Animal Technician

The Job and What's Involved

Animal technicians are responsible for the welfare of laboratory animals that are used for scientific research. Most of these animals are rodents such as mice and rats, but they can also include guinea pigs, rabbits, dogs, monkeys and farm animals.

Nearly three million animals are used in research each year in the UK. The industry is tightly regulated by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. The Act acknowledges the necessity of using animals in research, but demands a high level of protection for them in order to minimise their suffering.

The daily responsibilities of an animal technician may include:

• Carrying out regular health checks on the animals in their care.
• Ensuring rooms are at the optimum temperature and humidity.
• Changing bedding and cleaning out cages.
• Providing fresh water and food, and, if necessary, organising special diets.
• Making sure that the animals have been eating and drinking, and that their bodily functions are normal.
• Handling the animals and monitoring them to ensure that they are comfortable, clean and behaving as expected.
• Maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene, disposing of waste and cleaning food bowls, bottles and corridor floors.
• Obtaining samples and measurements from the animals.
• Monitoring the animals weight and growth on charts and graphs.

Technicians are expected to keep accurate records and input data onto computer systems. Some animal technicians are also involved in breeding animals and setting up scientific studies.

Most animal technicians work normal office hours, although some work shifts. Animals require treatment and care every day of the year, so some jobs may involve weekend and bank holiday work. Part-time positions and overtime may be available.

Research work is carried out in laboratories, which may be purpose built. The environment can be warm and humid, often with carefully controlled artificial lighting systems.

Animal technicians are provided with protective clothing and overalls to help to maintain a hygienic environment. Depending on the work, disposable masks, gloves and shoe covers may also be worn.

The starting salary for a trainee animal technician is approximately £12,000 to £15,000 a year.

Getting Started with this Career Choice

Animal technicians work for a variety of organisations within the academic and commercial sectors. These include pharmaceutical companies, universities, hospitals and government funded and private research institutes.

There are approximately 5,000 animal technicians employed in the UK and employment prospects are good. Opportunities may be found throughout the UK, in towns, cities and rural areas. There is a high concentration of pharmaceutical research in the South East, London and East Anglia.

Vacancies are advertised in Animal Technology & Welfare, Lab Animal Europe and New Scientist, as well as in the Institute of Animal Technology's (IAT) Bulletin. Positions may also be found through recruitment agencies and in local and national newspapers.

Education and Training

Experience of looking after animals, either paid or voluntary, is useful in demonstrating a commitment to working in this area. This may include experience at farms, kennels or in veterinary practices.

A Few More Exams You Might Need

There are no formal entry requirements, but it is usual for entrants to have at least five GCSE's/S grades (A-C/1-3) including English, maths and a science subject. Some employers may require A levels/H grades, or equivalent qualifications.

Training is considered vital to ensuring a continually high standard of care for animals involved in research and is closely monitored and regulated. In-house training is likely to cover subjects such as animal husbandry, health checks, handling animals, and animal behaviour and welfare.

In conjunction with technical and further education colleges, the IAT offers a selection of courses for animal technicians. These include:

• IAT First Certificate in Animal Technology.
• IAT First Diploma in Animal Technology.
• IAT National Certificate in Animal Technology.
• IAT National Diploma in Animal Technology.
• IAT Fellowship Diploma.

NVQ's/SVQ's in Animal Technology at Levels 2 and 3 are also available.

The Home Office insists on all research centres holding appropriate certification, with additional licences required for each research project. If an animal technician is directly involved in testing procedures, they may also need a licence. Their licence is usually gained after a minimum of one year's work experience in the laboratory and after a Home Office module course has been completed.