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- Tasks: Join our team to conduct vital research on animal models for human diseases.
- Company: MRC Harwell, a leading research centre focused on innovative science.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a commitment to equality and diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in scientific research while caring for animals.
- Qualifications: A Levels in science and experience in a research environment required.
The predicted salary is between 31916 - 31916 £ per year.
Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell
Salary: £31,916 per annum
Band: MRC-5a S2
Contract type: Fixed term for two years
Hours: Full time (36 hours)
Location: Harwell, Oxfordshire, on-site
Closing date: Sunday 17 May 2026
Overall Purpose: We have an opportunity for an Animal Technician to join our In Vivo Studies team in the Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell (MLC), working across several different research projects to provide high-quality technical procedures and research data for external academic researchers or biotech companies. These studies involve mouse models of human diseases, including cancers, mitochondrial disease, kidney disease and other areas. The post-holder will work as part of a team and will carry out procedures including dosing and tissue dissection as well as general husbandry and welfare assessments. The post-holder will report directly to the In Vivo Study Supervisor and will work closely with members of the In Vivo Studies team.
Main Duties/Key Responsibilities:
- Carry out regular licensed procedures (after comprehensive training), alone or with other team members, as requested daily. This will include a variety of procedures such as dosing, imaging and dissections.
- Carry out animal husbandry work, to check the health and welfare of mice and address their welfare needs (including working on weekends on a rota basis).
- Keep meticulous records of all experimental animals.
- Aid with diluting of drugs and basic dosing calculations.
- Read and adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and risk assessments.
- Read and work under Home Office Project Licences and undergo training to achieve a personal licence to allow work on mice.
- Assist with data quality checks.
- Liaise with other groups as needed.
Working Relationships: The post-holder will be required to work alone and as part of a team. Daily interactions are also expected with members of other teams. They will be line managed by the In Vivo Study Supervisor under the Project Manager. Routine interaction with every level of seniority is expected.
Person Requirements
Education/Qualifications/Training Required:
- Essential: A Levels/higher education in a science subject.
- Desirable: Home Office Personal Licence Holder.
Previous Work Experience Required:
- Essential: Experience of working in a research environment.
- Desirable: Experience of in vivo work; Experience working under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.
Knowledge and Experience:
- Essential: Proficient in the use of Microsoft packages; Ability to accurately follow protocols/SOPs; Experience of working alone and as part of a team; Genuine interest in the welfare of animals; Experience of working in a fast-paced environment.
- Desirable: Experience of calculating concentrations and doses.
Personal skills/Behaviours/Qualities:
- Essential: Positive attitude and the ability to constructively interact with other people at every level of seniority; Flexibility to adapt to daily changes and the ability to make quick decisions are essential; Enthusiastic, meticulous and patient.
Equality & Diversity: The MRC values the diverse skills and experience of its employees and is committed to achieving equality of treatment for all. Our objectives are that all individuals shall have equal opportunities for employment and advancement on the basis of their skills, aptitudes and abilities. The MRC is committed to the engagement and retention of the best possible talent and to creating an environment that encourages excellence in scientific research through good equality and diversity leadership and management.
Corporate/Local Responsibilities & Requirements: The post-holder must at all times carry out their responsibilities with due regard to the MRC’s: Code of Conduct; Equality and Diversity policy; Health and Safety policy; Data Protection and Security policy. The above lists are not exhaustive, and the post-holder is required to undertake such duties as may reasonably be requested within the scope of the post. All employees are required to act professionally, cooperatively and flexibly in line with the requirements of the post and the MRC.
Animal Technician employer: UKRI
Contact Detail:
UKRI Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Animal Technician
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the Mary Lyon Centre. A friendly chat can give us insider info on what they're really looking for in an Animal Technician.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of animal welfare and research protocols. We want to show that we’re not just passionate about animals, but also know our stuff!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions with a mate. This will help us articulate our experience and enthusiasm for the role, especially when it comes to working in a team and handling procedures.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the MRC Harwell team.
We think you need these skills to ace Animal Technician
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in animal care and research. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of an Animal Technician, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for animal welfare and research shine through in your application. We love candidates who are genuinely interested in the field, so share any experiences or projects that demonstrate your commitment to animal care.
Be Meticulous: Attention to detail is key in this role! When filling out your application, ensure that all information is accurate and well-organised. This reflects the meticulous nature we expect from our team members at StudySmarter.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people and helps us keep track of all applications efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at UKRI
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of animal husbandry and the specific procedures mentioned in the job description. Familiarise yourself with the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and be ready to discuss how your previous experience aligns with the role.
✨Show Your Passion
Demonstrate your genuine interest in animal welfare during the interview. Share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to the well-being of animals, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Be Team-Ready
Since teamwork is crucial for this role, prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in a research environment. Highlight your flexibility and ability to adapt to changes, as these traits are essential for working in a fast-paced setting.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the In Vivo Studies team and the projects you'll be involved in. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the position is the right fit for you.