View Vacancy -- Animal Technician - PNAC - Biological Services Group - LMB 2785

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.

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). Each room can hold up to 1000 cages 
•    Daily welfare observations using good attention to detail in order to check animal numbers and caging information and to report any abnormalities 
•    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 written 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:

This campaign supports the employment of three posts: two permanent positions and one fixed-term post (12- month maternity cover). 

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 session is 3 hours per weekend day. There are opportunities to work additional overtime on weekends and Bank Holidays via a volunteering system. 

This position involves sustained physical activity, including lifting and moving items such as cages. Candidates should therefore be comfortable with the physically demanding and repetitive aspects of the role.

Appointment within the salary range will be commensurate with experience, with higher points reserved for candidates demonstrating significant relevant skills, qualifications, or experience.
 
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: An interest in obtaining IAT Level 2 Diploma in Laboratory Animal Science & Technology or equivalent

Desirable: 
•    GCSEs or equivalent
•    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 instructions
•    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 written 

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
•    Ability to demonstrate adaptability and flexibility in order to respond to the changing demands of the animal rooms and overall facility. 
•    Ability to meet the physical demands of the role.
•    Able to safely lift and move animal cages weighing up to 5 kg.

Additional Information 

We welcome applications from all and are open to discuss requests for reasonable adjustments.

You must at all times carry out your responsibilities with due regard to the UKRI:

• Code of Conduct
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy
• Health and Safety policy
• Data Protection policy

Job descriptions should be reviewed on a regular basis and at the annual appraisal.  Any changes should be made and agreed between you and your manager.

The above lists are not exhaustive and you are required to undertake such duties as may reasonably be requested within the scope of the post.  All employees are required to act professionally, co-operatively and flexibly in line with the requirements of the post, the MRC and UKRI. 

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.