At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to conduct vital research on animal models for human diseases.
- Company: Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell, a leader in genetics research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, holiday entitlement, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity with career growth in a fast-paced, innovative setting.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in medical research while caring for animals.
- Qualifications: A Levels in science and experience in a research environment.
The predicted salary is between 31916 - 31916 £ per year.
Salary: £31,916 per annum. Hours: Full time (36 hours per week). Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract - for two years.
About Us
The Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell (MLC) is located in an expanding science and innovation campus in Oxfordshire and is an internationally renowned centre at the forefront of genetics research. As the hub of the new National Mouse Genetics Network, the specialist facilities and capabilities of the MLC support several research groups across the UK to accelerate our understanding of human diseases, such as cancer, developmental disorders and neurodegeneration.
About the role
We have an exciting opportunity at the Mary Lyon Centre to join our In Vivo Studies team as an Animal Technician. You will work across several different research projects to provide high-quality technical procedures and research data for external academic researchers or biotech companies. These studies involve mouse models of human diseases, including cancers, mitochondrial disease, kidney disease and other areas. You will work as part of a team and will carry out procedures including dosing and tissue dissection as well as general husbandry and welfare assessments.
Responsibilities
- Carry out regular licensed procedures (after comprehensive training), alone or with other team members, as requested daily. This will include a variety of procedures such as dosing, imaging and dissections.
- Carry out animal husbandry work, to check the health and welfare of mice and address their welfare needs (including working on weekends on a rota basis).
- Keep meticulous records of all experimental animals.
- Aid with diluting of drugs and basic dosing calculations.
- Read and adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and risk assessments.
- Read and work under Home Office Project Licences and undergo training to achieve a personal licence to allow work on mice.
- Assist with data quality checks.
- Liaise with other groups as needed.
About you
- A Levels/higher education in a science subject.
- Experience of working in a research environment.
- Ability to accurately follow protocols/SOPs.
- Genuine interest in the welfare of animals.
- Experience of working in a fast-paced environment.
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
If you are ready to take on this exciting role and be part of a team dedicated to ground-breaking research, we would love to hear from you. For full details and to apply: Animal Technician - UKRI Careers. Please quote reference 2282. The closing date for applications is 17th May 2026.
Animal Technician in Harwell employer: Medical Research Council
Contact Detail:
Medical Research Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Animal Technician in Harwell
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of animal research or genetics. Attend relevant events or webinars, and don’t be shy to ask for informational interviews. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your experience with animal husbandry and research protocols. This can really set you apart during interviews and show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get comfortable with common interview questions related to animal welfare and research procedures. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to refine your answers and boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for roles like the Animal Technician position. Keep an eye on our listings and don’t hesitate to submit your application – we’re excited to see what you bring to the table!
We think you need these skills to ace Animal Technician in Harwell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Animal Technician role. Highlight any relevant experience in research environments and your education in science subjects. We want to see how your background fits with our work at the Mary Lyon Centre!
Show Your Passion: In your cover letter, let us know why you're passionate about animal welfare and research. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive you to work in this field. We love hearing about what makes you tick!
Follow Instructions: Read the job description carefully and ensure you follow all application instructions. This includes quoting the reference number 2282 when applying. It shows us that you pay attention to detail, which is super important in our line of work.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through the UKRI Careers website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep everything organised. Plus, it gives you access to all the details about the role and our amazing benefits!
How to prepare for a job interview at Medical Research Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of animal welfare and the specific procedures mentioned in the job description. Familiarise yourself with common mouse models used in research, as well as any relevant legislation like the Home Office Project Licences.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, express your genuine interest in animal welfare and research. Share any experiences you've had in a lab or research environment that highlight your commitment to animal care and scientific integrity.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to follow protocols and SOPs accurately. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully adhered to strict guidelines or overcame challenges in a fast-paced environment.
✨Teamwork is Key
Since you'll be working as part of a team, be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others. Share examples of how you've worked effectively in a team setting, especially in high-pressure situations, to demonstrate your ability to contribute positively to the In Vivo Studies team.