Senior Animal Technician

This review provides an in-depth look at the Senior Animal Technician opportunity, designed to help prospective candidates understand the scope of the role and its potential for career growth.

Senior Animal Technician: Advancing Science with a Commitment to Welfare

For individuals driven by a dual passion for animal welfare and groundbreaking scientific research, this Senior Animal Technician role presents a compelling career advancement. You'll be instrumental in the daily operations of a sophisticated Biological Research Facility (BRF), directly contributing to the advancement of scientific knowledge and the enhancement of lives. This is an opportunity to be part of an established, supportive, and collaborative research environment where your dedication to the ethical treatment and exemplary care of animals will be highly valued and recognized.

Key Responsibilities and the Impact You'll Make:

As a Senior Animal Technician, your role is central to maintaining the highest standards of animal care and welfare, operating under strict adherence to Home Office guidelines and the Animal Scientific Procedures Act 1986. Your contributions will be:

• Exceptional Animal Care: You will provide hands-on, high-quality care, handling, and husbandry for a diverse range of laboratory animals, ensuring their health, cleanliness, and overall welfare are consistently met.
• Proactive Health Monitoring: Your keen observational skills will be vital in conducting regular health assessments and identifying any signs of distress or illness, enabling timely intervention.
• Essential Experimental Support: You will collaborate closely with researchers, assisting in animal-related experimental procedures while rigorously upholding ethical guidelines and regulatory compliance.
• Meticulous Record Keeping: Accuracy is paramount. You will be responsible for precisely documenting all aspects of animal care, procedures, and observations, adhering strictly to standard operating procedures and regulatory mandates.
• Upholding Facility Standards: Maintaining a pristine and organized environment within animal housing areas, workspaces, and equipment is crucial for hygiene and safety.

Why This Role is an Excellent Career Move:

This position offers significant advantages for ambitious professionals:

• Leadership and Mentorship: A key requirement for this role is prior technical experience and line management expertise. This indicates a strong opportunity to lead and mentor junior staff, further developing your management capabilities.
• Influence on Best Practices: You will have the chance to actively contribute to the ongoing improvement of animal care practices and the ethical framework within a leading research institution.
• Contribution to Meaningful Research: Be part of a facility dedicated to advancing scientific understanding and developing life-changing breakthroughs. Your role is foundational to this mission.
• Supportive and Collaborative Environment: The BRF fosters a culture where teamwork and shared expertise are encouraged, allowing you to learn and grow alongside dedicated professionals.
• Professional Development: Working within a regulated research environment provides continuous opportunities to hone your technical skills and deepen your understanding of animal welfare legislation and scientific protocols.

Key Considerations for Prospective Candidates:

To thrive in this role and advance your career, consider the following:

• Experience is Essential: A strong background in animal care within a laboratory setting, coupled with proven line management experience, is a prerequisite. Highlight these areas prominently in your application.
• Commitment to Welfare: A genuine enthusiasm for animal welfare and a practical, hands-on approach are fundamental to success.
• Adaptability and Flexibility: The role requires a flexible, methodical, and organized individual. Be prepared for a rota system that includes working weekends, bank holidays, and university closure days.
• Teamwork and Autonomy: The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a wider team is crucial. You will also be expected to offer professional judgment and guidance.
• Adherence to Regulations: A thorough understanding of and commitment to upholding regulatory standards, such as the Animal Scientific Procedures Act 1986, is non-negotiable.

Exceptional Benefits and Future Prospects:

Beyond a competitive salary, this position offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your work-life balance and professional well-being:

• Generous annual leave allowance, including university closure days and bank holidays.
• A strong pension scheme.
• Access to world-class leisure facilities.
• Supportive family-friendly benefits, including an on-site nursery.
• Opportunities for continued professional development within a leading academic institution.

This Senior Animal Technician role is more than just a job; it's an opportunity to make a tangible impact in the field of scientific research while upholding the highest ethical standards. If you are ready to take on a leadership role and contribute to vital scientific endeavors, this position offers a rewarding path forward.