Are you an experienced Animal Technician looking to take the next step into a training-focused role? We are seeking a passionate and driven Animal Technician Trainer to support the development of staff and uphold the highest standards of animal welfare within a busy Biological Resource Facility. This is a fantastic opportunity to combine hands-on technical expertise with mentoring and training responsibilities, playing a key role in shaping best practice, driving compliance, and supporting continuous improvement. You’ll work within a highly regulated environment under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, contributing to both operational excellence and the growth of others in the team.

Basic Requirements:

• GCSE (Grades A-C/9-4) in English, Mathematics and a Science subject or relevant experience Basic IT literacy.
• IAT Level 2 or equivalent experience particularly in relation to knowledge relating to biosecurity and facility design.
• Minimum 2 years experience of working in a Biological Resource Facility.
• Holds a Home Office Personal License (modules A and B) and has experience undertaking a variety of regulated procedures with minimum supervision.
• Experience in training and mentoring staff.
• Demonstrable knowledge of Home Office legislation and Animal (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and experience working under this legislation.
• Ability to manage workload and priorities duties set by a supervisor.
• Ability to work to strict standard operating procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform Home Office licensed procedures and support the training of PIL holders as competency develops
• Maintain procedural and surgical equipment, ensuring cleanliness, organisation, and adequate stock levels
• Support onboarding and training of new staff, ensuring consistency with SOPs and welfare standards
• Deliver and coordinate training across the department to maintain high levels of competency
• Train facility users on working practices, compliance, record keeping, and use of specialist equipment (e.g. IVCs, isolators)
• Contribute to SOPs, policies, and continuous improvement of training programmes and procedures
• Support revalidation and competency assessments to ensure high standards are maintained
• Assist in managing training records and databases to track progress and compliance
• Provide support within surgical areas, including stock control and maintaining sterile environments
• Monitor animal health and welfare, ensuring high standards of care at all times
• Maintain strict hygiene and biosecurity standards across the facility
• Carry out routine checks and maintenance of equipment and environmental systems
• Support wider team activities and contribute to ongoing operational and training improvements

We are seeking a Senior Operations Manager, this role is responsible for ensuring the efficient running of the facility, maintaining high standards of animal welfare and husbandry, and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulatory frameworks including the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA).

Basic Requirements:

• Significant experience in a managerial role within the laboratory animal science sector, ideally across multiple environments such as academia and industry
• Experience working with the husbandry and/or experimental use of both large and small laboratory animals
• Strong working knowledge of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA) and responsibilities of named persons
• Excellent understanding of laboratory animal husbandry and relevant regulatory standards including the Code of Practice for the Housing and Care of Animals Used for Scientific Purposes
• Demonstrable experience ensuring operational processes meet regulatory and compliance requirements
• Proven ability to lead, manage, and develop teams of technical staff
• Demonstrable experience in business planning, operational delivery, and service management
• Experience addressing complex operational issues and monitoring overall stakeholder or customer satisfaction
• Experience improving operational systems, processes, and best practices
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to plan, prioritise, and deliver under pressure and tight timelines
• Strategic thinking ability with capacity to understand the broader operational picture and manage complex challenges
• Proven problem-solving skills with a proactive and flexible approach
• Ability to build and maintain effective internal and external professional relationships
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• High level of competence with IT systems, spreadsheets, and databases, including Microsoft Office 365
• Ability to empower teams to make decisions while maintaining overall accountability and oversight
• Member of the Institute of Animal Technology (IAT) or equivalent professional body, or Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, or equivalent relevant qualifications and experience
• Home Office Personal Licence (PIL) holder

