The Ultimate Guide To Animal Technician Careers

Animal technician careers are vital to the Life Sciences industry. They create the foundation for researchers to facilitate and care for animals, whilst adhering to the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA) to guarantee the regulation of quality standards.

At Agenda, we strive to offer excellence when it comes to recruiting new animal technicians within the industry; whilst aiming to hone the skills of new recruits, developing their expertise for the role, ready to become animal technicians for exciting projects within Life Sciences.

The Truth Behind Animal Technician Careers

It’s a common misconception that animal research is unregulated and often harmful.

This can often put people off from applying for careers in animal technology; however, the truth behind research and animal testing is quite the opposite. 

In the UK, there’s an extensive list of guidelines and regulations that need to be followed in order to become licensed to carry out any research using animals. 

For example, the guidance and regulatory advice for animal research licenses is issued under ASPA and compliance with ASPA is assessed for all those who apply for a license. 

Three licenses are required by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 before testing on animals is allowed. These include:

  • A personal license for each person carrying out procedures on animals.
  • A project license for the programme of work.
  • The establishment license for the place at which the work is carried out.

With these licenses, researchers are carefully assessed, regulated and monitored; which, in turn, protects all animals used for testing and ensures that the research is controlled.

Likewise, at Agenda, we only work with companies that adhere to these regulations and ensure that all our candidates are compliant with the guidelines that are in place.

5 Key Benefits of Animal Technician Jobs

As specialists in animal technician careers, we want to provide a clear understanding of the key benefits of animal technician jobs and how they support the life sciences industry.

See 5 key benefits of animal technician jobs below:

  1. Professional Development

Training to be an animal technician offers a range of benefits. A key benefit of the job is that it enhances your professional development which allows you to excel in your career. Likewise, the role teaches you various skills which are interchangeable within the industry. It also grants you a set of soft skills; such as empathy, communication, organisation, leadership, collaboration, and many more. These skills are applicable to all jobs, which is perfect for your professional development and any future career. 

  1. Varying Work Environments

For many of us, it can be frustrating doing the same role day in, and day out. As an animal technician, you’ll often find yourself working in varying environments, caring for different animals and within different scenarios. Agenda gives you the chance to travel the country working at different animal facilities around the UK. The changes in workspace can be both gradual and sudden depending on the project or company. But, if there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that the work environment of an animal technician has a lot to offer.

  1. Job Opportunities for Animal Technicians

As an animal technician, there are often many job opportunities due to the flexibility of the role around caring for animals. For example, technicians are able to work in universities, hospital environments, veterinary colleges, pharmaceutical companies, and more. As a result, it’s the type of job that you’re able to work in for many years to come as there’s always a demand. Plus, if you’re a licensed animal technician you can work almost anywhere in the world. 

  1. Career Advancement

Being able to care for animals in research and to support the wider life sciences network could be a dream come true for those applying to be an animal technician. That being said, it may also be a foot in the door towards your own personal career advancement. By gaining skills and experience within the role you can choose what type of animal care you want to pursue further and plan your career for the future.

  1. Improve Animal Welfare

One of the most important benefits of being an animal technician is the opportunity to improve animal welfare. In this role, you have the opportunity to care for animals in various ways to help improve their health. Likewise, with a clear understanding of animals and their welfare, you’re able to ensure that any research is performed in a safe and regulated manner to ensure that the best quality of care is being given to any animals involved.

Animal Technician Jobs: Temporary vs Permanent

If you’re looking for a career that is fun, rewarding and challenging, then working as an Animal Technician is an exciting and rewarding option and Agenda can help you start your career journey in the life sciences industry. 

With Agenda having opportunities to work in animal technology on a temporary or permanent basis, you’re able to find a job that best suits your work style; whilst gaining valuable experience and skills from the industry to excel in your career.

For temporary workers, there’s the huge advantage of having flexibility in your role, as it lets you accommodate your career around where you work. 

Alternatively, there’s always the option to find permanent work, which can offer a range of benefits due to being a full-time employee. It’s also a great opportunity for growth within your field where you can explore all the areas of life sciences and animal care. 

Overall, there are many benefits to becoming an animal technician that we have discussed today: with Agenda Life Sciences, there are the benefits of the job, an opportunity for growth within your field (and in some cases outside), and above all else – working in life sciences to make a real impact on the world. 

If this sounds like something that would be perfect for you then contact us today or browse available jobs already on our website! 

UK: 03456 44 55 45

Telephone: +44 (0)1964 671 791

Email: hello@agendalifesciences.co.uk