Animal Technician Manager

We are currently looking for an Animal Technician Manager to join our Research and Development Function within the Scientific Research and Innovation group. This is a full-time, permanent position based in South Mimms, Hertfordshire.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) enhances and improves the health of millions through the regulation of medicines and medical devices, supported by science and research. The SR&I Group delivers public health impact, world‑leading research innovation and a Science Strategy balancing innovation with sustainability and affordability. It is divided into 6 sub‑Groups: Innovation Accelerator, Clinical Investigations and Trials, Research and Development, Standards Lifecycle, Control Testing and Quality Assurance and Health & Safety.

The SR&I Research & Development (R&D) function delivers strategically aligned, sustainable regulatory scientific research applied to biological reference materials development and medicines control testing, aligning with international and national priorities for future biological medicines. ABS (Analytical and Biological Sciences) is a multi‑laboratory, multi‑disciplinary team that uses in vitro and in vivo methods to deliver practical laboratory analysis and expertise. The facility can manage activities with a wide species range up to containment level 3 (CL3) and SAPO4. A highly trained technical team maintains high standards of animal welfare, supported by a specialist team.

The post holder’s main responsibilities relate to the operation and management of studies within the SAPO4 facility, including lower containment studies. The role contributes to the management, performance, and practical delivery of in vivo functions to support the Agency’s scientific activities, including the care and welfare of animal species (including non‑human primates) housed in the biological services facility for Agency programmes requiring in vivo models. All responsibilities are performed in accordance with applicable Standard Operating Procedures, Codes of Practice and relevant legislation and regulatory guidelines.

Key compliance areas include:

• Compliance with Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA).
• Compliance with ISO/IEC 17025.
• Compliance with local Health and Safety Codes of Practice.
• Security clearance for this position requires 5 years’ UK residency.

Key Responsibilities:

• Organisation and supervision of staff in the managed area, including training, ongoing competency, and continual professional development.
• Line management duties for staff.
• Responsible for Health and Safety within the managed area.
• Department Quality Champion responsible for compliance with quality standards (e.g., ISO 17025).

Our successful candidate will have:

• Experience supervising/managing a discrete area within an animal laboratory facility.
• Experience organizing, supervising, and training staff to meet operational, quality and health and safety requirements.
• Considerable experience within the animal research field including a range of species.
• MIAT membership or a relevant equivalent (Registered Animal Technician status (RAnTech) desirable).
• Good knowledge of ASPA legislation and relevant guidance, with understanding of practical implementation.

Method of assessment: A = Application, I = Interview.

Behaviour Criteria: Leadership (A, I); Changing and Improving (I); Seeing the Big Picture (I).

Strengths Criteria: Adaptable (I); Networker (I).

Closing date: 13 February 2026; Shortlisting from 16 February 2026; Interview from 24 February 2026.

For accessibility adjustments, contact careers@mhra.gov.uk.