About the Role
We are seeking a highly motivated Trainee Animal Technician apprentice to join our Biological Services Unit (BSU) and contribute to the vital front-line support we provide to the ICR scientific community. The BSU plays a critical role in facilitating research by maintaining the highest standards of animal care and welfare in accordance with The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.
As a Trainee Animal Technician apprentice, you will begin your career in laboratory animal care by receiving comprehensive, hands-on training in routine animal husbandry, welfare monitoring, and facility hygiene. This role is designed to equip you with the necessary skills and experience to progress within the BSU team, with opportunities for regrading based on demonstrated competency and performance.
Key Responsibilities
1. Provide daily husbandry and care for laboratory animals, including feeding, watering, and bedding changes.
2. Monitor animal health and welfare, reporting concerns promptly to supervisors.
3. Clean and maintain animal rooms and working areas according to SOPs and hygiene standards.
About You
We are looking for someone who can demonstrate an interest in animal care and welfare with the following skills :
4. Passes in four subjects at GCSE level (or equivalent), including English Language and Mathematics or a Science subject.
5. Strong empathy and respect for animals.
6. High standards of reliability, dependability, and conscientiousness.
7. Good level of physical and mental fitness.
8. Able to work both independently and as part of a small team.
9. Willingness to participate in rota-based weekend and holiday work.
What We Offer
10. A supportive and collaborative working environment.
11. Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
12. Competitive salary and pension
Department/Directorate Information
The Biological Services Unit (BSU) sits within the Research Services Directorate at the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR). The BSU is an essential component of the ICR’s research infrastructure, providing front-line support to scientists by ensuring the ethical and high-quality care of animals used in research.
Operating across the Chelsea and Sutton campuses, the BSU ensures compliance with The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and maintains the highest standards of animal welfare, facility hygiene, and biosecurity. The team plays a critical role in enabling preclinical cancer research, offering not only animal care and housing but also technical support, advice, and training to research staff.
As part of the Research Services Directorate, the BSU collaborates closely with scientists across ICR departments to support cutting-edge cancer research. The unit upholds the ICR’s commitment to ethical research practices, continual improvement, and the 3Rs principles (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) in animal research.