Job Summary

This role is being offered as lab based at our Scientific Campus in Porton. No hybrid working is available.

When based at our scientific campus, you will be required to have a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum. For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. In exceptional circumstances UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.

Based at one of the two unique Non-Human Primate (NHP) breeding colony facilities the Support Technician role is key in providing high quality animal care and environmental enrichment for the NHPs. Working with the wider colonies team, you will be maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare ensuring the NHPs and facilities are Home Office compliant. This role is primarily a physical role, Performing animal Husbandry and ensuring the environment is clean and enriched, and that the nutritional requirements for the NHPs are fulfilled. Weekend work (paid as overtime) is on a rota and will be introduced after a period of induction to the facility. Situated near Salisbury, site access requirements stipulate that our employees must be UK Nationals who are able to gain a high level of security clearance. For this reason, only UK Nationals will be able to apply for this role. This role will require full UK security clearance and you should have resided in the UK for the past 5 years.

Job Description

• Work with the Colonies team performing routine animal husbandry, continually striving to maintain the highest standards of care and welfare of all NHPs.
• To recognise, report and record ill health and welfare issues in the NHPs and support with vet duties. Document and communicate issues to relevant team members, e.g. line manager, NACWO or Named Vet.
• Contribute to study work completed at the colonies including those using infection agents at ACDP containment level 2 and 3, undertaking associated safety precautions.
• Support with basic post-mortem examination and removal of specified tissue.
• Work with a variety of bespoke caging systems used at the colonies.
• Support the development, implementation and maintenance of environmental enrichment to enhance the wellbeing of the NHPs.
• Record all information regarding duties performed in relevant documentation and within specific guidelines.
• Participate in the regular review of Standard Operating Procedures, Codes of Practice and Risk Assessments.
• Assist with the supervision of specific designated areas such as the Prep- room, Surgical procedures room, X-ray processing room, Sample Receipt and Storage areas, (the post holder takes full responsibility of areas in the absence of the Supervisor).
• Ensure equipment used within the colonies is maintained, serviceable and in date for use at all times, reporting faults as identified and moving equipment as required by projects.