Animal Technician (Maternity Cover) CM)

Job Opportunity Review: Animal Technician (Level 2A) at University Hospital Southampton

This review provides an in-depth look at the Animal Technician (Level 2A) position at the Biomedical Research Facility (BRF) at University Hospital Southampton, offering insights for prospective candidates to evaluate its alignment with their career aspirations.

The Opportunity

This is a fixed-term position, scheduled to conclude on Friday, 30 October 2026, serving as maternity cover. The role is situated within the esteemed Biomedical Research Facility (BRF), a hub renowned for its dedication to supporting critical medical research. The BRF's work spans a diverse range of vital areas including cancer, osteoporosis, neurology, ophthalmology, asthma, and nutrition, offering a chance to contribute to impactful scientific advancements.

Key Responsibilities and Daily Tasks

As an Animal Technician (Level 2A), your core duties will revolve around the meticulous daily care and management of animals within the facility. This includes:

• Daily Animal Husbandry: Executing essential tasks such as feeding, watering, and maintaining the cleanliness of animal enclosures to the highest standards.
• Animal Welfare Monitoring: Conducting regular checks to ensure the optimal health and welfare of all animals and meticulously documenting these observations.
• Biosecurity and Regulatory Compliance: Upholding stringent standards of animal health, welfare, and biosecurity, ensuring full adherence to Home Office regulations and internal facility policies.

Advantages for Candidates

This position presents several significant advantages for individuals looking to advance their careers in the biomedical field:

• Skill Development: An excellent opportunity to hone and expand your technical skills in a professional and highly regulated biomedical research environment.
• Contribution to Vital Research: The chance to play an integral role in supporting cutting-edge medical research that has the potential to improve lives.
• Professional Environment: Working within a facility with a strong reputation for excellence, providing exposure to best practices in animal care and research support.
• Career Progression: Gaining valuable experience in a recognized research institution that can serve as a strong foundation for future career development in animal technology or broader scientific roles.
• Staff Benefits: As part of the University of Southampton, candidates can expect access to a comprehensive range of staff benefits, contributing to overall job satisfaction.

Key Considerations for Candidates

When considering this role, it is important to note the following:

• Fixed-Term Contract: The position is a fixed-term contract until October 2026, which may be a key factor in long-term career planning.
• Salary Range: The salary for this position is between £25,249 and £26,707 per annum, commensurate with experience and the specific grade of the role.
• Maternity Cover: The role is specifically to provide maternity cover, indicating the temporary nature of the opportunity.
• High Standards: The emphasis on upholding high standards of animal health, welfare, and biosecurity requires a diligent and responsible individual committed to best practices and regulatory compliance.

In summary, the Animal Technician (Level 2A) role at the University Hospital Southampton's BRF offers a compelling opportunity for motivated individuals to contribute to groundbreaking research while developing valuable skills in a supportive and reputable environment. Candidates seeking a dynamic role within the biomedical sector, with a focus on animal welfare and scientific support, will find this position particularly attractive.