Principal Named Training and Competency Officer

Location: The Francis Crick Institute, London

Salary: From £56,400 with benefits subject to skills and experience

About us

The Francis Crick Institute is Europe’s largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world-class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions. Click here to learn more. 

About the role

This is a new role within the Crick focused on ensuring effective and expert advice and training is available for those working with animals, whilst ensuring compliance with the Animal (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (Amended 2012) act.

You will act as the Principal Named Training and Competency Officer (NTCO) for the Crick and, working with the other NTCOs, will have primary responsibility for ensuring that all those working with animals at the Crick are adequately educated, trained, supervised, and competent, and that up-to-date training records and associated documentation are maintained.

Having an in-depth knowledge of ASPA and experience in animal research, you will be able to interpret research proposals and experimental protocols to ensure compliance with the Act and those working under it, using that expertise to advise on procedures, diagnose problems, and proactively resolve issues which arise. 

What you will be doing 

Some of your key responsibilities will be: 

• Ensuring that all those dealing with animals are adequately educated, trained and supervised.
• Coordinate the direction of the Cricks NTCOs to ensure standardisation of training and assessment meets the requirements of Cricks operations, UK regulatory framework and recognised best practice.
• Maintenance of a process for overview of the conduct of experimental procedures involving animals, monitor performance and take appropriate corrective action to ensure performance standards are consistently met.
• Development and maintenance Crick database for management, demonstration and recording of training and competency, CPD and education to meet current and future demands. 

About you 

• Experienced holder of a Home Office personal licence (PIL A,B,C)
• A professional qualification, or degree in basic or applied science or substantial relevant experience working under ASPA
• Current and comprehensive knowledge, interpretation, and application of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and associated Home Office Guidelines, and application of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement of Animals in Research).
• Experience in the training of licensees assessment of competence and development of DOPS 

About Working at the Crick… 

Our values  

• We are bold. We make space for creative, dynamic and imaginative ideas and approaches. We’re not afraid to do things differently. 
• We are open. We’re highly collaborative and interactive, and make sure our activities are visible to the outside world. 
• We are collegial. We show respect for one another, work cooperatively and support the wider community. 

At the Crick, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and scientific discovery. If you need assistance with your application, please contact weronika.kucala@crick.ac.uk

To read more about our EDI approach, click here.   

What will you receive?  

We value our team members and are proud to offer an extensive range of benefits to support their well-being and development. You can find out more about what we offer here.

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