Animal Technician (Trainee)

Role Description

Department of Biology

Are you looking to start a meaningful career in animal care and research support ? The Department of Biology is seeking a dedicated Trainee Animal Technician to join our Biological Services Facility (BSF).

The Department of Biology at the University of York is a leading centre for biological research, delivering world-class scientific outputs. As part of our wider technical support network—spanning Infrastructure, Horticulture, and Teaching—you will play a vital role in enabling world-class research and teaching. You will be responsible for maintaining the exceptional standards of animal welfare required by our researchers and ensuring strict compliance with the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, as amended.

 The Department of Biology is recognised as one of the leading and most accomplished departments at York, with a global reputation for excellence in both teaching and research. We are committed to fostering a supportive environment where staff and students can thrive, contribute their best, and achieve their full potential. We take great pride in holding the Athena Swan Gold Award.

Role

As a Trainee Animal Technician, your primary focus is to ensure the health and welfare of animals. Under close supervision, you will initially master routine husbandry tasks including feeding, watering, washing of cages/tanks, autoclaving, maintaining supplies and general cleaning of the facility. As your skills progress through our structured on-the-job training, you will take on other technical responsibilities such as maintaining transgenic mouse colonies, husbandry of zebrafish, detailed record-keeping, and assisting researchers with regulated procedures.

Skills, Experience & Qualifications needed

We are seeking a reliable individual with a passion for animal welfare. While prior experience working with animals (paid or voluntary) is beneficial, it is not essential as full training is provided. You should have:

• Animal Interest: A genuine interest in animal care and a commitment to maintaining high standards of animal welfare.
• Education: A Levels, including a science subject, or an equivalent qualification such as a HNC, animal care qualification or equivalent experience. We will support you in achieving your IAT Level 2 Diploma.
• Knowledge: A strong interest in biological research and an understanding of basic lab safety.
• Technical Diligence: Exceptional attention to detail for following strict protocols and maintaining accurate legislative records.
• Professionalism: A dependable, efficient and resilient approach to manual tasks, with a commitment to the high standards of animal care required within a regulated research environment.
• Flexibility: Availability to participate in a weekend and Bank Holiday working rota once fully trained, as the animals require consistent, daily care. 

Important Information

• Working Pattern: Once fully trained, you will join the rota for working weekends, college closure days and Bank Holidays.
• Vetting: Due to the sensitive nature of this role, any offer of employment is subject to satisfactory security clearance and an occupational health screening.

Interview date:  To be confirmed

For informal enquiries: please contact the Biology Staff Administration Team at biol-psyc-staff-admin-team@york.ac.uk

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive  – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. 

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork

As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum (essential) criteria for each position will be offered an interview.  Read more about the University of York’s commitments under the Disability Confident scheme.