We are currently looking for an Animal Technician (Husbandry) to join our Research and Development Function within the Scientific Research and Innovation group.
This is a full-time opportunity, on a permanent basis. The role will be based in South Mimms, Hertfordshire.
Who are we?
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency enhance and improve the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices, underpinned by science and research.
The Scientific Research and Innovation Group delivers public health impact, world-leading research innovation, and a unique proposition via an ambitious Science Strategy which will balance innovation against sustainability and affordability. It is divided into 6 sub-Groups, Innovation Accelerator, Clinical Investigations and Trials, Research and Development, Standards Lifecycle, Control Testing and Quality Assurance and Health & Safety.
The SR&I Research & Development (R&D) function delivers statutory mandated strategically aligned, sustainable and impactful Regulatory Scientific research that is applied primarily to biological reference materials development and medicines control testing and areas of international and national priority for future biological medicines.
Analytical and Biological Sciences (ABS) is a multi-laboratory, multi-disciplinary team of experts within R&D. Both in vitro and in vivo methods are used to deliver practical laboratory analysis, experimentation and expertise aligned the Agency objectives. Biological services, within ABS supports three Functions of SR&I; Standards Lifecycle, Control Testing and R&D in all aspects of in vivo science. The facility is provisioned to manage activities with a wide species including at different biocontainment levels up to and including containment level 3 (CL3) and Specified Animal Pathogen Order 4 (SAPO4). A highly trained and professional technical team care for the animals and perform the scientific procedures, underpinned by a specialist support team, ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare are always maintained.
What’s the role?
The role holder will use their caring and empathic characteristics to maintain high standards of care and welfare to a variety of laboratory animal species, including non-human primates (NHPs) housed in the biological services facility, including higher containment levels, to support the Agency’s programmes of work that require in-vivo models.
This will involve expert handling and restraint techniques, and the ability to use specialised equipment. The role holders will receive instruction and guidance from senior staff and Named Persons under ASPA. There is the expectation of contribution to the provision of weekend and Bank holiday cover for the care of animals.
Key responsibilities:
Care and welfare of a variety of laboratory animal species, including non-human primates (NHPs): ensuring all animals are cared for and maintained to the highest standards of health and welfare. This will mainly be work at Biological Containment Level (CL) 2, but may also include work at CL3, with appropriate training.
Assist BS and Scientific Staff with in vivo animal procedures under ASPA: these are non-licensed responsibilities, including identification, preparation of animals for test work, performing dissection techniques and precision loading of syringes with test samples.
General cleaning of designated procedural rooms, including restock of materials.
Sterilisation/ disinfection/ fumigation of animal holding rooms at end of study.
Who are we looking for?
Our successful candidate will demonstrate:
Practical experience of caring for animals in some capacity within a working environment (research, veterinary practice, stables, kennels, zoo etc.), including daily husbandry, handling and restraint, dealing with health issues and evidence of a commitment to high standards of animal welfare.
Developing Self and Ohers
Delivering at Pace
Seeing the Big Picture
Awareness of Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA)
Person Specification:
Method of assessment: A=Application, I=Interview
Behaviour Criteria:
Delivering at Pace
Developing of Self and Others
Seeing the Big Picture
Experience Criteria:
Practical experience of caring for animals in some capacity within a working environment (research, veterinary practice, stables, kennels, zoo etc.), including daily husbandry, handling and restraint, dealing with health issues and evidence of a commitment to high standards of animal welfare
Technical Criteria:
Awareness of Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA)
5 GCSE (or equivalent)
IT skills: familiar with MS Office (Word/Excel) and other common applications such as databases and document control systems
If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity, please read our Job Description and Person Specification!
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The selection process:
We use the Civil Service Success Profiles to assess our candidates, find out more here
Online application form, including questions based on the Behaviour, Experience and Technical Success Profiles. Please ensure all application questions are completed in full; your application may not be considered if any responses are left blank. Our applications are CV blind, and our Hiring Managers will not be able to access your CV when reviewing your application.
Interview, which can include questions based on the Behaviour, Experience, Technical and Strengths Success Profiles.
In the instance that we receive a high number of applications, we will hold an initial sift based on the lead criteria of Delivering at Pace.
Applicants are assessed on whether they meet any mandatory requirements as well as the necessary skills and experience for the role. Applications are scored based on the competency-based answers provided- ensure you have read these thoroughly and allow sufficient time. You can view the competencies for this role in the job description.
Use of AI in Job Applications
Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
If you require any disability related adjustments at any point during the process, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk as soon as possible.
Closing date: 28th June 2026
Shortlisting date: from 3rd July 2026
Interview date: from 13th July 2026
If you need assistance applying for this role or have any other questions, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk
Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements as well as Civil Service nationality rules. Further information on whether you are able to apply is available here
Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check as well as animal rights and pro-life activism checks. People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks
Certain roles within the MHRA will require post holders to have vaccinations, and in some circumstances, routine health surveillance. These roles include:
Laboratory-based roles working directly with known pathogens
Maintenance roles, particularly those required to work in laboratory settings
Roles that involve visiting other establishments where vaccination is required
Roles required to travel overseas where specific vaccination may be required.
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
Any move to the MHRA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility here
Individuals appointed on level transfer will retain their existing salary and are responsible for ensuring they fully understand the financial implications of any potential move and the impact (if any) on their terms. If an individual is in any doubt, they should seek clarification before accepting a job offer.
Staff joining on promotion will receive up to a 10% increase of their current basic salary, or the pay band minimum, whichever is the greater.
The individual will not retain any allowances paid by the former department/Agency, unless there are special circumstances, such as a reserved right to those allowances on transfer.
Successful candidates may be subject to annual Occupational Health reviews dependent on role requirements. If you have any queries, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk
In accordance with the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles our recruitment and selection processes are underpinned by the requirement of selection for appointment on the basis of merit by a fair and open competition. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact the MHRA Recruitment Team at careers@mhra.gov.uk
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission at: civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk
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About Us
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency enhance and improve the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices, underpinned by science and research.
The agency is made up of c.1300 staff working across two main centres and peripatetically across the UK and abroad.
The agency consists of Corporate, Digital & Technology, Enablement, Healthcare Quality & Access, Partnerships, Safety & Surveillance and Scientific Research & Innovation.
