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.

 

We’re delighted to be supporting our client — a leading research organisation dedicated to advancing science through ethical and responsible animal care — in their search for a motivated and conscientious Animal Technician to join their team in Scotland.

This role offers an excellent opportunity for someone passionate about animal welfare and looking to develop their skills within a respected research environment that values high standards, teamwork, and professional growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide daily care, husbandry, and welfare checks for laboratory animals in line with ethical and regulatory standards.
• Identify and report any animal welfare concerns to the facility’s Named Animal Care and Welfare Officer (NACWO).
• Clean, sterilise, and maintain cages, bedding, enrichment materials, food, water systems, and related consumables.
• Assist in monitoring and maintaining stock levels of essential laboratory materials.
• Record and maintain accurate data using written and electronic systems.
• Support the general upkeep of the facility, maintaining a high standard of cleanliness and organisation at all times.
• Work flexibly within a shift pattern, which may include night shifts, weekends, and Bank Holidays.
• Undertake other related duties as required to support the smooth operation of the unit.

Essential Requirements

• Minimum of GCSEs (or equivalent) in English, Maths, and Science (or equivalent relevant experience).
• Previous experience in animal husbandry or a related care environment.
• A genuine passion for animal welfare and a commitment to the responsible care of research animals.
• Excellent time management, attention to detail, and data recording skills.
• Competence in computer systems and data entry.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to undertake Home Office training as required for regulated work.
• Previous experience working in a laboratory animal facility or research environment.
• Familiarity with Home Office regulations and the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (as amended 2012).

Desirable Requirements

• Experience using facility management databases or similar electronic record-keeping systems.
• A desire to work towards Institute of Animal Technology (IAT) qualifications.
• Ability to contribute to the development and improvement of facility practices and standards.

 

We are seeking a Senior Operations Manager, this role is responsible for ensuring the efficient running of the facility, maintaining high standards of animal welfare and husbandry, and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulatory frameworks including the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA).

Basic Requirements:

• Significant experience in a managerial role within the laboratory animal science sector, ideally across multiple environments such as academia and industry
• Experience working with the husbandry and/or experimental use of both large and small laboratory animals
• Strong working knowledge of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA) and responsibilities of named persons
• Excellent understanding of laboratory animal husbandry and relevant regulatory standards including the Code of Practice for the Housing and Care of Animals Used for Scientific Purposes
• Demonstrable experience ensuring operational processes meet regulatory and compliance requirements
• Proven ability to lead, manage, and develop teams of technical staff
• Demonstrable experience in business planning, operational delivery, and service management
• Experience addressing complex operational issues and monitoring overall stakeholder or customer satisfaction
• Experience improving operational systems, processes, and best practices
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to plan, prioritise, and deliver under pressure and tight timelines
• Strategic thinking ability with capacity to understand the broader operational picture and manage complex challenges
• Proven problem-solving skills with a proactive and flexible approach
• Ability to build and maintain effective internal and external professional relationships
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• High level of competence with IT systems, spreadsheets, and databases, including Microsoft Office 365
• Ability to empower teams to make decisions while maintaining overall accountability and oversight
• Member of the Institute of Animal Technology (IAT) or equivalent professional body, or Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, or equivalent relevant qualifications and experience
• Home Office Personal Licence (PIL) holder

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee operational systems, processes, and infrastructure within the Unit, identifying opportunities for improvement and advancement
• Contribute to long-term operational planning, project reporting, and implementation of control processes
• Work closely with the Director and colleagues to ensure operational, administrative, and compliance functions are delivered in line with regulatory requirements and scientific best practice
• Oversee cost-effective maintenance and servicing programmes for equipment and facility infrastructure, including management of tenders and service contracts
• Remain up to date with industry regulations, emerging technologies, and best practices, implementing improvements where appropriate
• Participate in day-to-day animal husbandry when required, support study meetings and experimental procedures, and contribute to out-of-hours cover
• Maintain and develop high standards of animal care, welfare, and husbandry within the Unit
• Actively participate in the institution’s Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB) and 3Rs Committee
• Demonstrate and share up-to-date expertise in animal technology and laboratory animal welfare
• Work collaboratively with other named persons including the Named Veterinary Surgeon (NVS), Named Training and Competence Officer (NTCO), and Named Information Officer (NIO) to promote and implement refinements in animal care, husbandry, and use
• Champion and promote a strong culture of care, acting as a role model for staff working with laboratory animals
• Plan and manage daily operations of the Unit through a team of area supervisors, ensuring efficient performance and service delivery
• Provide training, development, and ongoing support for technical staff, ensuring compliance with ASPA and Home Office expectations
• Manage staff performance through regular one-to-one meetings and contribute to annual performance reviews
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to uphold Unit values and promote a positive working environment
• Engage constructively with internal and external stakeholders to identify potential barriers, resolve operational issues, and escalate concerns when necessary
• Build strong professional relationships with research colleagues and respond proactively to feedback
• Identify opportunities to develop new techniques and approaches to support research activities

