Animal technician
Contribute to research into cures for diseases by caring for and monitoring the animals used in medical or veterinary experiments.
Also known as: animal technologist
About the job
What it's like
You would care for the animals used in medical or veterinary research. Your work would contribute to research into cures for human and animal diseases.
You'd be responsible for the day-to-day needs of animals such as rats, mice, guinea pigs and rabbits. You'd ensure that their treatment is humane and in accordance with strict legal controls.
You would:
Give the animals food and water and organise special diets for them
Make sure that they are comfortable and behave as expected
Keep the animals and the centre very clean and hygienic
Carry out regular observations and health checks
Monitor the weight and growth of animals
Exercise and train the animals
Control the heating, lighting and humidity in the centre
You would keep accurate records and input data to computer systems.
You could work in animal research facilities in a:
University
Medical and veterinary college
Drugs company
Company breeding animals for research
Commercial research centre
With experience, you could also be involved in helping scientists with experiments, setting up scientific studies and breeding animals.
Cosmetic and tobacco products are not tested on laboratory animals in the UK. You should be aware that some people have very strong feelings about or hostility to vivisection (research carried out on animals).
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- observation
- empathising
- social conscience
- cooperating
- attention to detail
- concentrating
- reliable
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Biology
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Chemistry
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Science
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Skills for Work: Laboratory Science
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Skills for Work: Rural Skills
Qualifications at SCQF Level 4-6, and/or a Higher National Certificate (SCQF Level 7), Higher National Diploma (SCQF Level 8) or a work-based qualification such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Animal Care (SVQ Level 2/3).
To enter a Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in animal care requires two Highers or a relevant NC/NQ.
Experience in veterinary surgery assistance, lab practice and a knowledge of animal anaesthesia.
Some employers ask the applicant to have a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Laboratory Animal Science & Technologies.
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