BRF Animal Technician - Entry Level or Experienced / Career Move

Salary for this Role:

From £25,930 with benefits, subject to skills and experience

Job Title:

BRF Animal Technician - Entry Level or Experienced / Career Move

Reports to:

Anna Sullivan

Closing Date:

07/Mar/2025 23.59 GMT

Job Description:

BRF Animal Technician - Entry Level or Experienced / Career Move

Details of the role:

Full time, permanent role– 36 hours

Part-time opportunities may also be available, please note any preferred working pattern in your application.

Salary: From £25,930 with benefits, subject to skills and experience

Application closing date: 7th March 2025

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.

The Biological Research Facility is the Crick’s animal facility offering services to those researchers who use animals such as mice and fish to answer their research questions. For example, studying the effects of genes on development, or identifying the molecules involved in how cancer spreads.

The Biological Research Facility supports all animal research at the Crick through its comprehensive animal care and use programme, and provides the Crick's laboratory animal resource and technical services. There are approximately 150 animal care staff spread across several self-contained animal units and laboratories.

High quality multidisciplinary experimental outcomes are at the heart of the BRF's philosophy and operations, delivered to the highest of animal welfare standards. The BRF teams integrate husbandry of multiple species within a range of facilities, using state of the art technologies, via a talented and skilled team.

About the role…

This role is ideally suited to those who have an interest in working with animals with a passion for animal welfare and enjoy practical work.

If the prospect of delivering optimal conditions for animals within a research setting, whilst simultaneously contributing to world class discoveries appeals to you, then the Francis Crick could be the perfect place to embark on a rewarding career in Animal Technology.

We are looking for passionate, self-motivated and enthusiastic team players to take on the role of Animal Technician. This is a vital role within our team and organisation, contributing to improving the quality of life for laboratory animals.

You will be based in an animal facility with primary responsibilities focused on husbandry duties, housed within our cutting-edge facilities, supporting all animal research at the Crick through our comprehensive animal care and use programme.

At the Francis Crick Institute, we offer training and support to start a rewarding career where you can make a positive difference to both research and animal welfare. If you are looking to take on a new challenge or a career move, this may be the perfect role for you.

As a new technician you will learn various aspects of animal husbandry, and use of our record keeping systems, as well as compliance to legal frameworks. Our technicians also gain an IAT Level 2 qualification, as well as the opportunity to obtain a Home Office Personal Licence.

The role of a BRF Research officer gives you the opportunity to grow and develop, fostering continuous learning and career progression, making this a great long-term career option.

What you will be doing…

As an Animal Technician at the Crick, you will:

• Provide excellent care, welfare and husbandry to laboratory animals
• Clean, feed and water animals
• Check environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity and water quality
• Monitor the condition of animals and making health observations
• Undertake domestic duties such as general cleaning and disinfection of equipment
• Maintain accurate written and computer-based records
• Perform culling and basic organ dissections
• Carry out a range of husbandry tasks to support researchers

About you…

You will bring…

• A minimum of 5 GCSEs or equivalent including Maths and/or Science
• Evidence of effectively contributing to a team
• Good time management and organisational skills
• Good observational and attention to detail skills
• Clear and effective written and oral communication skills
• Proven accurate record keeping skills
• Basic Computer literacy (email composition and data entry)

You will demonstrate

• A desire to work in the laboratory animal technology field
• Empathy towards the care and use of animals in science
• The ability to meet the demands of a physically demanding role
• A willingness to participate in regular essential animal care overtime

About Working at the Crick…

Our values

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

At the Francis Crick Institute, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and scientific discovery. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed, regardless of their background, identity, or personal circumstances. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and experiences. We want to ensure that everyone can apply and be part of our recruitment processes and so we'll make reasonable adjustments if you need them - just let us know when you apply.

What will you receive?

At the Francis Crick Institute, we value our team members and are proud to offer an extensive range of benefits to support their well-being and development:

• Generous Leave: 28 days of annual leave, plus three additional days over Christmas and bank holidays.
• Pension Scheme: Defined contribution pension with employer contributions of up to 16%.
• Health & Well-being: 24/7 GP consultation services, occupational health services and mental health support programs, eye care vouchers and discounted healthcare plans.
• Work-Life Balance: Back-up care for dependents, childcare support allowance, annual leave purchase options.
• Perks: Discounted gym memberships, bike-to-work scheme, and shopping discounts, subsidised on-site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction.
• Development & Recognition: Comprehensive training, mentoring, and a competitive pay structure.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:

We welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, pregnancy, age, disability, or civil partnership, marital or family status. We particularly welcome applications from people who are Minority Ethnic as they are currently underrepresented in the Crick at this level.

Diversity is essential to excellence in scientific endeavour. It increases breadth and perspective, leading to more innovation and creativity. We want the Crick to be a place where everyone feels valued and where diversity is celebrated and seen as part of the foundation for our Institute’s success.