At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for animals and ensure their welfare in a scientific research environment.
- Company: Join the Medical Research Council Centre for Macaques, a leader in primate research.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, holiday entitlement, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and innovative research setting.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal welfare while contributing to groundbreaking medical research.
- Qualifications: GCSEs at grade C or above and a passion for animal care.
The predicted salary is between 27406 - 27937 £ per year.
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.
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
This post requires National Security Vetting clearance. The successful candidate must be able to work overtime to cover animal requirements.
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: Animal Technician - UKRI Careers. Please quote reference 2330. The closing date for applications is 01/06/2026.
Animal Technician in Swindon employer: MRC
The Medical Research Council Centre for Macaques offers a unique opportunity for Animal Technicians to thrive in a supportive and innovative environment at Porton Down, Salisbury. With a strong commitment to animal welfare and scientific research, employees benefit from a defined-benefit pension scheme, generous holiday entitlement, and access to various employee discounts. Join us to contribute to groundbreaking medical research while enjoying a culture that values your growth and passion for animal care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Animal Technician in Swindon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of animal care and research. Attend relevant events or join online forums where you can connect with professionals who might have insights or even job leads.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance for an interview, let your love for animals shine through. Share any experiences you've had with animal care, whether it's volunteering or personal projects, to demonstrate your commitment.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the unexpected! Be ready for practical assessments or scenario questions during interviews. Brush up on your knowledge about animal welfare and the specific needs of macaques to impress your interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at the Medical Research Council Centre for Macaques.
We think you need these skills to ace Animal Technician in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Animals:Make sure to highlight your genuine interest in animal welfare in your application. We want to see that you care about the animals and understand their needs, so share any relevant experiences or motivations that showcase this passion.
Follow Instructions Carefully:Since the role involves adhering to specific protocols, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to follow instructions. In your application, mention any past experiences where you successfully followed guidelines or processes, as this will show us you can handle the responsibilities of the job.
Keep It Neat and Professional:Your written application should be tidy and well-organised. Use clear language and check for any spelling or grammar mistakes. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is essential for maintaining accurate records in this role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our official website! This ensures your application gets to us directly and allows you to access all the necessary information about the role. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate, so give it a go!
How to prepare for a job interview at MRC
✨Know Your Animal Welfare Basics
Brush up on your knowledge of animal welfare standards, especially those related to the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act. Being able to discuss these regulations confidently will show your commitment to animal care and demonstrate that you understand the importance of ethical practices in research.
✨Show Your Passion for Animals
During the interview, share specific experiences that highlight your love for animals. Whether it's volunteering at a shelter or caring for pets, real-life examples will help convey your genuine interest in animal welfare and your suitability for the role.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about daily husbandry tasks, such as cleaning and feeding protocols. Think through how you would handle various scenarios, like addressing an animal's health issue or maintaining cleanliness in the animal rooms, to demonstrate your practical knowledge and problem-solving skills.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Good communication is key in this role, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Be prepared to explain how you would keep accurate records and follow protocols, as this will showcase your attention to detail and ability to adhere to instructions effectively.
