Health and science
Animal technologist
Working with laboratory animals.
Summary
This occupation is found in a range of organisations, typically including charities, universities, pharmaceutical companies, breeders, contract research organisations and biotechnology research and development organisations. The nature of the work and species that are used will depend on the organisation, some work in very specific fields using only a few species others, whereas the universities, may be multispecies with a wide range of techniques and research fields. Animal technologists are likely to be laboratory based.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to carry out complex scientific procedures on laboratory animals. This occupation requires a high degree of technical skill and knowledge to ensure that techniques are carried out with a high degree of accuracy and precision, helping to ensure high standards of scientific research and that the welfare of the animals is considered at all times. Animal technologists are required to work with a range of scientific equipment in complex environments. They require a broad knowledge of science, animal anatomy and physiology, technical in-vivo scientific procedures, including aseptic techniques, animal welfare legislation and animal husbandry in order to practice effectively. They also require high levels of manual dexterity.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with a range of internal and external stakeholders. They are required to communicate effectively with their team and the wider research community (including researchers, Home Office Inspectors, named Veterinary Surgeons and named Animal Care and Welfare Officers).
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for carrying out scientific procedures and tasks independently and in compliance with the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 Amendment Regulations 2012 (and other related animal welfare legislation, including the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 and the Animal Welfare Act 2006). They are required to plan, manage and carry out their own work on time and to the required quality, in accordance with work instructions. An Animal Technologist is likely to operate within a team and report to a supervisor/ line manager.
Typical job titles include
- Animal technician | Animal technologist | Animal welfare officer | Laboratory inspector
Knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs)
K1:
The business environment in which the organisation operates, including own role within it, the appropriate ethical practice and codes of conduct and how own role contributes to the organisation meeting its ethical and legal responsibilities.
K2:
How actions impact on others, including own team and the researchers they work with.
K3:
The importance of their organisation’s policies on diversity, equality and discrimination.
K4:
How to conduct appropriate scientific and/or animal husbandry procedures to meet the requirements of quality standards relevant to the workplace, such as the use of Standard Operating Procedures.
K5:
Legal and ethical responsibilities, including the application of the 3Rs of reduction, replacement, and refinement.
K6:
Understand animal husbandry and animal management systems with reference to appropriate standards of biosecurity and animal welfare and meeting workplace quality standards.
K7:
Anatomy and physiology relevant to the welfare and husbandry of species in their care.
K8:
The clinical signs of ill health, stress, and pain in the species they work.
K9:
Methods for minimising ill health, pain, suffering or distress, including the use of analgesics, anaesthetics and aseptic techniques.
K10:
Methods of euthanasia appropriate to the species under their care.
K11:
The underpinning science that supports in-vivo studies relevant to their work.
K12:
Techniques for data collection, recording and interpretation in animal studies (for example collection of blood, urine, faeces. Behaviour (phenotyping) tests, X-Rays, MRI).
K13:
How to work safely and the importance of health and safety legislation, policies and procedures.
K14:
Methods of communication appropriate to their organisation and audience.
K15:
Importance of planning to ensure the suitable provision of resources, equipment, and consumables for the task.
K16:
Procurement process, stock level and storage requirements for resources, equipment and consumables.
K17:
Problem solving techniques and the levels of authority when responding to operational challenges associated with complex scientific procedures.
K18:
Information sources available to keep up to date with advances in working practices and technologies.
K19:
How continuous improvement can be applied to improve working practices and the importance of sharing best practice.
K20:
Sustainability challenges and the principles applied to minimise environmental impact.
K21:
Corporate and social responsibilities to develop more sustainable approaches to scientific research.
K22:
Data sharing principles and how to manage information, data and content in line with data protection regulations.
K23:
The maintenance requirements of equipment. How to check equipment is in good working order and calibrated.
K24:
Reporting requirements and company expectations regarding breaches in regulations.
Technical Educational Products
- ST0058: Animal technologist (Level 3) Approved for delivery
- Reference:
- OCC0058
- Status:
Approved occupation
- Average (median) salary:
- £26,259 per year
- SOC 2020 code:
- 3111 Laboratory technicians
- SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
- 3111/99 Laboratory technicians n.e.c.
S1:
Plan scientific procedures to meet objectives and deadlines. Identify resources, equipment and consumables required for the tasks.
S2:
Handle, sex and health check the species in accordance with animal care and welfare standards appropriate to the current legislation and organisational policies.
S3:
Recognise and report the clinical signs of ill health, stress and pain in the species under their care.
S4:
Conduct scientific and animal husbandry procedures in accordance with health and safety and animal welfare legislation.
S5:
Handle and restrain animals in a manner that ensures high standards of animal welfare and in accordance with good scientific practice. For example, appropriate animal restraint, manipulation of equipment used to administer or withdraw biological samples.
S6:
Carry out scientific tasks following Standard Operating Procedures or other relevant risk management systems.
S7:
Maintain the work environment, take bio-security measures and follow hygiene controls.
S8:
Record and store scientific outcomes in accordance with data protection regulations and company procedures.
S9:
Identify ethical responsibilities, best practice and obligations, including the application of the 3Rs (Reduction, Replacement and Refinement).
S10:
Analyse, interpret and evaluate data (e.g. breeding or environmental data) and identify outcomes requiring further investigation seeking advice of senior colleagues where appropriate.
S11:
Identify potential problems completing scientific procedures, troubleshooting to resolve the issue or escalating accordingly. Document and communicate actions in line with company protocols.
S12:
Communicate effectively using a full range of skills and tools: speaking; listening; writing (including the use of digital or paper-based record keeping systems); body language; presentation.
S13:
Safely transport physical resources within the work area.
S14:
Maintain stock levels of resources, equipment and consumables and taking into account environmental sustainability.
S15:
Ensure that equipment is in good working order and calibrated where needed.
S16:
Identify process improvements and implement changes or make recommendations in line with organisation procedures.
S17:
Keep up to date with developments in best practice and advances in technology and share best practice.
Technical Educational Products
- ST0058: Animal technologist (Level 3) Approved for delivery
- Reference:
- OCC0058
- Status:
- Approved occupation
- Average (median) salary:
- £26,259 per year
- SOC 2020 code:
- 3111 Laboratory technicians
- SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
- 3111/99 Laboratory technicians n.e.c.
B1:
Treats animal with compassion and acts in a professional and ethical manner.
B2:
Committed to continuous professional development.
B3:
Team-focused and works effectively with colleagues and others.
B4:
Acts in a way that promotes inclusivity and values people as individuals recognising difference and diversity.
B5:
Solutions focussed and adapts flexibly to change.
B6:
Takes ownership of work to ensure that it is completing on time and to the required quality.
B7:
Promotes a culture of care in the work environment.
Technical Educational Products
- ST0058: Animal technologist (Level 3) Approved for delivery
- Reference:
- OCC0058
- Status:
- Approved occupation
- Average (median) salary:
- £26,259 per year
- SOC 2020 code:
- 3111 Laboratory technicians
- SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
- 3111/99 Laboratory technicians n.e.c.