Junior Animal Technician

Are you passionate about animal welfare and interested in supporting world-leading cancer research? We are seeking a motivated and dedicated Junior Animal Technician to join the Biological Services Unit (BSU) at The Institute of Cancer Research. In this role, you will contribute to pioneering cancer research by providing high-quality animal care and technical support within a modern research environment. 

About Us 

The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) is one of the world's leading cancer research organisations, with an exceptional track record spanning more than 100 years. Working in partnership with The Royal Marsden, we are recognised as one of the top centres for cancer research and treatment worldwide. Our mission is simple but ambitious: to make the discoveries that defeat cancer.

The BSU supports researchers across the organisation by maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare while enabling innovative in vivo research that advance our understanding of cancer and the development of new treatments. 

About the Role 

As a Junior Animal Technician, you will play an important role in delivering exceptional animal care, welfare, and husbandry services. Working alongside experienced technicians, researchers, and licence holders, you will help maintain breeding and experimental mouse colonies and support a range of research activities. 

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing daily care and husbandry for laboratory mice.
•  Monitoring animal health and welfare and reporting concerns promptly.
•  Assisting with breeding colony management, including identification, weaning and record keeping.
•  Supporting regulated procedures following appropriate training and competency assessment.
•  Maintaining animal accommodation, procedural areas and equipment to high standards.
•  Ensuring compliance with Home Office regulations, SOPs and animal welfare requirements.
•  Working collaboratively with researchers to support high-quality cancer research.
•  Participating in weekend, public holiday and out-of-hours rotas. 

Essential

• Level 2 qualification in Animal Technology or equivalent relevant experience working with laboratory animals. Experience working in a laboratory animal facility or research environment.
•  Commitment to maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare.
•  Understanding of the principles of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 or willingness to develop this knowledge.
• Awareness of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement).
•  Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
•  Good communication and interpersonal skills.
•  Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
•  Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office.
•  Willingness to learn and undertake further training. 
• Ability to work in a physically demanding environment.

Desirable 

• Associate Membership of the Institute of Animal Technology (IAT) or willingness to work towards membership.
•  Home Office Personal Licence (PIL).
•  Knowledge of laboratory animal husbandry and mouse colony management.
•  Experience of welfare monitoring, breeding colony management and supporting animal procedures.
•  Experience working within a regulated environment. 
• Knowledge of cancer research models and in vivo studies.