We are currently looking for a Higher Animal Technician 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.
Government departments and agencies are working towards implementing a minimum 60% attendance in office sites.
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 Research & Development function will deliver 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.
Biological Services, within Analytical and Biological Sciences supports three sub-groups of SR&I; Standards Lifecycle, Control Testing and R&D in all aspects of in vivo experimentation. The division houses a range of species across two floors at different containment 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 maintained at all times.
What’s the role?
The role will support the needs of the Scientific Divisions by supporting a specialised area of work, performing in-vivo procedures and husbandry duties both to a high standard, across a large range of species and containment levels.
Key responsibilities:
Daily organization and operation of specialised area within Biological Services.
Staff training and supervision.
Performing a diverse range of in-vivo scientific procedures on a variety of laboratory animal species including at higher containment.
Maintaining the high standards of care and welfare of a variety of animal species, including non-human primates (NHPs), with the expectation of contributing to the provision of weekend and Bank Holiday cover for the care of animals.
Who are we looking for?
Our successful candidate will:
Apply high degree of self-organisation in day-to-day working situations.
Have experience in supervising a specialised area including staff training.
Have practical and proven experience in the use of a Home Office Personal Licence involving a range of common laboratory animal species, scientific techniques, and biological containment levels.
Be knowledgeable of ASPA legislation, and relevant sections (in detail) of the Guidance, along with how the regulations are implemented in practice.
Hold a minimal professional qualification of Certificate of the Institute of Animal Technology (CIAT), or equivalent.
Person Specification:
Method of assessment: A=Application, T=Test, I=Interview, P=Presentation
Behaviour Criteria:
Delivering at Pace (A, I)
Developing Self and Others (A, I)
Experience Criteria:
Experience in supervising specialised area. Experience of mouse breeding areas and colony management, in vivo imaging capability, immunocompromised and humanised mice is desired (A, I)
Practical and proven experience in the use of a Home Office Personal Licence with a range of common laboratory species and techniques and at a range of containment levels, for in vivo testing (A, I)
Practical experience of working in the animal technology field, including daily husbandry, handling and restraint, dealing with health issues and evidence of a commitment to high standards of animal welfare (A, I)
Substantial experience in prioritizing, working to deadlines, and making the best use of time whilst applying a high degree of self-organization in day-to-day working situations (I)
Technical Criteria:
Minimal professional qualification of Membership of the Institute of Animal Technology (MIAT), or relevant equivalent. Registered Animal Technician status (RAnTech) is desirable (A)
Holds a current Home Office Personal Licence or has recently held a Home Office Personal Licence with evidence of appropriate training, competency and proven experience (A, I)
Proven training and competence records for species, techniques and working at different containment levels (A, I)
Good knowledge of ASPA legislation, and relevant sections (in detail) of the Guidance, along with how the regulations are implemented in practice (A, I)
Up to date on developments in education and training on laboratory animal science and welfare (A, I)
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 Experience in supervising specialised area.
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: 31st August 2026
Shortlisting date: from 7th September 2026
Interview date: from 14th September 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.
