View Vacancy -- Animal Technician - PNAC - Biological Services Group - LMB 2001

Open Date
22/11/2022, 10:30
Close Date
08/01/2023, 23:55
MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology
As this job does not fulfil the UK Government minimum salary criterion for obtaining sponsored migrant worker status we will be unable to apply for sponsorship for anyone not eligible to work in the UK.  At interview, all shortlisted candidates are required to bring with them identification documents and original documents that prove they hold or can obtain the right to work in the UK.  You can check your eligibility here: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa/y

The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) is one of the birthplaces of modern molecular biology and has played an important role in the development of many new techniques, most notably protein crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, DNA sequencing and monoclonal antibodies.  The LMB has a clear goal of understanding biological processes at the molecular level, with the ultimate aim of using this knowledge to tackle specific problems in human health and disease.  We aim to tackle difficult, long-term problems, which often require investment over many years.

There are four scientific Divisions - Structural Studies, Protein and Nucleic Acid Chemistry, Cell Biology and Neurobiology.  However, scientific collaboration between the different Divisions is extensive. Scientists are well supported by excellent scientific facilities and by the LMB Operations Group which maintains the core infrastructure and services of the institute.

The LMB provides an unsurpassed environment for both new and established researchers. Scientists are drawn to the LMB from all over the world, thus creating a lively and international community for the exchange of ideas and technical innovation.

UK Research and Innovation is a new entity that brings together nine partners to create an independent organisation with a strong voice for research and innovation, more information can be found at www.ukri.org

MRC - 6
Ares, Babraham
£20,484 to £24,871 per annum
£2,500 Recruitment and Retention Allowance (RRA), per annum for a Home Office Personal Licence (PIL)
Permanent
Technical & Scientific Professionals
Full Time

Overall purpose: 

To work within a small team, within an animal holding room, forming part of the larger team known as the Biological Services Group (BSG), whose aim is to support scientific researchers at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB). Specifically to provide animal husbandry for laboratory mice used in medical research.

Main duties/ Key responsibilities:

•    Daily care and maintenance of research mice within individually ventilated caging systems (IVCs)
•    Daily welfare observations using good attention to detail in order to check animal numbers and caging information and to report any abnormalities as appropriate
•    Regular observations of cage cleanliness and changing cage bases to ensure suitable environments for the animals 
•    Ensure the animals have access to food, water and environmental enrichment 
•    Maintain the animal rooms to a high standard of hygiene, for example; damp-dusting the surfaces, vacuuming and  mopping the floors
•    Liaise closely with scientific staff, whose animals you are responsible for
•    Work closely to protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
•    Ensure that Home Office Compliance is met in all areas at all times
•    Maintain detailed, accurate records of all activities, using both electronic and manual methods

Working relationships: 

Typically you will be a member of a small team (normally 3-5 people), supervised by a senior technician under the overall management of a facility manager.

Additional information:

You are expected to work overtime for one weekend (2 sessions) every month for which overtime and travel costs will be paid according to UKRI-MRC rates.  A weekend session is approximately 3 hours per day. There are opportunities to work more overtime on weekends and Bank Holidays via a volunteering system
 
This job is based on the Babraham Research Campus, there may be occasional travel to our main lab on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus

Education / qualifications / training required: 

Essential: Minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*-C) or equivalent

Desirable: 
•    Institute of Animal Technology (IAT) Level 2 Diploma in Laboratory Animal Science & Technology or equivalent
•    Level 2 or 3 Animal Care qualification
•    Relevant scientific degree

Previous work experience required: 

Essential: 
•    Experience of caring for animals
•    Experience of working as part of a team

Desirable: 
•    Experience of working as an animal technician
•    Experience of barriered facilities, including isolation systems e.g. individually ventilated cages (IVCs), and flexible film isolators
•    Working knowledge of Home Office regulations
•    Knowledge of the 3Rs
•    Experience of following written processes and working to strict guidelines
•    Demonstrate an understanding of working to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
•    Experience of using Mouse Colony Management Systems or other similar databases

Knowledge and experience: 

Creativity and initiative
Essential: Can demonstrate good attention to detail

Independent working
Essential:
•    Demonstrate an ability to work independently and follow instruction
•    Acts on own initiative, but also has the ability to know when to seek advice

Verbal and written communication skills
Essential:
•    Strong written and verbal communication skills  
•    Experience of good record keeping, both electronically and manually 

Desirable: Experience of communicating with researchers

Personal skills / behaviours / qualities: 

Essential: 
•    A pro-active approach demonstrating commitment to animal welfare with a desire for constant improvement
•    Experience of maintaining high levels of hygiene to ensure a suitable environment  
•    Understands the routine nature of animal care
•    Excellent time management and sound interpersonal skills  
•    Commitment to undertake standard training programs

The MRC is a great place to work and progress your career, be it in scientific research or the support functions.The MRC is a unique working environment where our researchers are rewarded by world class innovation and collaboration opportunities that the MRC name brings. The MRC is an excellent place to develop yourself further and a range of training & development opportunities will be available to you, including professional registration with the Science Council.

Choosing to come to work at the MRC (part of 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 salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme, as well as the chance to put the MRC and UKRI on your CV in the future.

Our success is dependent upon our ability to embrace diversity and draw on the skills, understanding and experience of all our people. We welcome applications from all sections of the community irrespective of gender, race, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, disability or age. As "Disability Confident" employers, we guarantee to interview all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.

UKRI supports research in areas that include animal health, agriculture and food security, and bioscience for health which includes research on animals, genetic modification and stem cell research. Whilst you may not have direct involvement in this type of research, you should consider whether this conflicts with your personal values or beliefs.

We will conduct a full and comprehensive pre-employment check as an essential part of the recruitment process on all individuals that are offered a position with UKRI. This will include a security check and an extreme organisations affiliation check.  The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role.  UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.

This opportunity is closed to applications.