At a Glance
- Tasks: Support in vivo studies while ensuring high standards of animal care and accurate record-keeping.
- Company: Join Pfizer, a leader in transforming lives through innovative research.
- Benefits: Flexible work culture, career development opportunities, and a commitment to diversity.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for training and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in research that changes patients' lives.
- Qualifications: BSc in a related field and experience with animal care in a regulated setting.
The predicted salary is between 27900 - 34100 £ per year.
The Research Associate will support regulated in vivo studies, maintaining high standards of animal care and welfare, accurate records and robust datasets. All work will be conducted in accordance with good practice, current guidance, the principles of the 3Rs and applicable regulatory and legislative requirements.
Under the guidance of the Research Director, the applicant will support the responsible delivery of regulated studies and the day-to-day welfare and management of animals. Responsibilities include:
- Maintaining consistently high standards of care, welfare and husbandry for mice and rats
- Working in accordance with all relevant animal welfare, scientific procedures and health and safety legislation, including the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986
- Following approved protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), with animal welfare as a central consideration
- Maintaining accurate written and electronic records, including welfare observations and analysis of in vivo datasets
- Conducting authorized non-surgical regulated procedures and, where required, approved humane endpoints in accordance with license conditions, training and welfare protocols
- Actively applying and promoting the 3Rs—Replacement, Reduction and Refinement—to minimize animal use and enhance welfare
From time to time, other duties may include:
- Performing ELISAs or other biological assays to support the interpretation of outcomes from in vivo studies
- Coordinating the responsible ordering of animals and chemical or biological reagents in line with approved study requirements
- Undertaking any necessary training and/or development
- Attendance of relevant meetings
- Carrying out such other duties as necessary to assist in the smooth and efficient operation of the laboratory and facilities, including cleaning and maintenance
Required skills, education and experience:
- BSc or higher in a related scientific discipline, or have equivalent academic, industrial, or commercial experience
- Home Office Personal License (PIL AB)
- Experience supporting the care, welfare and handling of both mice and rats in a regulated setting
- Competence and confidence in the calm, welfare-conscious handling of mice and rats
- Proficiency in administering subcutaneous injections to mice and rats using approved refinement practices
- Proficiency in administering intraperitoneal injections to mice using approved refinement practices
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Able to self-prioritise and manage own work with minimal supervision
- Willingness to undertake any necessary training required for the role
- Have a co-operative, flexible attitude towards work
- Is fit to meet the demands of the role, including frequent carrying and lifting
- Disciplined and considerate of confidentiality and security at all times
Preferred:
- Practical experience within a research environment
- Knowledge of research methods and statistical procedures
- Awareness of emerging obesity pharmacotherapies
- Proficiency in refined blood-sampling techniques, including tail-vein sampling, for mice and rats
- Skilled at performing ELISAs or other biological assays
- Able to analyse and present data via GraphPad Prism
Research Associate in London employer: Pfizer
At Pfizer, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. Our hybrid work model fosters flexibility, allowing you to balance your personal and professional life while contributing to groundbreaking advancements in healthcare. With a commitment to diversity and a focus on empowering our employees, you'll find meaningful opportunities to make a real impact in the lives of patients around the world.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in London
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at Pfizer, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like Pfizer. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Pfizer. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Pfizer. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pfizer
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Pfizer. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Pfizer to drive research projects forward.
