Job responsibilities
The post holder will:
- be responsible for the smooth running and management of the RCCE animal facility
- act as Named Animal Care and Welfare Officer, Named Training and Competency Officers (NTCO), and Home Office Liaison Contacts (HOLC) under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. In this role, liaise with the Named Veterinary Surgeon in the maintenance of appropriately high standards of animal care. Co-ordinate correspondence with the Home Office concerning animal usage, licence applications and amendments. Ensure that those working with animals are adequately educated, trained, and supervised until competent and maintain their expertise.
- support staff carrying out experimental animal work, co-ordinating animal purchases, availability of space and other resources
- provide advice on and assist with procedures involving animals, undertaking regulated procedures under a Home Office Personal Licence and advising Personal and Project Licence Holders; arrange associated training
- ensure compliance with all aspects of experimental animal and health and safety legislation and contribute to requirements for Refinement, Reduction and Replacement in the use of animals; arrange animal health checks
- take overall responsibility for decisions on whether to sacrifice animals showing signs of distress
- co-ordinate and facilitate visits by the Named Veterinary Surgeon and Home Office inspector and respond to their advice / requirements
- source and distribute information on developments in animal care and on security issues
- keep abreast of developments in animal care and apply current best practice
- be responsible for the staffing, upkeep and maintenance of the animal facility and for its security
- undertake weekend/holiday animal care as required and provide a continuous on-call service throughout the year
- actively engage with both the RCCE and joint UKHSA cross site AWERB meetings as a core member of these groups
- work under COSHH regulations and other relevant regulations (genetically modified organisms, ionising radiation, laboratory animals) as appropriate. Complete relevant risk assessments as required
- be responsible for all users of the animal facility respecting health and safety rules and regulations
- contribute to experimental work by following defined procedures in animal studies (eg. exposures to radiations or chemicals, behavioral studies) and other areas as agreed with line manager
- Advise researchers on best practice in husbandry techniques and the breeding of GA animals where required.
- maintain records of animal usage and breeding according to Home Office requirements
- maintain clear and accurate experimental records
- maintain and build strong network links with other UKHSA animal sites.
Please see the job description for the full list of duties and responsibilities.
Essential role criteria:
- 5 GCSEs + 2 A levels (Grade C or above) or equivalent (preferably including a life science), or equivalent experience managing a similar animal facility
- Accredited animal care qualification: membership of the Institute of Animal Technology (IAT)
- Home Office personal licence
- Extensive experience of experimental animal husbandry
- Experience of management of an Animal Facility, acting as Named Animal Care and Welfare Officer (NACWO)
- A thorough knowledge of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act, 1986 and its practical implementation in a small animal facility
- Able to undertake regular manual handling activities, including moving and lifting loads of upto approximately 10kg
- Proven ability to identify and solve problems relating to animal care
- Manual dexterity and good general state of health
- Well developed observation skills
- Ability to remain up-to-date with changing legislation and best practice as applied in experimental animal studies
- Familiarity with basic computer packages and their use
- Good time management skills
- Ability to co-ordinate team work and accommodate differing needs
- Willingness to work with respiratory protection
- Willingness to work weekends and public holidays and organise and provide an on-call service
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.
Selection Process Details
This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience and / or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.
Stage 1: Application & Sift
You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:
- Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
- 1000 word Statement of Suitability.
This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.
The Application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked together.
Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:
- Meets all essential criteria
- Meets some essential criteria
- Meets no essential criteria
Only those meeting all essential criteria will be taken through to shortlisting.
Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on:
- A thorough knowledge of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act, 1986 and its practical implementation in a small animal facility
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and assessment.
Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV.
Please do not exceed 1000 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.
Feedback will not be provided at this stage.
Stage 2: Interview (competency based)
You will be invited to a face to face interview. If face to face interviews are planned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview
Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview
You will be asked to prepare and present a 5-10 minute presentation at the start of your interview. The subject of this will be sent to you prior to interview.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Location
This role is being offered as lab based at our Scientific Campus in Chilton, Oxfordshire. Please note that hybrid working is not available for this role.
Please note the successful candidate will be expected to work weekends and bank holidays as part of this role.
Security Clearance Level Requirement
Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Basic Personnel Security Standard / Counter-terrorist Check.
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. 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.
