View Vacancy -- Senior Animal Technician - PNAC - Biological Services Group - LMB 2797

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: 

The purpose of this post is to work within a small team to support the on-going animal-based research located within MRC laboratory animal facilities which include the Ares Building on the Babraham Research Campus and the LMB, on the Addenbrooke’s Hospital site. 

Main duties/ Key responsibilities:

•    To undertake a wide range of experimental and licenced procedures, applying technical skills at a consistently high standard.
•    To provide animal research support and advice to scientific researchers by organising and implementing in vivo experiments from detailed experimental protocols, abiding by A(SP)A.
•    To manage own workload and accommodate short notice requests for urgent experiments and procedure requests. 
•    To communicate directly with scientific researchers, keeping them up to date on their experiments and identifying potential problems in implementing the protocols.
•    To organise record keeping for both breeding & experimental areas, using both computer methods (MCMS) and paper as necessary.
•    To plan and liaise with Animal Technicians in other units within the BSG, and LMB researchers to ensure the smooth running of experiments within experimental areas of the BSG.
•    To make decisions as to the work priorities, being sympathetic to deadlines and needs of researchers while not compromising on standards or animal welfare. 
•    To train Technicians and provide advice in all areas of animal husbandry and experimental techniques as required. 
•    Be available to train researchers in experimental procedures.
•    Be able to learn new experimental procedures to further assist the progress of the science.
•    To observe the wellbeing of the mice and promote high welfare standards within the experimental study protocols.
•    To ensure that experimental endpoints and severity levels are not exceeded, whilst ensuring that the Home Office requirements are adhered to at all times.
•    To provide care and maintenance of genetically altered research mice within IVC/Isolator/Biocontainment caging systems.
•    To respond promptly and efficiently in the event of an unplanned event during an experiment. Show good judgement in assessing when to ask for support. If mice show unexpected reactions to the experimental procedures the post holder will need to monitor the situation, analyse the evidence available and communicate a course of action to the experimental stakeholders. 
•    To be able to assess the suitability of an animal for an experiment or for transport.
•    To be proactive in suggesting improvements in techniques and protocols.
•    To deputise for supervisor in their absence.

Working relationships: 

You will report to a Band 4 Facility Manager in the area you are working. Other working relationships will primarily be between colleagues working within the Ares and LMB facilities and researchers. Strong working relationships with the NACWOs, NVS and HOLO will also be needed to ensure that the goals of the LMB are met. 

Additional information:
Animal work is subject to strict statutory control and is the subject of considerable public interest; hence there is a need for sensitivity and awareness in all activities.  A professional and dedicated approach will be expected at all times.

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.
 
You will be based at either the Ares Facility on the Babraham Research Campus or the main LMB site on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, with occasional travel to the other site. 

Education / qualifications / training required: 
Essential: 
•    Holds a Personal Licence (PIL), category AB.
•    Institute of Animal Technology (IAT), level 2 diploma or equivalent.
•    Animal Care qualification.

Desirable: 
•    Holds a Personal Licence, category C.
•    IAT level 3 diploma or equivalent.
•    IAT level 4 HE certificate or equivalent.
•    Named Animal Care and Welfare Officer (NACWO), qualification.

Previous work experience required: 

Essential: 
•    Experience of developing and training staff.
•    Experience of working within a barrier facility.
•    Experience of breeding and colony maintenance programmes.
•    Experience at performing a range of licenced procedures and interpreting experimental protocols.
•    Experience of accurate computer and written record keeping. 

Desirable: 
•    Experience working with IVC caging systems and flexible-film isolators.
•    Experience of rodent surgery.
•    Experience of work at CL2 level.

Knowledge and experience: 

Essential: 
•    Thorough understanding of rodent GA stock, breeding and colony management.
•    In-depth knowledge of animal welfare, understanding of the 3Rs and experience of working to the EU Directive 2010/63/EU and A(SP)A.
•    Understands the routine nature of an animal care provision role.
•    Has a thorough understanding of relevant Home Office Guidelines.
•    Experience of dealing with and interpreting Home Office Project Licences using ASPeL

Desirable: 
•    Familiarity with colony maintenance databases.
•    Familiarity with spread sheets for record keeping.

Personal skills / behaviours / qualities: 

Essential:
•    Ability to work well independently.
•    Ability to work as part of a team.
•    Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 
•    Responsible, conscientious, and hardworking.
•    Good time management and strong organisational skills. 
•    Aptitude to work accurately within a scientific environment.
•    Empathy for animal work.
•    Can demonstrate good attention to detail.
•    Demonstrates a committed and dedicated approach.
•    Self-motivated.
•    Demonstrates a can-do flexible approach.

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.