Job Description
Job Title: Trainee Animal Ancillary Technician
Posting Start Date: 17/02/2025
Job Id: 849
School/Department: Biological Services
Work Arrangement: Full Time (On site)
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary per annum (£): £22,443.00
Closing Date: 7.03.2025
The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.
We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

7TH MARCH 2025

An opportunity has arisen for an Animal Ancillary Technician to join a small and specialised team working in the Biological Services Unit. The post holder will contribute to the efficient operation of the department by processing soiled cages, operating industrial scale washing and sterilisation equipment, and carrying out general cleaning and minor maintenance tasks. The successful candidate will also drive a small delivery van on a regular basis; collecting and dropping off supplies and equipment as required at both university and other sites. Some basic animal care work including feeding, watering and cleaning of cages may also be required. We are looking for individuals who are self-motivated, have a passion for animals, and care about cleanliness and hygiene.
We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.

• Carry out cleaning of cages, bottles and relevant equipment, washing and sterilisation of cages and laboratory equipment using the appropriate materials to predetermined schedules.
• Operation of machinery across all sites, ensuring all consumables and equipment are sterilised and allocated to appropriate areas.
• Carry out sterility testing of autoclaves to ISO standard to ensure quality control is maintained.
• Maintaining records relating to the use and maintenance of the machines, waste disposal and other records relating to the maintenance of hygiene. Notifying line manager of cage-cleaning and sterilising equipment malfunctions.
• Liaising with engineers and contractors to discuss equipment malfunctions.
• Assist animal care staff with routine cleaning of animal holding areas and some basic animal husbandry tasks eg Cleaning out of large animal enclosures, providing bedding, food and water.
• Cleaning and general maintenance of animal holding and associated areas within the department, including filter changing, cleaning shower areas, bottle bleaching, etc.
• Unload stores, collection of deliveries and disposal of waste products.
• Drive a small delivery van between sites; collecting and dropping off supplies and equipment as required at both university and other sites.
• Follow departmental SOPs in accordance with all relevant legislation to ensure that safe working practices and ISO regulations are conformed to. Advising line manager, and HOD if required, on safety issues that arise.
• Receive work from line manager or other staff within the department.
• Organise workload using own initiative, with some direction and jointly with other team members based upon urgency/importance.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post