Animal Care Technician

We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.

The Role
The University's Vision and Strategy sets out an ambitious and exciting journey, to be a people focused, world-leading university that harnesses academic excellence, innovation and creativity to advance knowledge and provide benefits to individuals, to organisations and to society as a whole.

The role holder will be located in the Comparative Biology Centre (CBC), Newcastle University's facilities for all research work which involve the use of laboratory animals. Newcastle University has a policy of using animals in research only if there are no realistic alternatives and in projects of major importance. UK standards of care are among the highest in the world, and we strictly enforce them.

You will play an active and engaging role within the CBC team providing excellent technical support and customer service to research groups utilising CBC facilities and services. They will be prepared to work with multiple species and ensure the highest level of animal care and welfare standards are upheld. They will be open to embracing change, continued professional and personal development.

Newcastle University's policy on animal research can be found here: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/research/researchgovernance/animal/.

For informal enquiries contact heather.crawford@ncl.ac.uk.

Please note that if you are successful to this role, you will require medical clearance before you can commence in the role.

Key Accountabilities

• General animal husbandry including, care and feeding of animals to the highest of industrial standards and maintenance of resources.
• Assist, support and communicate with research groups, peers and senior technical team staff. This may include working in any of the designated areas including theatres and service area.
• Provision of excellent customer service for all stakeholders.
• Hold a personal licence under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act and competently carry out regulated procedures, where appropriate.
• Pre- and post-operative care of animals, including appropriate recording.
• Flexible to work outside of normal core hours when required to cover departmental needs. In addition, participation in weekend and holiday rotas.
• To support both staff and student teaching and learning activities through the demonstration of standard equipment and techniques.
• Read, understand and refer to study plans in order to effectively support related activity. Follow protocols, working practices and risk assessments- ensuring a safe working environment is maintained and high standards of animal welfare are maintained.
• Support theatres as and when required.
• As a team member, uphold the security and biosecurity of the department at all times.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 GCSE A-C or equivalent.
• Gained or working towards IAT level 2 Diploma in Lab Animal Science and Technology (Desirable).

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