Trainee Animal Technician

To work within a small team, within an animal holding room, forming part of the larger team known as the Biological Services Group (BSG), whose aim is to support scientific researchers at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB). Specifically to provide animal husbandry for laboratory mice used in medical research.

Main duties/ Key responsibilities:

• Daily care and maintenance of research mice within individually ventilated caging systems (IVCs)
• Daily welfare observations using good attention to detail in order to check animal numbers and caging information and to report any abnormalities as appropriate
• Regular observations of cage cleanliness and changing cage bases to ensure suitable environments for the animals
• Ensure the animals have access to food, water and environmental enrichment
• Maintain the animal rooms to a high standard of hygiene, for example; damp-dusting the surfaces, vacuuming and mopping the floors
• Liaise closely with scientific staff, whose animals you are responsible for
• Work closely to protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Ensure that Home Office Compliance is met in all areas at all times
• Maintain detailed, accurate records of all activities, using both electronic and manual methods

Working relationships:

Typically you will be a member of a small team (normally 3-5 people), supervised by a senior technician under the overall management of a facility manager.

Additional information:

You are expected to work overtime for one weekend (2 sessions) every month for which overtime and travel costs will be paid according to UKRI-MRC rates. A weekend session is approximately 3 hours per day. There are opportunities to work more overtime on weekends and Bank Holidays via a volunteering system

This job is based on the Babraham Research Campus, there may be occasional travel to our main lab on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus

Person Specification

Education / qualifications / training required:

Essential: Minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*-C) or equivalent

Desirable:

• Institute of Animal Technology (IAT) Level 2 Diploma in Laboratory Animal Science & Technology or equivalent
• Level 2 or 3 Animal Care qualification
• Relevant scientific degree

Previous work experience required:

Essential:

• Experience of caring for animals
• Experience of working as part of a team

Desirable:

• Experience of working as an animal technician
• Experience of barriered facilities, including isolation systems e.g. individually ventilated cages (IVCs), and flexible film isolators
• Working knowledge of Home Office regulations
• Knowledge of the 3Rs
• Experience of following written processes and working to strict guidelines
• Demonstrate an understanding of working to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Experience of using Mouse Colony Management Systems or other similar databases

Knowledge and experience:

Creativity and initiative
Essential: Can demonstrate good attention to detail

Independent working
Essential:

• Demonstrate an ability to work independently and follow instruction
• Acts on own initiative, but also has the ability to know when to seek advice

Verbal and written communication skills
Essential:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience of good record keeping, both electronically and manually

Desirable: Experience of communicating with researchers

Personal skills / behaviours / qualities:

Essential:

• A pro-active approach demonstrating commitment to animal welfare with a desire for constant improvement
• Experience of maintaining high levels of hygiene to ensure a suitable environment
• Understands the routine nature of animal care
• Excellent time management and sound interpersonal skills
• Commitment to undertake standard training programs

Further Information

Additional information:

We would welcome applications from those at entry level as full training can be provided.

Corporate/Local responsibilities & requirements

You must at all times carry out your responsibilities with due regard to the:

• MRC Code of Conduct
• MRC Equality and Diversity policy
• UKRI Health and Safety policy
• UKRI Data Protection policy

Job descriptions should be reviewed on a regular basis and at the annual appraisal. Any changes should be made and agreed between you and your manager.

The above lists are not exhaustive and you are required to undertake such duties as may reasonably be requested within the scope of the post. All employees are required to act professionally, co-operatively and flexibly in line with the requirements of the post, the MRC and UKRI.

The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.

The MRC is a great place to work and progress your career, be it in scientific research or the support functions.The MRC is a unique working environment where our researchers are rewarded by world class innovation and collaboration opportunities that the MRC name brings. The MRC is an excellent place to develop yourself further and a range of training & development opportunities will be available to you, including professional registration with the Science Council.

Choosing to come to work at the MRC (part of UKRI) means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme and excellent holiday entitlement to access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme, as well as the chance to put the MRC and UKRI on your CV in the future.