JOB SUMMARY

We are currently looking for a Higher Animal Technician to join our Analytical and Biological Science team within the Research & Development function within the Science, Research & Innovation group.
This is a full-time opportunity, on a permanent basis. The role will be lab based in South Mimms, Hertfordshire. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas.
Some out-of-hours, weekend and bank holiday working will be required on a rota basis.

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

Our successful candidate will have:

• Professional qualification of Membership of the Institute of Animal Technology (MIAT), or relevant equivalent.
• A current Home Office Personal Licence or has recently held a Home Office Personal Licence with evidence of appropriate training, competency and proven experience
• Good knowledge of ASPA legislation
• Experience in supervising a team and/or area of work
• Practical experience of working in the animal technology field, including daily husbandry, handling and restraint, dealing with health issues and evidence of a commitment to high standards of animal welfare

If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity, please read our Job Description and Person Specification!
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SELECTION PROCESS DETAILS

We use the Civil Service Success Profiles to assess our candidates, find out more here.

• Online application form, including questions based on the Behaviour, Experience and Technical Success Profiles. Please ensure all application questions are completed in full; your application may not be considered if any responses are left blank. Our applications are CV blind, and our Hiring Managers will not be able to access your CV when reviewing your application.
• Interview, which can include questions based on the Behaviour, Experience, Technical and Strengths Success Profiles. In the instance that we receive a high number of applications, we will hold an initial sift based on the lead criteria of Communicating and Influencing.

In the instance that we receive a high number of applications, we will hold an initial sift based on the lead criteria of experience in supervising a team and/or area of work; demonstrable leadership skills.
Applicants are assessed on whether they meet any mandatory requirements as well as the necessary skills and experience for the role. Applications are scored based on the competency-based answers provided- ensure you have read these thoroughly and allow sufficient time. You can view the competencies for this role in the job description.

NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements

WHAT’S THE ROLE?

The role holder will have specific responsibility to support the Area Manager including daily organization, operation, and appropriate staff training/supervision. Matrix management of area staff providing training on any new routines implemented and changes in productivity targets.
The post holder will provide regular reports on any findings from routine checks including health status, productivity, husbandry regimes, trials to the Area Manager.
The role holder will use their knowledge and skills to perform a diverse range of in-vivo scientific procedures on a variety of laboratory animal species at all containment levels, including injections, blood and tissue sampling, safe use of anaesthetics, and performing tissue dissections: this will involve expert safe animal handling and restraint techniques, and the ability to use specialised equipment associated with procedural duties.
In addition to specific procedures the role holder will contribute to the maintenance of high standards for the care and welfare of the of a variety of animal species, including non-human primates (NHPs) housed in the biological services facility in support of the Agency programmes of work that require in- vivo models. There is the expectation of contribution to the provision of weekend and Bank Holiday cover for the care of animals.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervise the Area, including the daily organization and performance of animal husbandry and procedures, and oversee / perform staff training and assessment of competence where appropriate, to ensure standards are met.
• Cover other Area supervisor roles and / or act as appointed Deputy to an Area Manager to provide support, complete delegated duties and cover Area in their absence when required to ensure business continuity.
• Complete Area related administrative duties to meet Home Office, Quality, Safety and scientific study requirements as well as identify, implement and assess trials to promote improvements to routines Health and Safety and animal welfare within the Area and ensure beneficial changes to routines communicated to staff and enacted.
• Taking primary responsibility for the animals under which staff member’s Personal Licence is applied, including awareness of test severity categories and potential adverse effects, limits, and controls. Ensure all testing protocols are fully compliant with the relevant legislative requirements. Ensure accuracy and consistency of in-vivo procedures to meet requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 quality system.
• Performing a diverse range of in-vivo scientific procedures on a variety of laboratory animal species and containment levels, including injections, blood and tissue sampling, safe use of anaesthetics, and performing tissue dissections: this will involve expert safe animal handling and restraint techniques, and the ability to use specialised equipment associated with procedural duties. This will include those requiring a higher level of skill and a higher degree of safety awareness / competence.
• Able to assist with daily husbandry and other care duties for all species, including NHPs, at containment levels 2 and 3 (SAPO 4 work may be undertaken with suitable experience and training), and maintain the highest standards of welfare through continual improvement of environmental conditions for the animals.

Certain roles within the MHRA will require post holders to have vaccinations, and in some circumstances, routine health surveillance. These roles include:

• Laboratory-based roles working directly with known pathogens
• Maintenance roles, particularly those required to work in laboratory settings
• Roles that involve visiting other establishments where vaccination is required
• Roles required to travel overseas where specific vaccination may be required