Job Description
Animal Technician Opportunities - Mary Lyon Centre
The following information aims to provide potential candidates with a better understanding of the requirements for this role.
Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire
£20,484 per annum/pro rata for part time
Permanent
Full (36 hours per week) or part time (18-24 hours per week, negotiable)
About us
The Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell (MLC) is located in an expanding science innovation park 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 distinct research clusters spread across the UK to accelerate our understanding of human disease.
About our roles
Do you have a keen interest in animals, and are you looking to start a career in scientific research?
We have full-time and part-time roles available (18-24 hours per week) for caring individuals to join our Animal Technician team at Harwell. New team members would ensure a high level of animal welfare, and will work to improve the quality of life for laboratory animals, in line with the Home Office regulations (Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act amended 2012). They will also carry out ethically justified procedures and ensure meticulous computerised record keeping of all animal-related work.
We are looking for someone with a responsible attitude, a love of animals, and a willingness to care for them. Training will be provided in animal husbandry, as well as in use of our database system and in basic genetics. This training allows technicians to understand the work being done, as well as to contribute to discussions on managing mouse colonies. Further progression will include completion of the Home Office licence course, and application for a Personal Licence, after which technicians will be able to carry out procedural work.
Key responsibilities include
Checking the health and welfare of experimental mice
Participating in the rota for cleaning and watering of animal cages
Addressing the welfare needs of mouse colonies
Maintaining cleanliness in the animal rooms
Computerised record keeping
Reading and adhering to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and risk assessments
Taking samples for genotyping
About You
You will have 5 GCSEs or equivalent at grade C or above
Experience of working with animals, or in a capacity in which a caring approach is required, and attention to detail are essential (for example, in kennels, care homes, or working with young children)
Basic computer skills including the ability to use digital record-keeping systems and common software packages such as Excel
Must be able to work overtime to cover animal requirements as and when required
Benefits
Choosing to come to work at the MRC (part of UK Research and Innovation (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 a salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. In addition, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the work of a world-class medical research organisation.
The MRC values the diverse skills and experience of its employees and is committed to achieving equality of treatment for all. Our objectives are that all individuals shall have equal opportunities for employment and advancement on the basis of their skills, aptitudes and abilities.
The MRC is committed to the engagement and retention of the best possible talent and to creating an environment that encourages excellence in scientific research through good equality and diversity leadership and management.
How to Apply:
For full details and to apply, please click apply.
The closing date for applications is 9-Apr-2023