We are seeking an experienced Named Training & Competency Officer (NTCO) to oversee training, competency assessment, and professional development.

The role is central to ensuring compliance with the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA) while promoting high standards of animal welfare, scientific excellence, and a strong culture of care. The successful candidate will work closely with researchers, technical staff, and regulatory bodies to ensure all individuals working under ASPA are appropriately trained and competent.

Basic Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences or a related discipline
• Personal Licence holder under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA) (current or previous)
• Comprehensive knowledge of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and associated regulatory requirements
• Significant experience working within the biomedical research sector
• Strong knowledge and expertise in animal welfare science and the 3Rs
• Experience delivering classroom and practical training in biomedical or laboratory animal science topics
• Experience leading and coordinating animal welfare or training-related projects, including quantitative data recording
• Experience building and maintaining strong collaborative relationships with research colleagues and external stakeholders
• Excellent planning, organisational, networking, and communication skills
• Ability to manage sensitive issues with professionalism and confidentiality
• Strong IT competency, including the use of Microsoft Office and relevant software systems

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Establish and maintain local standards for training, supervision, competency assessment, and continuous professional development (CPD)
• Develop and maintain a robust training and competency assessment framework
• Ensure departmental compliance with all training and competency requirements under ASPA
• Maintain accurate records of staff training, competency assessments, and professional development
• Work closely with other Named Persons (as defined under ASPA) to ensure regulatory compliance
• Serve as an active member of the Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB) and other relevant advisory groups
• Define and monitor appropriate staff training and development across the department
• Oversee, organise, and contribute to the delivery of Personal Licence training courses, including training for trainers and assessors
• Deliver induction training for internal staff and external users
• Work collaboratively with all staff and academic researchers to understand and support training and competency requirements
• Maintain oversight of all individuals working under A(SP)A within the department
• Provide guidance on experimental design and implementation of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement)
• Provide scientific and technical input into in vivo studies where required
• Hold and maintain the Home Office Project Licence
• Promote and embed a strong culture of care within the department and wider stakeholder community
• Foster effective working relationships with other Named Persons
• Participate in departmental working groups to support strategic development, service improvement, and operational efficiency
• Develop and maintain external networks to support information sharing and best practice
• Provide expert advice on animal welfare and the 3Rs to relevant stakeholders, including PPL holders, PIL holders, animal care staff, AWERB members, and other stakeholders

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.

Agenda Life Sciences, the largest provider of Animal Technicians within the life science sector, are working in collaboration with the University of Cambridge, best known for their pioneering work which has led to major improvements in people’s lives.

We are currently seeking a Junior Animal Technician. This position would ideally suit someone who has a passion for the welfare of animals whilst contributing to advancements in the research industry. This vacancy will provide an exceptional opportunity for someone wanting to develop in this field.

Basic Requirements

• Animal Care Qualification Level 2 or higher are desirable
• Minimum of 5 GCSE’s or equivalent qualifications including maths, English and science are advantageous
• Practical experience caring for animals in a work or voluntary capacity, and a genuine interest in the care of animals is essential along with an eye for detail
• Ability to carry out routine tasks and procedures under instruction and organise own daily tasks£22,630£
• Ability to follow key animal care protocols to ensure the welfare of all animals within the research facility
• Have a versatile working attitude

Duties & Responsibilities

• Carry out daily welfare checks
• Provide adequate supplies of food, water, bedding and consumables for animals as required
• Ensure cages and enclosures are cleaned in accordance with the work instructions and maintained to the highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness
• Provide animals with environmental enrichment
• Keep accurate records
• Be responsible for personal and colleagues Health and Safety by observing company and legislative guidelines and safe working practices.

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.