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.
• Undertakes general routine laboratory support duties, stock checks, management of consumables, behavioural testing and dosing, following standard operating procedures.
• Ability to follow protocols/study plans and carrying out studies within agreed timeline.
• Ensuring appropriate use of animals in compliance with all regulatory requirements and internal standards.
• Ensuring all Standard Operating Procedures, Health and Safety and regulatory requirements are adhered to.
• Using best judgment to carry out work to the highest standard.
• Ensures data integrity is maintained through the correct, prescriptive procedure of logging client data.

Interaction

• Practical problem-solving and good communication skills.
• Ability to work well within a team, as well as independently and proactively.
• Highly motivated and ability to be flexible in case of changing priorities.

Communication

• Communications are with all departments and employees within the organization as well 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 the occasional exposure to small quantities of toxic irritant or corrosive chemicals as well as exposure to freezers (-80°C) and liquid nitrogen (-200°C) while storing, retrieving, shipping, and receiving materials.
• There is exposure to sharps whilst preparing and performing procedures.
• There will also be repetitive physical activities.
• There will be occasional periods of several hours per day performing physically repetitive procedures (typing, etc.).
• There is also a potential for digital eye strain resulting from prolonged computer use.

Physical Requirements

• The demands of this position include: standing, bending, twisting, lifting, carrying liquid containers, carrying boxes weighing up to 20 kg and daily periods of keyboarding.
• 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.