View Vacancy -- Specialist Animal Technician - MLC 2681
Open Date 08/08/2025, 13:30 /*generated inline style */ Close Date /*generated inline style */ 24/08/2025, 23:55 /*generated inline style */ Research Institute MRC Mary Lyon Centre /*generated inline style */ As this job does not fulfil the UK Government minimum salary criterion for obtaining sponsored migrant worker status we will be unable to apply for sponsorship for anyone not eligible to work in the UK. At interview, all shortlisted candidates are required to bring with them identification documents and original documents that prove they hold or can obtain the right to work in the UK. You can check your eligibility here: /*generated inline style */ Research Institute / Unit Information The Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell (MLC) is located in an expanding science and innovation campus in Oxfordshire and is an internationally renowned centre at the forefront of genetics research. As the hub of the new National Mouse Genetics Network, the specialist facilities and capabilities of the MLC support a number of research groups across the UK to accelerate our understanding of human diseases, such as cancer, developmental disorders and neurodegeneration. /*generated inline style */ UK Research and Innovation is a new entity that brings together nine partners to create an independent organisation with a strong voice for research and innovation, more information can be found at
/*generated inline style */ Band MRC - 6 /*generated inline style */ Location Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire /*generated inline style */ Salary £26,543 per annum /*generated inline style */ Contract Type Permanent /*generated inline style */ Job Type Technical & Scientific Professionals /*generated inline style */ Full Time / Part Time Full Time /*generated inline style */ Job Description
Overall Purpose:
We are recruiting an adaptable Animal Technician to join our growing team working across three specialist units:
1. Germ-free (axenic and gnotobiotic) units, using isolators and aseptic husbandry
2. Immunocompromised units, following high-barrier Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
3. Quarantine unit, for high-health surveillance and barrier transitions
The post-holder will rotate across these areas, supporting husbandry work, ensuring welfare and compliance to regulatory standards.
This is a hands-on role involving routine and specialised husbandry, and close interaction with researchers and facility teams. The post-holder will be instrumental in maintaining sterility, biosecurity, and animal welfare in high-containment environments.
Main Duties/Key Responsibilities:
4. Perform husbandry for germ-free, gnotobiotic, and immunocompromised colonies
5. Operate and maintain germ-free isolators and individually ventilated cage (IVC) systems
6. Conduct animal procedures (, sampling, phenotype scoring) under Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA)
7. Monitor animal health and welfare; escalate and act on clinical observations
8. Maintain meticulous digital records using a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and in line with SOPs
9. Work flexibly across specialist units, including weekend and rota-based duties
10. Contribute to quarantine operations and aseptic workflows
11. Participate in audits, health and sterility monitoring programmes
12. Liaise with scientists and the wider animal care team to support studies
Working Relationships:
The post-holder will be a member of a team working under the supervision of a line manager and ward supervisor. Animal technicians work in teams and support each other to ensure that all the work is carried out to a high standard. Good communication and the ability to work with others is essential. The post-holder will also liaise with members of other teams, including MLC maintenance, phenotyping and necropsy, and with teams of researchers.
Additional Information:
Willingness to work weekends and occasional overtime.
Full training will be provided for specialist environments.
There are excellent opportunities for progression, including support to obtain Institute of Animal Technicians (IAT) qualifications and access to UKRI’s Advance training centre.
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Education/Qualifications/Training Required:
Essential:
13. 5 GCSEs (grade C/4 or above)
Desirable:
14. GCSE in Science
15. IAT Level 2 (or willingness to work towards it)
16. Home Office Personal Licence
Previous Work Experience Required:
Essential:
17. Experience of working in a laboratory or animal facility under SOPs
Desirable:
18. Experience of working in isolators or under sterile conditions
19. Experience of working with immunocompromised or genetically altered mice
20. Experience in procedures such as dosing or phenotyping
Knowledge and Experience:
Essential:
21. Strong attention to detail and excellent hygiene awareness
22. Demonstrates ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team
23. Genuine care for animal welfare and high standards of ethics
24. Ability to follow strict aseptic techniques and regulatory compliance
25. Basic computer skills, including the ability to use digital record keeping systems and common software packages (for example, Excel)
Desirable:
26. Practical experience in one or more regulated animal procedures
27. Ability to train other members of staff
28. Familiarity with colony management or breeding programmes
Personal skills/Behaviours/Qualities:
Essential:
29. Excellent attention to detail
30. Ability to work as part of a team or autonomously when required
31. Self-motivated and positive influence on other team members
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