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- Tasks: Care for animals, ensuring their welfare and maintaining cleanliness in the facility.
- Company: Join the Medical Research Council Centre for Macaques, a leading primate research unit.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, holiday entitlement, and employee discounts.
- Other info: National Security Vetting clearance is needed; overtime may be required.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in animal welfare while working in a world-class research environment.
- Qualifications: GCSEs at grade C or above and a genuine interest in animal welfare required.
The predicted salary is between 26543 - 27058 £ per year.
Job Description
Animal Technician
Medical Research Centre for Macaques
Porton Down, Salisbury Full time, Permanent
£26,543-27,058 per annum, dependent on skills and experience
About us
The Medical Research Council Centre for Macaques is a primate breeding unit established in 2003 to house and breed rhesus macaques. It is funded by the MRC with support from the Wellcome Trust, and Oxford and Cambridge Universities. For more information visit, https://cfm.har.mrc.ac.uk/
About the role:
Are you passionate about animals and aspiring to embark on a career in scientific research? We are looking for someone with a responsible attitude, a love of animals, and a willingness to care for them.
We currently have a full-time opportunity for an Animal Technician to become a valued member of our team at Porton Down. In this role, your primary responsibility will be ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare to improve the quality of life for laboratory animals, in line with the 2012 amended Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act, as regulated by the Home Office.
Your daily duties will include husbandry duties such as cleaning and feeding, as well as maintaining accurate records.
Key Responsibilities include:
· Checking the health and welfare of the animals
· Addressing welfare needs, including habituation and training of animals
· Maintaining cleanliness in the animal rooms
· Record keeping
About you:
You will have:
- GCSEs at grade C or above
· Experience of working and adhering to instructions/protocols/processes
· Genuine interest in the welfare of animals
· Good communication skills
Additional Information:
This post requires National Security Vetting clearance.
The successful candidates must be able to work overtime to cover animal requirements.
For more information, please see the full job description by clicking through to apply.
Benefits:
Choosing to come to work at the MRC (part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)) means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits, from a defined-benefit pension scheme and excellent holiday entitlement, to access to employee shopping/travel discounts and a salary sacrifice cycle-to-work scheme. In addition, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the work of a world-class medical research organisation.
How to Apply:
For full details and to apply: Visit our careers site.
Please quote reference CFM 2675
The closing date for applications is 17th August 2025
Animal Technician employer: Medical Research Council – Mary Lyon Centre
Contact Detail:
Medical Research Council – Mary Lyon Centre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Animal Technician
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act and the regulations set by the Home Office. Understanding these guidelines will not only show your commitment to animal welfare but also demonstrate your readiness to comply with industry standards.
✨Tip Number 2
Gain hands-on experience with animals, whether through volunteering at local shelters or internships in research facilities. This practical knowledge will enhance your understanding of animal care and welfare, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the field of animal care and scientific research. Attend relevant workshops, seminars, or online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even refer you to job openings.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential interviews by practising common questions related to animal welfare and husbandry. Being able to articulate your passion for animal care and your understanding of the responsibilities involved will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Animal Technician
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Animal Technician position. Highlight your passion for animal welfare and any relevant experience in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the job. Emphasise your GCSE qualifications, any previous work with animals, and your ability to follow protocols and instructions.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your genuine interest in animal welfare and scientific research. Mention specific examples of your experience and how it relates to the role, demonstrating your commitment to high standards of animal care.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in this field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Medical Research Council – Mary Lyon Centre
✨Show Your Passion for Animal Welfare
Make sure to express your genuine interest in animal welfare during the interview. Share any relevant experiences you have had with animals, whether through work, volunteering, or personal projects, to demonstrate your commitment to their care.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Legislation
Since the role involves adhering to the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act, it’s crucial to understand its key points. Brush up on the legislation and be prepared to discuss how it impacts animal care and welfare in a research setting.
✨Highlight Your Attention to Detail
As an Animal Technician, maintaining accurate records and ensuring cleanliness is vital. Be ready to provide examples of how you’ve demonstrated attention to detail in previous roles, especially in tasks that required following strict protocols.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare thoughtful questions about the team, the animals you'll be working with, and the specific responsibilities of the role. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the position is the right fit for you.