We are seeking an experienced Senior Technician to support the delivery of in vivo scientific studies for both client and internal research programmes. The successful candidate will perform a range of technical procedures and may provide training and mentorship to junior team members, ensuring all work is conducted in full compliance with animal welfare standards, regulatory requirements, health and safety guidelines, and company SOPs and policies.

Your primary duties will include:

• To demonstrate competency in a broad range of in vivo techniques from basic (e.g. dosing via common routes & reporting clinical signs) to surgical skills (e.g. aseptic technique, suturing, anaesthesia, analgesia, PDX models) and start to develop more advanced techniques (e.g. orthotopic surgical implantation of tumour cells / fragments).
• Early detection of signs of ill health/loss of condition via clinical observations for prevention of premature decedents.
• Understand the current expectations of Home Office legislation (e.g. Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA) for the care and welfare requirements for species housed within CBUK.
• Good knowledge of relevant methods of humane killing listed in ASPA Schedule 1 and any other approved methods specified on the establishment licence; either be competent in their use or be able to contact others who are named on your establishment’s register of qualified persons.
• Good knowledge of main provisions of project licences, particularly the adverse effects expected for each protocol, the control measures, humane end-points specified and the methods of killing specified in licences.
• Support the culture of care under ASPA.
• To be responsible for appropriate records, including helping the establishment licence holder to keep suitable records of the health of the animals (under the supervision of the Named Veterinary Surgeon); which animals are held, of the source and disposal of animals.
• May be an occasional member of the AWERB at your establishment and to as a PIL holder investigate practical opportunities for implementing the 3R’s.
• Support training on experimental procedures in line with current regulatory and/or legislative requirements and to agreed company standards and productivity.
• To be responsible for the generation and provision of high quality data production and reports to respective Study Directors. In addition, supporting the monitoring and quality control of data production by junior team members.
• May participate and provide training in general unit sanitation, husbandry and cage washing to demonstrate linear approach to essential facility requirements.
• To be an effective, proactive team member possessing a range of practical skills and demonstrating flexibility at all times.
• To raise potential problems associated with the experiments and suggest solutions that can be discussed and agreed with the Head of Technical Operations and other team members.
• To ensure that appropriate levels of sterility and barrier containment are maintained when performing duties.
• Support the continual review of processes and procedures with the view to implement efficiencies.
• Support the day to day planning and organisation of the unit and Will include, delegation of responsibilities.
• To review and maintain SOP’s, working in association with QMS systems to ensure high quality is maintained.
• The position may involve other duties, such as named roles.
• Proactive up keep of personal training records

Essential skills required:

• Animal handling and husbandry
• Welfare assessment (including the use of appropriate terms for the recording of clinical signs)
• Basic surgical skills (e.g. aseptic technique, suturing, anaesthesia, analgesia, PDX models)
• Advanced skills (e.g. Surgery and in-life/ex-vivo tissue collections
• Accurate record keeping for legislative, regulatory and scientific purposes. Will be key in ensuring quality data provision to Study Directors.
• Skilled at and may provide training in aseptic techniques.
• Knowledgeable about the work being undertaken and with the Home Office Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.
• Proficient in the use of computers including experience of MS office suite of programs and skilled user for LIMS System “StudyLog”.
• Minimum of 5 GCSE-level education is required inclusive of science related subject. A-Levels or BTEC National Diploma in Animal Care (or related area) or relevant IAT qualifications are preferred.
• Some relevant experience particularly in oncology models.
• Personal Licensee Holder (Modules A to C)

Agenda and its clients only who are passionate about animal care and welfare, people with integrity who are honest and trustworthy and who have a great work ethic. To enable us to hire the very best people, we will conduct a comprehensive background and pre-employment screening, an essential part of Agenda’s recruitment process.