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee operational systems, processes, and infrastructure within the Unit, identifying opportunities for improvement and advancement
• Contribute to long-term operational planning, project reporting, and implementation of control processes
• Work closely with the Director and colleagues to ensure operational, administrative, and compliance functions are delivered in line with regulatory requirements and scientific best practice
• Oversee cost-effective maintenance and servicing programmes for equipment and facility infrastructure, including management of tenders and service contracts
• Remain up to date with industry regulations, emerging technologies, and best practices, implementing improvements where appropriate
• Participate in day-to-day animal husbandry when required, support study meetings and experimental procedures, and contribute to out-of-hours cover
• Maintain and develop high standards of animal care, welfare, and husbandry within the Unit
• Actively participate in the institution’s Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB) and 3Rs Committee
• Demonstrate and share up-to-date expertise in animal technology and laboratory animal welfare
• Work collaboratively with other named persons including the Named Veterinary Surgeon (NVS), Named Training and Competence Officer (NTCO), and Named Information Officer (NIO) to promote and implement refinements in animal care, husbandry, and use
• Champion and promote a strong culture of care, acting as a role model for staff working with laboratory animals
• Plan and manage daily operations of the Unit through a team of area supervisors, ensuring efficient performance and service delivery
• Provide training, development, and ongoing support for technical staff, ensuring compliance with ASPA and Home Office expectations
• Manage staff performance through regular one-to-one meetings and contribute to annual performance reviews
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to uphold Unit values and promote a positive working environment
• Engage constructively with internal and external stakeholders to identify potential barriers, resolve operational issues, and escalate concerns when necessary
• Build strong professional relationships with research colleagues and respond proactively to feedback
• Identify opportunities to develop new techniques and approaches to support research activities

We are seeking an experienced Named Training & Competency Officer (NTCO) to oversee training, competency assessment, and professional development.

The role is central to ensuring compliance with the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA) while promoting high standards of animal welfare, scientific excellence, and a strong culture of care. The successful candidate will work closely with researchers, technical staff, and regulatory bodies to ensure all individuals working under ASPA are appropriately trained and competent.

Basic Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences or a related discipline
• Personal Licence holder under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA) (current or previous)
• Comprehensive knowledge of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and associated regulatory requirements
• Significant experience working within the biomedical research sector
• Strong knowledge and expertise in animal welfare science and the 3Rs
• Experience delivering classroom and practical training in biomedical or laboratory animal science topics
• Experience leading and coordinating animal welfare or training-related projects, including quantitative data recording
• Experience building and maintaining strong collaborative relationships with research colleagues and external stakeholders
• Excellent planning, organisational, networking, and communication skills
• Ability to manage sensitive issues with professionalism and confidentiality
• Strong IT competency, including the use of Microsoft Office and relevant software systems

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Establish and maintain local standards for training, supervision, competency assessment, and continuous professional development (CPD)
• Develop and maintain a robust training and competency assessment framework
• Ensure departmental compliance with all training and competency requirements under ASPA
• Maintain accurate records of staff training, competency assessments, and professional development
• Work closely with other Named Persons (as defined under ASPA) to ensure regulatory compliance
• Serve as an active member of the Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB) and other relevant advisory groups
• Define and monitor appropriate staff training and development across the department
• Oversee, organise, and contribute to the delivery of Personal Licence training courses, including training for trainers and assessors
• Deliver induction training for internal staff and external users
• Work collaboratively with all staff and academic researchers to understand and support training and competency requirements
• Maintain oversight of all individuals working under A(SP)A within the department
• Provide guidance on experimental design and implementation of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement)
• Provide scientific and technical input into in vivo studies where required
• Hold and maintain the Home Office Project Licence
• Promote and embed a strong culture of care within the department and wider stakeholder community
• Foster effective working relationships with other Named Persons
• Participate in departmental working groups to support strategic development, service improvement, and operational efficiency
• Develop and maintain external networks to support information sharing and best practice
• Provide expert advice on animal welfare and the 3Rs to relevant stakeholders, including PPL holders, PIL holders, animal care staff, AWERB members, and other stakeholders

Agenda are recruiting an Experienced Animal Technician for one of our clients. The role is fundamental to enable cutting edge research to take place. The role will be responsible for delivering exceptional standards of animal welfare when carrying out a range of duties such as animal husbandry, observations, technical procedures, and various laboratory tasks. You will support, train others and hold a Home Office Personal Licence enabling you to perform regulated procedures and hold a higher level of responsibilities.

