At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for animals, support behavioural data collection, and assist with licensed procedures.
- Company: Netholabs, a pioneering AI company focused on animal welfare and research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment in Brighton with a focus on innovation and ethical practices.
- Why this job: Join a mission to revolutionise animal research and make a real difference in science.
- Qualifications: Experience in animal husbandry and a commitment to animal welfare.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 48000 £ per year.
Type: Full-time
Location: Brighton - On-site
Compensation: £38,000-£48,000/year, in accordance with experience
The Role
Netholabs is building AI grounded in biological intelligence. We record petascale, high-resolution neurobehavioural data from living systems and use it to train neural foundation models - a new substrate for the next generation of AI, robotics, and personalised intelligence. We aim to greatly reduce the burden of animals used in basic scientific research and pharmacological work, with eventual removal and replacement by in silico models.
We’re looking for a reliable, hands-on Animal Research Technician to support the day-to-day care and use of animals in our Brighton research programme. Working under our veterinary and welfare leads, you’ll be responsible for daily husbandry, supporting behavioural data collection sessions, assisting with licensed procedures, and keeping our facility running to a high standard. This is an execution role: you’ll follow established protocols and Home Office standards precisely, and help make sure animal welfare and data quality are never compromised.
Responsibilities
- Husbandry & Welfare
- Carry out daily husbandry: feeding, housing checks, and enrichment
- Monitor animal health and welfare, and flag concerns promptly
- Maintain accurate welfare and health records in line with Home Office and AWERB requirements
- Behavioural Testing & Data Collection
- Support behavioural and neurobehavioural data collection sessions following established SOPs
- Handle animals calmly and consistently to minimise stress during testing
- Log sessions accurately and flag anything anomalous
- Licensed Procedures
- Assist with regulated procedures under the relevant Home Office project licence (PPL)
- Work towards or hold a Home Office Personal Licence (PIL) for the species and procedures involved
- Follow ASPA (Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986) requirements and site-specific SOPs at all times
- Facility & Equipment
- Maintain clean, well-organised, and session-ready facilities
- Carry out routine equipment checks, cleaning, and maintenance
- Maintain supply inventory and flag restocking needs
Requirements
- Core (essential)
- Prior experience in animal husbandry or laboratory animal care
- Comfortable and confident handling animals calmly and safely
- Organised, reliable, and detail-oriented; able to follow protocols precisely and document as you go
- Good communication and a strong personal commitment to animal welfare
- Willingness to work towards a Home Office Personal Licence (PIL) if not already held
- Valued (or willing to learn)
- Existing Home Office Personal Licence (PIL)
- Experience with behavioural testing, motion capture, or physiological recording setups
- Familiarity with AWERB processes and Home Office record-keeping standards
- Basic Python or scripting for logging and data organisation
Animal Welfare and Research Technician in Brighton employer: Netholabs
Netholabs is an exceptional employer located in Brighton, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking AI research while prioritising animal welfare. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide comprehensive training and support for obtaining Home Office Personal Licences, fostering a collaborative work culture that values precision and care. Our state-of-the-art facilities and focus on ethical practices make Netholabs a rewarding place for those passionate about animal research and welfare.
