sometimes give you an edge, and it’s super easy to upload your details directly!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Technician
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Science.:When applying for a trainee position in biotechnology, it's super important to highlight your enthusiasm for the field. Mention any relevant coursework, projects, or even personal experiences that ignited your interest in biotechnology. This can really set you apart as someone eager to learn and make an impact at HIRANI.
Tailor Your CV to Highlight Relevant Skills.:Make sure your CV includes specific biotech skills and knowledge that are relevant to the role. If you have experience with lab techniques, data analysis, or any relevant software, list them prominently. Use clear headings and bullet points to make it easy to scan.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter.:Your cover letter should captivate us from the get-go! Explain why you want this trainee position at HIRANI and how you can contribute to their projects. Remember, we love to see your motivation, so don't hold back on what excites you about this opportunity in biotechnology!
Include Relevant Projects or Research.:If you've worked on any research projects or have done relevant coursework that encapsulates biotech principles, be sure to mention them. This could be anything from lab work to presentations. It’s a great way to showcase your hands-on experience and learning potential, which is crucial for a trainee role.
How to prepare for a job interview at HIRANI
✨Know Your Biotech Basics
Brush up on your foundation in biotechnology principles. Be ready to discuss key techniques like CRISPR, gene editing, and how they’re applied in the industry. Employers like HIRANI want to see that you're not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the essential tools and concepts.
✨Showcase Your Lab Skills
Since this is a trainee position, be prepared to discuss any relevant lab experience or coursework. If you've conducted any experiments or have hands-on experience with lab equipment, mention that! They’ll want to see how you can contribute to the team right from the start.
✨Demonstrate Your Willingness to Learn
In a trainee role, enthusiasm and a strong desire to learn can be just as important as technical skills. Prepare to share examples of how you’ve embraced new concepts or tackled challenging projects in the past, especially if they relate to biotechnology. Show HIRANI that you're excited about growing in this field!
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions during your interview. This could include scenarios where you need to solve a problem or even interpret data from a hypothetical experiment. Brush up on relevant case studies or examples of data analysis in biotechnology, so you can discuss them confidently with the interviewers from HIRANI.
