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The Medical Research Council Centre for Macaques is a primate breeding unit established in 2003 to house and breed rhesus macaques, funded by the MRC with support from the Wellcome Trust, and Oxford and Cambridge Universities.

Non-human primates continue to be used in some areas of research where there are no alternative approaches. Macaques are non-human primates which have similarities to humans in their vision, central nervous system and immunology and reproductive system. The monkeys are used in basic and applied research within the academic sector in the UK, funded by the major grant-giving bodies. The unit houses about 250 animals including breeding stock and youngsters. The breeding programme is planned so that supply and demand are matched, to prevent in-breeding and to ensure there is no need to import animals.

Overall Purpose:

To work with scientific researchers in order to look after the health and welfare of a breeding colony of rhesus macaques. This work includes daily husbandry duties such as cleaning and feeding, as well as maintaining accurate records. All work is governed by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act through the Home Office.

Main Duties/Key Responsibilities:

• Checking the health and welfare of the animals
• Addressing welfare needs including habituation and training of animals
• Maintaining cleanliness in the animal rooms
• Record keeping
• Reading and adhering to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and risk assessments

Working Relationships:

Member of a team working under supervision of senior personnel.

Additional Information:

Must be able to work overtime to cover animal requirements.

Equality & Diversity:

The MRC values the diverse skills and experience of its employees and is committed to achieving equality of treatment for all. Our objectives are that all individuals shall have equal opportunities for employment and advancement on the basis of their skills, aptitudes, and abilities. The MRC is committed to the engagement and retention of the best possible talent and to creating an environment that encourages excellence in scientific research through good equality and diversity leadership and management.

Corporate/Local Responsibilities & Requirements:

The post-holder must at all times carry out their responsibilities with due regard to the MRC’s:

• Code of Conduct
• Equality and Diversity policy
• Health and Safety policy
• Data Protection and Security policy

Job descriptions should be reviewed on a regular basis and at the annual appraisal. Any changes should be made and agreed between the post-holder and their manager.

The above lists are not exhaustive, and the post-holder is required to undertake such duties as may reasonably be requested within the scope of the post. All employees are required to act professionally, co-operatively, and flexibly in line with the requirements of the post and the MRC.

Education/Qualifications/Training Required:

Essential:

• Five GCSEs at grade C or above

Desirable:

• Computer literacy

Previous Work Experience Required:

Essential:

• Working and adhering to instructions/protocols/processes

Desirable:

• Basic animal husbandry

Knowledge and Experience:

Essential:

• Good communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Genuine interest in the welfare of animals
• Basic computer skills

Desirable:

• Experience of working to SOPs
• Experience of computerised record keeping
• Ideally, experience of working as part of a team

Personal skills/Behaviours/Qualities:

Essential:

• The applicant should be able to work as part of a team and work under the supervision of senior personnel.

The post-holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting (Disclosure and Barring Service) required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.

In addition, this post also attracts a National Security Vetting clearance and so there are further eligibility requirements. For additional details see: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/united-kingdom-security-vetting

To meet national security vetting requirements for this role, you will normally need to have been resident in the UK for at least 5 years prior to the date of application.

You may still be considered if, for example:

• You’ve been serving overseas with HM Forces or in some other official capacity as a representative of HM Government
• You were studying abroad
• You were living overseas with a parent