Animal Technician

The Pirbright Institute delivers world-leading research to understand, predict, detect and respond to viral disease outbreaks. We study viruses of livestock that are endemic and exotic to the UK, including zoonotic viruses, by using the most advanced tools and technologies to understand host-pathogen interactions in animals and arthropod vectors. Our major strength in understanding the immune systems of livestock provides a platform to control current diseases and respond to emerging threats. This important research would not be possible without the proportionate use of animals, which are integral to the development of new disease control measures such as vaccines and diagnostics. We have an establishment-wide commitment to the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement), high standards of animal welfare, a culture of care and openness.

Organisation position and purpose: The Animal Services department is based within the Capability Directorate of The Pirbright Institute and undertakes the daily care and welfare of experimental animals housed within The Pirbright Institute's animal facilities. Licensed Animal Technicians play an essential role in the complete delivery of world-leading animal studies through collaboration with internal stakeholders at all levels. We are currently recruiting animal technicians to work with a variety of species. On a day-to-day basis, this post will be positioned within The Pirbright Institute animal facilities operating at varying containment levels up to and including SAPO4 and ACDP3. Whilst it is envisaged that this role will be mostly located within one facility, there will also be expectations that this role may be required (on occasion) to work in other animal facilities across site and with other species. The post holder will report directly to the Deputy Facility Manager.

Main duties and responsibility

• Animal Care, Welfare and Husbandry: Be one of a team whose main task is the day-to-day care, welfare and general husbandry of experimental animals within the Animal Services facilities i.e., feeding, cleaning, watering and health monitoring. Handling and restraint of animal species for the collection of samples and other welfare procedures. Carry out the culling of animal species following suitable training, supervision, and competence assessment. Meticulous attention to detail including record keeping (handwritten and computer-based), document control and adherence to written methods & protocols.
• Regulated Procedures and Licensing: Hold a Home Office Personal Licence (PIL Cat A&B) under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (as amended 2012) (ASPA). Carry out regulated procedures in compliance with ASPA following suitable training, supervision, and competency assessment.
• Compliance and Regulation: Help ensure compliance with the main provisions of ASPA, in particular ensuring animals are housed under the requirements of the law. Understand and ensure compliance with relevant bio-safety legislation as it applies to each facility, including SAPO, COSHH and GM. Attend an accredited NACWO course and achieve certification to ensure awareness of legislation and uniformity of approach across all facilities. Actively support The Pirbright Institute’s commitments to Replacement, Reduction and Refinement, including exploring refinements with guidance from line management.
• Operational Support and Facilities: Assist with building shutdowns, including full clean down of the facility, safe handling of hazardous chemicals and disinfection/fumigation of the building/rooms. Process waste streams via the required process inclusive of autoclave, incineration, and fumigation operation. Assist with planned preventative maintenance, including undertaking building seal-ability testing.
• Team and Department Contribution: Contribute towards the production and continued development of departmental documentation and process. Assist with training activities within the Animal Services department.
• Study Support and General Responsibilities: Be actively involved in the logistical pre-planning and post wash-up of animal studies. Be a responsible member of The Pirbright Institute community. Attend site, if available, for the occasional requirement for out-of-hours support.

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with it. Responsibilities may change to carry out other duties as may be reasonably required by the line manager and may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing need of The Pirbright Institute.

Specific requirements

• 5 GCSE’s or equivalent
• Good English verbal and written communication skills
• Must be able to give meticulous attention to detail including the management of section documents and recording of data
• Must have the ability to follow detailed instruction, both written and verbal
• Able to work effectively and flexibly as part of a team
• Reliability under pressure
• Decision making and problem-solving skills
• Must have an interest in working with animals and their welfare
• To be able to work under the 11-day fortnight rota system (working every other weekend)
• Experience of working under a Home Office Personal licence
• Animal handling/husbandry experience with relevant species
• Animal technology or agricultural qualification with relevant specific modules
• Experience of working within a research environment

Due to the nature of the work carried out by Pirbright, all successful applicants will be required to go through a comprehensive screening process including reference and qualification checks, financial and security clearances.

What we offer

• Generous Group Personal Pension Scheme and life cover (subject to age and earnings)
• 25 days annual leave per annum, pro rata, plus public and privilege days
• Buy and sell annual leave
• Option to carry over up to two weeks annual leave
• Pirbright gym with membership
• Pirbright social club
• Pirbright Lifestyle Hub (employee discount site)