Senior Animal Technician UK Visa Sponsorship
Job Description
Institute: The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR)
Department: Biological Services Unit (BSU)
Reports to: Glyn Fisher, Head of Biological Services Unit
Working hours: 35 hours per week, full time
Working pattern: Participation in weekend and Bank Holiday rotas required
Visa sponsorship: Eligible for ICR sponsorship
Make a Difference Through World-Class Cancer Research
The Institute of Cancer Research is looking for an experienced Senior Animal Technician to join its Biological Services Unit (BSU).
This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to research that is helping scientists better understand cancer and develop improved approaches to treatment. You will work alongside researchers and colleagues within the Centre for In Vivo Modelling (CIVM), providing specialist technical expertise while ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare and care.
The position would suit an experienced animal technologist who is ready to broaden their responsibilities and take on a senior role involving animal husbandry, colony management, technical procedures, staff development and day-to-day facility operations.
Your Role
As part of the BSU team, you will help maintain a safe, well-organised and welfare-focused research environment.
Your responsibilities will include:
– Managing mouse breeding colonies and experimental animals, ensuring appropriate care and welfare at every stage.
– Carrying out authorised regulated procedures in accordance with relevant Home Office requirements.
– Providing practical and technical assistance to researchers working with in vivo models.
– Monitoring animal health and wellbeing and contributing to a strong culture of care across the facility.
– Supporting the management of genetically altered and transgenic mouse colonies.
– Guiding and supervising junior animal technicians, researchers and personal licence holders.
– Delivering training, mentoring and practical support to colleagues where required.
– Maintaining accurate records and helping ensure facility procedures meet regulatory and organisational standards.
– Identifying opportunities to improve working practices, efficiency and animal welfare.
– Working as part of the out-of-hours rota, including weekends and public holidays, to maintain continuous animal care.
What We Are Looking For
We are seeking someone with solid experience in laboratory animal technology and a strong commitment to animal welfare.
Essential requirements
You should have:
– A Level 3 qualification in Animal Technology, Associate or Full Membership of the Institute of Animal Technology (IAT), or comparable relevant experience.
– A current Home Office Personal Licence (PIL), equivalent qualification, or the eligibility and willingness to obtain one.
– Substantial experience within a laboratory animal facility, in vivo research environment or a comparable technical setting.
– Practical experience of managing transgenic or genetically altered mouse colonies.
– Previous experience supervising, supporting, mentoring or training colleagues.
– Excellent organisational and communication skills, together with the ability to work effectively with researchers and technical teams.
– A clear commitment to high standards of animal welfare, regulatory compliance and ongoing professional development.
Desirable Experience
The following would strengthen your application:
– Familiarity with the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and the relevant Codes of Practice.
– Experience working as a Named Animal Care and Welfare Officer (NACWO).
– Practical knowledge of laboratory animal anaesthesia, substance administration and tissue collection.
– Experience providing technical assistance to Home Office licence holders and contributing to staff training programmes.
About the Biological Services Unit
The Biological Services Unit provides essential support to researchers throughout the Institute. Its work combines high standards of animal care with the technical expertise required to facilitate innovative in vivo research.
By maintaining robust welfare practices and effective facility operations, the BSU enables research teams to investigate cancer biology and contribute to the development of potential new treatments.
Visa Sponsorship and Relocation
This vacancy is eligible for ICR sponsorship.
Candidates who are applying for their first UK visa may receive support with eligible costs associated with the visa application. Those considering relocation to the UK can also access further guidance about moving to the country through the Institute’s careers information.
Why Join ICR?
This is an opportunity to work within a leading cancer research environment where your technical skills can contribute to research with significant potential benefits for patients.
You will become part of a multidisciplinary organisation that values professional expertise, collaboration, animal welfare and continuous improvement.
How to Apply
If you have the relevant laboratory animal experience and are ready to take on a senior technical position in a research-focused environment, the ICR welcomes your application.
For questions about the position or to discuss your application, please contact:
Glyn Fisher
Head of Biological Services Unit
Email: Glyn.Fisher@icr.ac.uk
Professor Kamil R. Kranc
Director, Centre for In Vivo Modelling
Email: Kamil.Kranc@icr.ac.uk
The Institute of Cancer Research is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. Applications are welcomed from candidates from all backgrounds, and the organisation aims to provide an inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
