The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.
We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.
Overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a trainee Animal Technician to join a specialised team working in the University's animal research facilities and providing a high quality research support service to the University. The post holder will contribute to this by providing the highest standards of care for laboratory animals. Experience of working with animals is essential, although a professional background in animal technology is not required. Experience obtained through voluntary work or other areas is acceptable.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Carry out routine day-to-day animal husbandry duties including cleaning out, feeding and watering. This will eventually require working out of normal hours, at weekends, on a rota basis
- Responsibility for observing the animals, making regular health checks and reporting sick animals to an appropriate person
- Cleaning cages, pens and associated areas.
- Maintaining simple breeding colonies of rodents, including setting up breeding pairs, weaning, earclipping for genotyping purposes and plugging females for time mating.
- Keep appropriate records, both paper and electronic, using our animal management database (LabTracks)
- Ensure that relevant legislation Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, guidelines; ISO 9001, Health & Safety and SOP's applying to practices within the department are complied with.
- Completed the IAT level 2 diploma training course.
- Contribute to carbon efficiencies within the department.
- Unload stores and dispose of waste products
- Provide assistance and information to users as appropriate to the grade, referring users to experienced technicians and/or line manager as necessary.
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post
Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Essential criteria
- Strong desire to work within an animal laboratory environment, assessed at Application/ Interview
- Able to demonstrate basic knowledge / understanding of animal care and welfare, assessed at Application/ Interview
- 5 good GCSEs or equivalent at grade 5 - 9, C - A* and/or substantial work experience, assessed at Application
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, assessed at Application/ Interview
- Meticulous approach to hygiene and cleanliness, assessed at Application/ Interview
- Experience of using computers and basic IT skills, assessed at Application
- Excellent customer service skills, with experience of responding efficiently and effectively to phone and email enquiries, assessed at Application
- Ability to conduct effective working relationships with colleagues and contractors, assessed at Application/ Interview
- Ability to manage and progress own work activities, assessed at Application/ Interview
- Ability to follow and understand standard operating procedures, assessed at Application/ Interview
Desirable criteria
- Previous experience in the laboratory animal industry
- Knowledge of relevant systems, policies, legislation and quality standards e.g.ISO 9001 and H&S. Application/ Interview
Further Information
Grade: G2
Salary: £22,443
Work arrangement: Full-time
Line manager: Site Supervisor
Direct reports: Site supervisor
Our website: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/rpi/ethics-integrity/animal-research
For informal enquiries about this job contact
Joanne Bland, Technical Manager on j.bland@sheffield.ac.uk or on 0114 2159437
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in April 2025 This will consist of an interview and tour of one of the facilities. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing [INSERT DATE HERE]. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Joanne Bland j.bland@sheffield.ac.uk
Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).
What we offer
- A minimum of 38 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
- Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
- Generous pension scheme.
- A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
- A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women's and Parent's networks).
- Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
- A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes;
- A range of generous family-friendly policies
- paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
- support for those going through the menopause
- paid time off and support for fertility treatment
- and more
More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).
We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision ( www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision ) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.