Basic Requirements:

• Holder of a Home Office personal license (modules A and B)
• To hold, or working towards vocational qualifications certified by the Institute of Animal Technology
• Previous experience working in a Biological Resource Facility
• Experience undertaking a variety of regulated procedures
• A proactive approach to work, taking ownership of your own learning and development
• Effective communication skills
• Worked independently and within a team
• A good level of attention to detail, accurate record keeping and comprehensive computer literacy
• Understand the importance of Standard Operating Procedures and how to ensure they are followed
• Previous experience working with genetically altered rodents is desirable
• Must be able to work overtime, as needed, including weekends

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide the highest level of support, advise and supervision where necessary to staff and students carrying out research.
• Provide day to day husbandry, maintenance and care of animal colonies and maintain the physical environment
• Liaise and communicate with the NACWO, Licensees and Named Vet to ensure the highest level of health care is provided and maintained.
• Assume the role of NACWO on occasions when senior staff are absent.
• Acquire training to facilitate the ordering of equipment and consumables on the universities e-procurement system.
• Monitor and report levels of consumable items that require regular replenishment.
• Follow strict Standard Operating Procedures for husbandry and procedural work
• Carry out procedures on protected animals, ensuring that records are kept of all procedures undertaken.
• Maintain detailed and accurate records relating to environmental conditions, animal details and procedure
• Maintain a personal log of training, competencies and procedural activities as required by the home office
• Be physically fit and mobile. Capable of carrying and transporting cages, racks, trolleys, gas cylinders, animals, diet and bedding etc.
• Be familiar with relevant health and safety duties, legislation and policies.
• Keeping up to date by attending regular training and meetings as required.
• Facilitate and supply of all animals required at different life stages for research and teaching. Species to include rodents and zebrafish.

We are currently seeking an Area Manager. This post offers the opportunity for the successful candidate to contribute to the research programs whilst expanding their experience in animal technology, working within both traditional and barrier facilities and with a range of species (including aquatics and farm animal species). The successful candidate will assist the facility management with the day-to-day management of the facility.

Your primary duties will include:

• Responsible for the management and mentorship of a team of up to 10 technicians including organising the distribution of tasks
• Completion of development reviews of staff _working under you and aiding them with their personal development
• Ensuring optimum standards of husbandry and welfare care for the animals in the facility
• Provide hands on training and skills assessment for a wide range of techniques and procedures
• Good working knowledge of colony management and breeding strategies to support the work of colony managers working under you
• Receiving and implementing instructions from facility users regarding their colonies and regularly integrating with users to provide updates.
• Promote high standards of husbandry among staff and champion a culture of care amongst both scientific and husbandry staff
• Constantly re-evaluate processes and procedures and provide corrective action to problems
• Supervise the weekend and bank holiday rota, and where required by the role, work outside of normal hours. There may also be a need to work on an on-call rota, ensuring the animal facility is covered 24hrs a day
• Active membership of the BSF -management team: this includes helping to increase revenues, managing the overall function of the facility in terms of both animals and staff and liaising with internal and external stakeholders where necessary
• Overseeing stocking and purchasing of equipment and consumables in your area and the whole BSF where necessary.

Essential skills required:

• Working knowledge of maintenance and the welfare monitoring of laboratory animals
• Significant experience in animal technology and the management of staff
• Evidence of continued professional development
• Home Office License modules PIL A and B
• Good working knowledge of A(SP)A and the 3R’s
• University degree in Biomedical Sciences
• Good IT skills and experience of using large databases for collating animal date

Desirable skills:

• Home Office License PIL C module
• An in-depth knowledge of the biology and husbandry of all the species held in the BSF (rodents, aquatics, large animals)
• Registered Animal Technician (RAnTech)
• Qualified NACWO
• Working knowledge of the laws relating to Health & Safety
• Working knowledge of the laws relating to employment
• Degree in Scientific subject

Agenda and its clients only who are passionate about animal care and welfare, people with integrity who are honest and trustworthy and who have a great work ethic. To enable us to hire the very best people, we will conduct a comprehensive background and pre-employment screening, an essential part of Agenda’s recruitment process.