At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in research projects to improve dairy cattle welfare and reduce methane emissions.
- Company: The University of Nottingham, a supportive and inclusive community.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, training opportunities, fitness facilities, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Full-time fixed-term role with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on animal welfare while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience with dairy cattle and feeding equipment; computer literate.
Salary £26,908 to £28,890 per annum pro-rata (if applicable) depending on skills and experience.
Closing Date Thursday 06 August 2026
Interview Date To be confirmed
Reference SCI X1
The University of Nottingham is seeking a practical and enthusiastic Research Animal Support Technician to assist in funded research projects that aim to reduce methane emissions and increase the feed efficiency and welfare of dairy cattle. Your role involves working with other technical staff and researchers based at the Sutton Bonington campus. This role involves managing the feeding and evaluation of dairy cattle. You will be responsible for the maintenance and calibration of machinery designed to feed dairy cattle, and the observation, sampling and handling of dairy cattle. Your role will involve data recording, sample collection, use of Microsoft products and evaluation. The role will involve some weekend work, for which you will receive competitive remuneration.
Some of the main duties and responsibilities will include:
- Use, calibrate and maintain equipment associated with the feeding and management of dairy cattle, including individual feeding equipment, sample collection, and measurement equipment.
- Support academic staff, students, and technicians in animal handling, diet feeding, and the setting up and operation of feeding and monitoring equipment, along with sample collection, processing, and data collation.
- Assist in the daily husbandry requirements of the dairy cow and calf research units, in particular the feeding of animals, and occasional associated weekend work.
- Support academic staff and technical team in the delivery of technology transfer events.
The successful candidate will have the following:
- Experience in the maintenance and operation of feeding equipment and working with dairy cattle.
- Computer literate, with experience in using Microsoft Office suite applications.
- High attention to detail.
- Ability to work on own initiative to plan and manage own workload, and work as part of a team.
What we offer:
- A friendly, diverse, and supportive working environment.
- Generous holiday entitlement of 27 days (or pro rata) plus standard bank holidays and five university closure days including closure between Christmas and New Year.
- We are committed to staff development through the provision of training, continued support, and career progression opportunities.
- You will have access to a range of benefits and rewards, including fitness and health facilities, staff discounts, travel schemes and many more.
This is a full time (36.25 hours) post, fixed-term position available until 30/04/2027.
Informal enquiries may be addressed to Jean Margerison.
Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.
Our university is a supportive, inclusive, caring and positive community. We welcome those of different cultures, ethnicities and beliefs - indeed this very diversity is vital to our success, it is fundamental to our values and enriches life on campus.
To help you succeed, we published Candidate Guidance to provide support on the application and interview process.
We welcome applications from UK, Europe and worldwide and aim to make your move to the UK as smooth as possible.
This position does not fulfil the UK Visas & Immigration sponsorship criteria for Skilled Worker, therefore we can only accept applications from candidates who already have the right to work in UK.
Technician (Fixed-Term) employer: University Of Nottingham
The University of Nottingham is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values teamwork and individual contributions. Employees benefit from flexible working hours, access to health facilities, and a generous holiday allowance, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful part-time employment while contributing to a vibrant academic community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technician (Fixed-Term)
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We think you need these skills to ace Technician (Fixed-Term)
Some tips for your application 🫡
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Bring along Any Certifications:If you have any cool certificates related to agriculture, like health and safety or machinery operation, be sure to include these in your application. They can really set you apart and show that you’re not just a regular applicant—you're someone who comes prepped and ready to contribute!
How to prepare for a job interview at University Of Nottingham
✨Show Off Your Practical Skills
In the agriculture field, hands-on experience is key. Be ready to chat about any specific tools or machinery you've worked with, whether it’s tractors, irrigation systems, or general farm equipment. If you’ve got experience with crop management or livestock care, flaunt that too!
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✨Mindful of Safety Regulations
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