Job Description
BRF Animal Technician
Details of the role:
Full time, permanent – 36 hours
Part-time opportunities may also be available, please note any preferred working pattern in your application.
About us
The Francis Crick Institute is Europe’s largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world-class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions.
The Biological Research Facility is the Crick’s animal facility offering services to those researchers who use animals such as mice and fish to answer their research questions. For example, studying the effects of genes on development, or identifying the molecules involved in how cancer spreads.
The Biological Research Facility supports all animal research at the Crick through its comprehensive animal care and use programme, and provides the Crick's laboratory animal resource and technical services. There are approximately 150 animal care staff spread across several self-contained animal units.
High quality multidisciplinary experimental outcomes are at the heart of the BRF's philosophy and operations, delivered to the highest of animal welfare standards. The BRF teams integrate husbandry of multiple species within a range of facilities, using state of the art technologies, via a talented and skilled team.
About the role
This role is ideal for anyone who’s passionate about working with animals, dedicated to animal welfare, and enjoys hands-on, practical work. If you’re excited by the idea of creating the best possible environment for animals in a research setting, while directly contributing to world-leading scientific discoveries, the Francis Crick Institute could be the perfect place to build a meaningful career in Animal Technology.
We’re looking for enthusiastic, self-motivated team players to join us as Animal Technicians, key members of our organisation who play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for our laboratory animals. You’ll work within our state-of-the-art animal facility, carrying out husbandry duties and supporting the full breadth of research at the Crick through our comprehensive animal care and use programme.
At the Francis Crick Institute, we’re committed to helping you grow. We provide thorough training and ongoing support so you can build a rewarding career where your work makes a real difference to both research and animal welfare. Whether you’re seeking a new challenge or taking the next step in your career, this could be the opportunity you’ve been looking for.
As a new technician, you’ll learn all aspects of animal husbandry, gain experience using our record-keeping systems, and develop a solid understanding of the legal frameworks that guide our work. You’ll also complete the IAT Level 2 qualification and have the chance to obtain a Home Office Personal Licence.
Our BRF Research Officer roles open the door to long-term growth, continuous learning, and clear career progression, making this a fantastic pathway for anyone looking to develop their skills and build a future in Animal Technology.
What you will be doing
As an Animal Technician at the Crick, you will:
- Provide excellent care, welfare and husbandry to laboratory animals
- Clean, feed and water animals
- Check environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity and water quality
- Monitor the condition of animals and making health observations
- Undertake domestic duties such as general cleaning and disinfection of equipment
- Maintain accurate written and computer-based records
- Perform culling and basic organ dissections
- Carry out a range of husbandry tasks to support researchers
For a full list of duties please see the job description here.
About you
You will bring
- A minimum of 5 GCSEs or equivalent including Maths and/or Science
- Evidence of effectively contributing to a team *
- Good time management and organisational skills *
- Good observational and attention to detail skills
- Clear and effective written and oral communication skills *
- Proven accurate record keeping skills
- Computer literacy
You will demonstrate
- A desire to work in the laboratory animal technology field
- Empathy towards the care and use of animals in science
- The ability to meet the demands of a physically demanding role
- A willingness to participate in regular essential animal care overtime
To see more about role/team click here.
Minimum criteria *
About Working at the Crick
Our values
Everyone who works at the Crick has a valuable role to play in advancing the Crick’s mission and shaping our culture!
- We are bold. We make space for creative, dynamic and imaginative ideas and approaches. We’re not afraid to do things differently.
- We are open. We’re highly collaborative and interactive, and make sure our activities are visible to the outside world.
- We are collegial. We show respect for one another, work cooperatively and support the wider community.
At the Francis Crick Institute, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and scientific discovery. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed, regardless of their background, identity, or personal circumstances. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and experiences.
We are a Disability Confident: Committed employer and want to ensure that everyone can apply and be part of our recruitment processes and so we'll make reasonable adjustments if you need them - just let us know when you apply. If you need assistance with applying (i.e., would like to apply by phone or post) please email: weronika.kucala@crick.ac.uk
Find out more about life at the Crick.
What will you receive?
At the Francis Crick Institute, we value our team members and are proud to offer an extensive range of benefits to support their well-being and development:
- Generous Leave: 28 days of annual leave, plus three additional days over Christmas and bank holidays.
- Pension Scheme: Defined contribution pension with employer contributions of up to 16%.
- Health & Well-being:
- 24/7 GP consultation services.
- Occupational health services and mental health support programs.
- Eye care vouchers and discounted healthcare plans.
- Work-Life Balance:
- Back-up care for dependents.
- Childcare support allowance.
- Annual leave purchase options.
- Perks:
- Discounted gym memberships, bike-to-work scheme, and shopping discounts.
- Subsidised on-site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction.
Please note you must meet the essential criteria listed within the Role Profile, to have your application reviewed.
We reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any given time due to the number of applications received.
Contact Details:
The Francis Crick Institute Recruitment Team
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