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- Tasks: Care for research mice, ensuring their welfare and maintaining hygiene standards.
- Company: Join a leading research facility at Babraham Research Campus, focused on animal care and science.
- Benefits: Enjoy overtime pay, travel costs covered, and opportunities for additional shifts on weekends.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in animal welfare while working in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: Interest in animal care; IAT Level 2 Diploma or equivalent preferred but not essential.
- Other info: Work in a small team, with occasional travel to the Cambridge Biomedical Campus.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 £ per year.
Key responsibilities
:
• Daily care and maintenance of research mice within individually ventilated caging systems (IVCs). Each room can hold up to 1000 cages
• Daily welfare observations using good attention to detail in order to check animal numbers and caging information and to report any abnormalities
• Regular observations of cage cleanliness and changing cage bases to ensure suitable environments for the animals
• Ensure the animals have access to food, water and environmental enrichment
• Maintain the animal rooms to a high standard of hygiene, for example; damp-dusting the surfaces, vacuuming and mopping the floors
• Liaise closely with scientific staff, whose animals you are responsible for
• Work closely to protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Ensure that Home Office compliance is met in all areas at all times
• Maintain detailed, accurate records of all activities, using both electronic and written methods
Working relationships:
Typically you will be a member of a small team (normally 3-5 people), supervised by a senior technician under the overall management of a facility manager.
Additional information:
This campaign supports the employment of three posts: two permanent positions and one fixed-term post (12- month maternity cover).
You are expected to work overtime for one weekend (2 sessions) every month for which overtime and travel costs will be paid according to UKRI-MRC rates. A session is 3 hours per weekend day. There are opportunities to work additional overtime on weekends and Bank Holidays via a volunteering system.
This position involves sustained physical activity, including lifting and moving items such as cages. Candidates should therefore be comfortable with the physically demanding and repetitive aspects of the role.
Appointment within the salary range will be commensurate with experience, with higher points reserved for candidates demonstrating significant relevant skills, qualifications, or experience.
This job is based on the Babraham Research Campus, there may be occasional travel to our main lab on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus.
/*generated inline style */ Person Specification
Education / qualifications / training required:
Essential: An interest in obtaining IAT Level 2 Diploma in Laboratory Animal Science & Technology or equivalent
Desirable:
• GCSEs or equivalent
• Institute of Animal Technology (IAT) Level 2 Diploma in Laboratory Animal Science & Technology or equivalent
• Level 2 or 3 Animal Care qualification
• Relevant scientific degree
Previous work experience required:
Essential:
• Experience of caring for animals
• Experience of working as part of a team
Desirable:
• Experience of working as an animal technician
• Experience of barriered facilities, including isolation systems individually ventilated cages (IVCs), and flexible film isolators
• Working knowledge of Home Office regulations
• Knowledge of the 3Rs
• Experience of following written processes and working to strict guidelines
• Demonstrate an understanding of working to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Experience of using Mouse Colony Management Systems or other similar databases
Knowledge and experience:
Creativity and initiative
Essential: Can demonstrate good attention to detail
Independent working
Essential:
• Demonstrate an ability to work independently and follow instructions
• Acts on own initiative, but also has the ability to know when to seek advice
Verbal and written communication skills
Essential:
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience of good record keeping, both electronically and written
Desirable: Experience of communicating with researchers
Personal skills / behaviours / qualities:
Essential:
• A pro-active approach demonstrating commitment to animal welfare with a desire for constant improvement
• Experience of maintaining high levels of hygiene to ensure a suitable environment
• Understands the routine nature of animal care
• Excellent time management and sound interpersonal skills
• Commitment to undertake standard training programs
• Ability to demonstrate adaptability and flexibility in order to respond to the changing demands of the animal rooms and overall facility.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the role.
• Able to safely lift and move animal cages weighing up to 5 kg.
Additional Information
We welcome applications from all and are open to discuss requests for reasonable adjustments.
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Animal Technician employer: Medical Research Council
Contact Detail:
Medical Research Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Animal Technician
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific care requirements for research mice, especially in individually ventilated caging systems (IVCs). Understanding these systems will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to animal welfare.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of laboratory animal science. Attend relevant workshops or seminars where you can meet current animal technicians and learn about their experiences. This could provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Gain hands-on experience by volunteering at local animal shelters or research facilities. This practical experience will enhance your understanding of animal care and make your application stand out when applying for the Animal Technician position.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on Home Office regulations and the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) principles in animal research. Showing that you are knowledgeable about compliance and ethical standards will be a significant advantage in your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Animal Technician
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to emphasise any previous experience you have in animal care or working as part of a team. Mention specific roles or responsibilities that relate directly to the daily care and maintenance of animals, especially if you've worked with research mice or similar species.
Show Attention to Detail: Since the role requires good attention to detail for welfare observations and record-keeping, provide examples in your application that demonstrate your meticulousness. This could include experiences where you identified abnormalities or maintained high standards of hygiene.
Demonstrate Compliance Knowledge: If you have knowledge of Home Office regulations or experience working to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), be sure to mention this. It shows that you understand the importance of compliance in animal care and can follow strict guidelines.
Express Commitment to Animal Welfare: Convey your passion for animal welfare and your proactive approach to improving their living conditions. Share any relevant training or qualifications you are pursuing, such as the IAT Level 2 Diploma in Laboratory Animal Science & Technology, to show your dedication to the field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Medical Research Council
✨Show Your Passion for Animal Welfare
Make sure to express your genuine interest in animal care and welfare during the interview. Share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to ensuring the well-being of animals, as this is a key aspect of the role.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Since the job requires daily welfare observations and maintaining accurate records, be prepared to discuss how you pay attention to detail in your previous roles. You could mention specific examples where your attention to detail made a difference in animal care or research outcomes.
✨Familiarise Yourself with SOPs and Regulations
Research the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Home Office regulations related to animal care. Being knowledgeable about these guidelines will show that you understand the importance of compliance and can work effectively within established protocols.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
As you'll be working closely with a small team, emphasise your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with others. Share examples of how you've successfully worked in a team environment, especially in roles involving animal care or scientific research.