Role
As a Trainee Animal Technician, your primary focus is to ensure the health and welfare of animals. Under close supervision, you will initially master routine husbandry tasks including feeding, watering, washing of cages/tanks, autoclaving, maintaining supplies and general cleaning of the facility. As your skills progress through our structured on-the-job training, you will take on other technical responsibilities such as maintaining transgenic mouse colonies, husbandry of zebrafish, detailed record-keeping, and assisting researchers with regulated procedures.
Skills, Experience & Qualifications needed
We are seeking a reliable individual with a passion for animal welfare. While prior experience working with animals (paid or voluntary) is beneficial, it is not essential as full training is provided. You should have:
1. Animal Interest: A genuine interest in animal care and a commitment to maintaining high standards of animal welfare.
2. Education: A Levels, including a science subject, or an equivalent qualification such as a HNC, animal care qualification or equivalent experience. We will support you in achieving your IAT Level 2 Diploma.
3. Knowledge: A strong interest in biological research and an understanding of basic lab safety.
4. Technical Diligence: Exceptional attention to detail for following strict protocols and maintaining accurate legislative records.
5. Professionalism: A dependable, efficient and resilient approach to manual tasks, with a commitment to the high standards of animal care required within a regulated research environment.
6. Flexibility: Availability to participate in a weekend and Bank Holiday working rota once fully trained, as the animals require consistent, daily care.
Important Information
7. Working Pattern: Once fully trained, you will join the rota for working weekends, college closure days and Bank Holidays.
8. Vetting: Due to the sensitive nature of this role, any offer of employment is subject to satisfactory security clearance and an occupational health screening.
Interview date: To be confirmed