Technician

This lab-based role will be to support in vivo models for preclinical research studies for our client biotech or pharma companies.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Where appropriate update protocol templates.
• Make observations and show good record keeping, capture and record data accurately.
• Prompt and accurate reporting of any deviations to supervisor.
• Be an effective, collaborative hands-on member of the in vivo/in vitro team, contributing to the overall work of the team as required.
• Confidently perform in vivo/in vitro procedures (surgical and non-surgical) on rodents.
• Be expected to work unsupervised following appropriate training.
• Undertake general routine laboratory support duties, stock checks, management of consumables, behavioural testing and dosing, following standard operating procedures.
• Follow protocols/study plans and carry out studies within agreed timeline.
• Ensure appropriate use of animals in compliance with all regulatory requirements and internal standards.
• Ensure all Standard Operating Procedures, Health and Safety and regulatory requirements are adhered to.
• Use best judgment to carry out work to the highest standard.
• Ensure data integrity is maintained through correct, prescriptive procedure of logging client data.

Interaction and Communication

• Practical problem-solving and good communication skills; ability to work well within a team, as well as independently and proactively; highly motivated and flexible in case of changing priorities.
• Communications are with all departments and employees within the organization as well as with external companies.
• Collaboration, execution, and reporting of quality assurance.
• Verbal communication is required to request and receive instructions for work, to report on activities, results, problems, and to participate in planning and scheduling of work and equipment use.
• Written communication is required for accurate and detailed recording of procedures, for reporting results and for completing documentation.
• Reading and comprehension of written protocols and manuals is essential.

Working Conditions

• Generally working indoors. Occasional periods of exposure to noxious odours from diagnostic materials and/or samples.
• There will also be the occasional need to work with chemicals and/or biohazards in a controlled environment.
• Risk to Health: There will be occasional exposure to small quantities of toxic irritant or corrosive chemicals as well as exposure to freezers (-80C) and liquid nitrogen (-200C) while storing, retrieving, shipping, and receiving materials.
• Exposure to sharps whilst preparing and performing procedures.
• There will also be repetitive physical activities.
• Occasional periods of several hours per day performing physically repetitive procedures (typing, etc.).
• Potential for digital eye strain from prolonged computer use.

Physical Requirements

• Physical Demands: Standing, bending, twisting, lifting, carrying liquid containers, carrying boxes weighing up to 20 kg and daily periods of keyboarding.
• Physical Dexterity: Agility, accuracy and consistency will be required while handling precision instruments such as pipettes, balances, pH meters, surgical instruments. Strong fine motor skills in fingers, hands, and arms.

Qualifications

• Education: HNC in Biology or animal technology and/or significant lab-based experience, preferably in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry or relevant experience in an in vivo lab based environment.
• Experience: 12 months’ experience participating in projects, research activities, and collaborative initiatives in a science delivery environment. Demonstrated experience and comfort in planning animal studies. Experience in communications and high-level preparation of study-related documentation. Experience conducting safety and efficacy studies. Experience handling confidential laboratory and scientific data. Experience executing administrative tasks. Proven organizational skills and attention to details. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Knowledge: HO licence A & B including rodent (rats & mice) dosing using various routes of administration such as p.o., i.p., s.c.; some surgical techniques would be an advantage. Competent in schedule 1 methods and various tissue dissection techniques. Be able to use Microsoft Office, Word and Excel.