Trainee/Animal Technician @ The Wellcome Trust Sangter Institute and the European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI)

Salary range: £13,125 to £21,750 per annum dependent on experience. Closing date: 27th September 2013

We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic and committed part-time Trainee/Animal Technician to work 2 days per week (15 hours) pro rata.  The role is to provide husbandry and welfare care to the animals housed primarily within the Research Support Facility (RSF).  This modern facility provides a dedicated aquatics area, mouse containment and quarantine areas and a barriered area giving provision for the housing and utilisation of model organisms in genetics research.

The role will involve working as part of a dedicated team providing high standards of animal care and assistance to the facility users.  You will assist in providing for the husbandry and welfare of the species housed in the RSF.  You will also participate in maintaining fish and mouse breeding and experimental colonies using IVC technology and providing regulated procedures as appropriate.

Essential Skills

1. The post holder should have previous experience working in an animal facility with IAT Level 2 qualification or equivalent experience.
2. It is essential the post holder has an awareness of A(SP)A and the 3 R's and is able to keep neat and accurate records.
3. They should be effective at communicating upwards and liaising with other departments.

 Ideal Skills

1. Previous experience with fish, frogs and rodents, specifically GA and assisting with regulated procedures is highly desirable.
2. Hold a Home Office Personal Licence or have completed Modules 1-3 Training for rodents, fish and frogs.
3. Familiarity with aquatic systems and Individually Ventilated Cages is preferable.
4. Computer literacy and previous experience of entering data onto electronic databases.
5. Awareness of working to SOP's and knowledge of relevant Health & Safety legislation.

Other information

1. The post holder will work within a team of experienced technicians and be supported by highly experienced Principle Technicians and Managers.  This team will nurture good decision making and promote ownership of activities.
2. There is a requirement to participate in a weekend and public holiday rota (this will involve working approximately 1 weekend in 3) to ensure the RSF is satisfactorily maintained at all times.  The role will also occasionally require hours to be worked outside of the normal hours to fit with RSF User requests.
3. The post holder will be given appropriate training to allow them to fully undertake their role.
4. The work involves some manual lifting and much of the day is spent standing.
5. The Genome Campus is a 55 acre estate south of Cambridge in the grounds of Hinxton Hall.  Nestled in the quiet countryside of these landscaped gardens, are two world class research facilities:  The Wellcome Trust Sangter Institute and the European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI).  The site has become the British hub of biomedical science.  The Campus is also home to the Wellcome Trust Advanced Courses and Scientific Conferences program and the Wellcome Trust Conference Centre.
6. In addition to its peaceful location the campus offers excellent facilities including a state of the art data centre, gym, 2 cafes, nursery, dining facilities, a cycle to work scheme, car sharing and free campus buses from various locations around Cambridge.
7. Equally important to campus life is the range of social activities offered by the Sports and Social Club whether it is a Burns Night Supper, the Mid-Summer Ball or a quiz night.  There are opportunities to meet with people working across the organisation.
8. Learning, development and networking are other important aspects of life on campus.  There are a range of scientific seminars with our own invited speakers, scientific group meetings and skills development workshops.

When applying please submit a CV and a covering letter.

Closing date for applications is 27nd September 2013.

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