Agenda has an exciting opportunity for a Veterinary Surgeon to work alongside the Named Veterinary Surgeons (NVS) to provide a comprehensive veterinary service to the animal species housed within university biomedical research facilities and ensure compliance with relevant government legislation.

Basic Requirements:

• Veterinary Medicine degree registerable with the RCVS
• Veterinary experience, including experience in anaesthesia, surgery and emergency treatment
• Experience of providing advice and training in general veterinary techniques
• Working knowledge of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, and all other relevant legislation
• Proven computer skills, including the ability to use Microsoft Office software programmes.
• Good organisational skills, able to manage own time and use initiative to work proactively and independently
• Good communication skills

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Regular liaison and communication with NVSs, licensees and technical staff regarding the care and welfare of animals, including notice of any animal welfare issues.
• Policy and best practice supporting the Director for Governance and Welfare and NVSs to review departmental policies and procedures in line with any changes to legislation.
• Support the NVSs in the development and management of a programme of veterinary care for all animals in the establishment.
• Support the NVSs in the management of a programme of health surveillance and disease control for all animals in the establishment.
• Support the NVSs to ensure statutory compliance under ASPA, the VSA, the VMR, Animal import and export legislation, as well as other legislation related to the veterinary role.
• Observe the AWERB and, when appropriate, provide technical explanation and support in relation to animal health and welfare matters.
• Provide supervision, training and assess the competency of technical staff and licensees in carrying out procedures.
• Act as APHA Official Veterinarian for export certification

Agenda and its clients only recruit people 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.

We are recruiting on behalf of our client, a well-established research facility in Manchester, for an Animal Technician to join their team. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to vital scientific research while ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare, husbandry, and regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate will have previous laboratory animal experience, an understanding of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, and a genuine commitment to ethical animal care.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out daily animal husbandry duties to the highest animal welfare standards.
• Monitor animal health, behaviour, and wellbeing, recognising and reporting signs of distress or illness.
• Support breeding programmes in accordance with ethical and regulatory requirements.
• Work in compliance with the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and facility SOPs.
• Carry out procedures with precision and care following standard operating procedures and as directed by senior technicians.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation relating to animal care and facility operations.
• Complete cleaning, sanitation, and general housekeeping duties to ensure a hygienic environment.
• Prioritise workloads effectively to meet operational deadlines and service requirements.
• Collaborate with technicians, supervisors, researchers, and other stakeholders.
• Support the onboarding and training of new team members where required.
• Contribute positively to team objectives and promote a professional working environment.

Key Requirements

• IAT Level 2 Diploma in Animal Science and Technology (or equivalent qualification).
• Previous laboratory animal care experience with the ability to work independently.
• Working knowledge of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.
• Understanding of laboratory health and safety procedures and regulatory compliance.
• Competency in manual handling techniques and the safe use of Class I and II biological safety cabinets.
• Strong written, verbal, and numerical communication skills.
• Good understanding of animal biology, husbandry, welfare, and species-specific care requirements.
• Awareness of ethical considerations surrounding animal research.
• Understanding of occupational health risks, including exposure to animal allergens.
• Basic knowledge of biological sciences and laboratory environments.
• Proficiency in IT systems and electronic record-keeping.
• Ability to identify issues and seek guidance when required.

• Genuine commitment to animal welfare and ethical animal care.
• Flexible to support out-of-hours or weekend working when required.