Institute of Zoology

INSTITUTE OF ZOOLOGY Zoological Society of London

Animal Technician

Job Description

Purpose To ensure that the laboratory animals at the Institute of Zoology are cared for according to currently accepted best practice and the requirements of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA). This will include assisting with the devising and organizing of rotas, maintaining appropriate and accurate management and health records and ensuring work is undertaken according to appropriate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Risk Assessments. Some training of staff and accurate record keeping will also be required.

Tasks 1. Assisting to ensure the health and welfare of laboratory animals in accordance with the ASPA.

2. Husbandry including cleaning, watering and feeding.

3. Health monitoring, and recording of health and disease, under the direction of the Named Veterinary Surgeon (NVS). Treatment and care of sick animals under the direction of the NVS. To assist in the development and running of a health monitoring programme for the laboratory animals. The postholder will be expected to become the NACWO for the site, and appropriate training for this role will be given.

4. Measuring of all environmental parameters in accordance with the ASPA, documentation of these changes and reporting abnormal conditions.

5. Assisting with the determination of causes of morbidity and mortality of laboratory animals through pathological investigation (post-mortem examinations), including prosecting carcasses under supervision of the NVS, and undertaking and organising such back-up studies as may be required for diagnosis of disease including cause of death.

6. Management of quarantine, isolation and treatment facilities under the direction of the NVS. Put in place biosecurity and preventive medicine measures in liaison with the NVS and following consultation with licence holders, including quarantine of incoming animals, isolation of sick animals.

7. Organization of a weekend rota, and for Bank Holidays in which the postholder takes part. Also when required, work out of normal hours. 8. Ensuring Health and Safety requirements are met by making certain working practices are within limits of current risk assessments

9. Assisting, developing and recording training of other staff involved with laboratory animal management

10. Such other duties as assist in the smooth and efficient operation of the laboratory animal facility

11. In undertaking these duties, the postholder will be responsible for ensuring the safety of all personnel involved on a day to day basis.

Reports to Senior Technician

Person specification Relevant qualification in animal technology and work experience in laboratory animal care are essential.

Salary Starting salary will be £27,661 per annum (including London weighting of £3,604).

Applications

To apply, please complete and attach separately the ZSL Application form(including the names and contact details of two referees) and Equality of Opportunity Monitoring form and send to: ([email protected]) by the closing date of 30 June 2014

Registered Charity Number: 208728