At a Glance
- Tasks: Support animal care by cleaning and sterilising cages in a dynamic research environment.
- Company: Join the University of Edinburgh's Bioresearch & Veterinary Services team.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and flexible work options.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse community with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal welfare and biomedical research.
- Qualifications: No minimum qualifications required; knowledge of animal welfare is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 25804 - 25804 £ per year.
Grade UE03: £24,729 - £25,804 per annum
Corporate Services / Bioresearch & Veterinary Services
Full Time: 35 hours per week
Open Ended: permanent
The Opportunity:
As an Animal Technical Assistant – Cage Wash team member, you will play a key role in supporting Bioresearch & Veterinary Services. As part of the team, you will be a dedicated and dependable individual prepared to undertake day-to-day housekeeping and cleaning within our facilities. Responsibilities include essential sterilisation support in the wash-up areas, such as cleaning used rodent cages and rodent drinking water bottles. The role is physically demanding, so being fit and active is beneficial. There are no minimum qualifications, making this post suitable for all ages. Knowledge of animal welfare and husbandry is advantageous. You will be primarily based at the Western General and King’s Buildings, with potential requirements to cover colleagues’ leave at BioQuarter and Easter Bush.
With roles from hospitality to research, there’s a career for everyone at the University of Edinburgh. We can offer opportunities for you to develop in your career and make a real difference in the communities around us while contributing to the world at large.
Technician:
Our technical staff are essential to supporting teaching, research, and the smooth operation of our facilities. Whether you're maintaining cutting-edge lab equipment, facilitating ground-breaking research, developing new techniques, or enhancing student and staff experience with top-notch facilities, your work will have a lasting impact that stretches far beyond our academic community. We value colleagues with drive, determination and a passion for what they do.
A career with us has a range of other benefits that can be tailored to your lifestyle:
- Excellent benefits and support
- Contributing to the work of and supporting our world leading research at the University.
This post is full-time (35 hours per week).
How to apply:
Please include the following documents in your application:
- CV
- Cover letter
As a valued member of our team, you can expect:
- A competitive salary.
- An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
- To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
- Comprehensive Staff Benefits, including generous annual leave entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, a wide range of staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options.
Bioresearch & Veterinary Services (BVS) are responsible for the housing, care and management of animals used in biomedical research at the university. Around 100 BVS staff provide Home Office, veterinary, and technical support for our researchers to ensure optimal animal welfare, high quality research, and compliance with all relevant legislation across multiple sites.
Our vision is to provide an excellent professional service that prioritises animal welfare whilst supporting our world leading research. We endeavour to work according to our CARE values: Caring for animals, Active communication, Respecting others, Excellent service.
Championing equality, diversity, and inclusion:
The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter, and we are also a Stonewall Proud Employer, actively promoting LGBTQ+ equality. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and are committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Prior to any employment commencing with the University, you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages.
The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. International applicants will therefore be unable to apply for and secure a Skilled Worker visa. They will only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
Key dates to note:
The closing date for applications is 23 September 2026. Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm UK time. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browser's local time zone. Interviews will be held w/c 5 October 2026.
Assistant Animal Technician - Cage Wash employer: University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture where every team member is valued. As an Assistant Animal Technician – Cage Wash, you will enjoy competitive salaries, generous benefits, and opportunities for personal and professional growth while contributing to world-leading research in a supportive environment. With a commitment to diversity and a focus on animal welfare, you'll be part of a dedicated community making a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Animal Technician - Cage Wash
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We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Animal Technician - Cage Wash
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in agriculture, it's crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have in farming, crop management, or sustainable practices. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're after, so be specific about the responsibilities you've had and any tools or techniques you've used.
Certifications Matter:In agriculture, relevant certifications can really give your application a boost. If you have any qualifications related to agricultural practices, pest management, or environmental regulations, make sure to mention them! They're great indicators of your commitment and expertise in the field.
Tailor Your CV to the Agriculture Sector:Your CV should reflect your passion for agriculture. Structure it to emphasise your field experience and any relevant projects you've been involved in. Don't forget to highlight your soft skills, like teamwork and communication, which are essential in this sector.
Passion is Key in Your Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time position, we want to feel your enthusiasm for agriculture in your cover letter. Share why you're drawn to this industry and mention any long-term goals you have that align with what University of Edinburgh does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Edinburgh
✨Get Familiar with Agricultural Technologies
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest agricultural technologies and tools that are commonly used in the field. Whether it’s precision farming tools or crop management software, being able to discuss these effectively during your interview with University of Edinburgh will show that you're technically savvy and ready to contribute from day one.
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Since agriculture is a hands-on industry, be prepared to share any practical experiences you've had. This could be through internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects. Discussing specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them can really impress the interviewers, especially in a full-time role at University of Edinburgh.
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✨Practice Common Industry Scenarios
Expect to tackle a few scenario-based questions that mimic real-life challenges in agriculture. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a pest infestation or manage resources during a drought. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently and showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview with University of Edinburgh.
