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- Tasks: Care for and monitor the welfare of experimental animals in a dynamic research environment.
- Company: Join The Pirbright Institute, a leader in viral disease research and animal welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, gym membership, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible shift patterns with opportunities for career growth in a vibrant community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal welfare and contribute to groundbreaking scientific research.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs or equivalent; experience in animal handling preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Animal Technician role at The Pirbright Institute. 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.
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. We are currently recruiting animal technicians to work with a variety of species with a focus on poultry (including chickens and ducks). The posts will be located within The Pirbright Institute animal facilities operating at varying containment levels up to and including SAPO4 and ACDP3 facilities.
The purpose of this role is to provide essential support to the overall Institute objectives by undertaking the daily care and welfare of experimental animals housed within The Pirbright Institute animal facilities. Animal Technicians play an essential role in the complete delivery of world-leading animal studies through collaboration with internal stakeholders at all levels.
Main duties and responsibilities include:
- Day-to-day care, welfare and general husbandry of experimental animals within the Animal Services facilities (feeding, cleaning, watering and health monitoring).
- Ensuring compliance with the main provisions of ASPA, particularly ensuring animals are housed under the requirements of the law.
- Handling and restraint of animal species for the collection of samples and other welfare procedures.
- Holding a Home Office personal License (PIL cat A&B) under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (as amended 2012) (ASPA).
- Carrying out regulated procedures in compliance with ASPA following suitable training, supervision, and competence assessment.
- Carrying out the culling of animal species following suitable training, supervision, and competence assessment.
- Understanding and ensuring compliance with the relevant bio-safety legislation and how it applies to each facility.
- Attending an accredited NACWO course and achieving certification to ensure awareness of legislation and uniformity of approach across all facilities.
- Meticulous attention to detail including record keeping (handwritten and computer-based), document control and adherence to written methods & protocols.
- Contributing towards the production and continued development of departmental documentation and process.
- Assisting with training activities within the Animal Services department.
- Actively supporting The Pirbright Institute's commitments to Replacement, Reduction and Refinement.
- Assisting with building shutdowns which will include full clean down of the facility, safe handling of hazardous chemicals and disinfection/fumigation of the building/rooms.
- Processing of waste streams via the required process inclusive of autoclave, incineration, and fumigation.
- Assisting with planned preventative maintenance, including undertaking building sealability testing.
- Being a responsible member of The Pirbright Institute community.
- Being actively involved in the logistical pre-planning and post wash up of animal studies.
- Expected to attend site, if available, for the occasional requirement for out of hours support.
Specific requirements include:
- 5 GCSEs or equivalent.
- Good English verbal and written communication skills.
- Meticulous attention to detail including the management of section documents and recording of data.
- 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.
- Interest in working with animals and their welfare.
- 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 includes:
- Extra duty allowance for working the 11-day fortnight rota.
- Generous Group Personal Pension Scheme and life cover (subject to age and earnings).
- 30 days annual leave per annum, pro rata, plus 10.5 public and privilege days.
- Buy and sell annual leave.
- Option to carry over up to two weeks annual leave.
- Pirbright gym with subsidised membership.
- Pirbright social club.
- Pirbright Lifestyle Hub (employee discount site).
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Subsidised staff restaurant.
- Childcare allowance.
- Free onsite parking.
- Electric car charging facilities.
Animal Technician in Woking employer: The Pirbright Institute
Contact Detail:
The Pirbright Institute Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Animal Technician in Woking
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at The Pirbright Institute on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your animal welfare knowledge and the latest research in virology. We want to show that we’re not just passionate but also informed!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions with a mate. This will help us articulate our experience and skills clearly, especially when it comes to animal handling and husbandry.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people at The Pirbright Institute.
We think you need these skills to ace Animal Technician in Woking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Animal Technician role. Highlight any relevant experience with animal care, husbandry, or research environments. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about animal welfare and how you can contribute to our mission at The Pirbright Institute. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Attention to Detail: Since meticulous attention to detail is key in this role, make sure to demonstrate this in your application. Whether it's through your record-keeping skills or your ability to follow protocols, let us know you’ve got it covered!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Pirbright Institute
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge about animal welfare and the specific species you'll be working with, especially poultry. Familiarise yourself with The Pirbright Institute's research focus and their commitment to the 3Rs. This will show that you're genuinely interested in the role and understand its importance.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss any previous experience you have with animal handling or husbandry. If you've worked under a Home Office Personal Licence before, highlight that! Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and how they relate to the responsibilities of the Animal Technician role.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the team dynamics, the types of projects you'll be involved in, or how the Institute supports ongoing training and development. This shows that you're engaged and thinking about your future at The Pirbright Institute.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with a team, emphasise your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of how you've worked as part of a team in the past, especially in high-pressure situations. This will help convey that you're a reliable and flexible team player, which is crucial for success in this position.