The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Department/School: Biological Services Unit (BSU)

Contract type: Permanent

Advertising length (weeks): 4

Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Animal Ancillary Technician to join a specialised team working in the University’s animal research facilities and providing a high quality research support service to the University. The post holder will contribute to this by facilitating the efficient operation of washing and sterilization of soiled cages and associated equipment, providing the highest standards of care for laboratory animals. Experience of working with animals is not essential, although it would be advantageous. 

Main duties and responsibilities

• Carry out cleaning of cages, bottles and relevant equipment, washing and sterilisation of cages and laboratory equipment using the appropriate materials to predetermined schedules.
• Operation of machinery across all sites, ensuring all consumables and equipment are sterilised and allocated to appropriate areas.
• Carry out sterility testing of autoclaves to ISO standard to ensure quality control is maintained.
• Maintaining records relating to the use and maintenance of the machines, waste disposal and other records relating to the maintenance of hygiene. Notifying line manager of cage-cleaning and sterilising equipment malfunctions.
• Liaising with engineers and contractors to discuss equipment malfunctions.
• Assist animal care staff with routine cleaning of animal holding areas and some basic animal husbandry tasks eg Cleaning out of large animal enclosures, providing bedding, food and water.
• Cleaning and general maintenance of animal holding and associated areas within the department, including filter changing, cleaning shower areas, bottle bleaching, etc.
• Unload stores, collection of deliveries and disposal of waste products.
• Drive a small delivery van between sites; collecting and dropping off supplies and equipment as required at both university and other sites.
• Follow departmental SOPs in accordance with all relevant legislation to ensure that safe working practices and ISO regulations are conformed to.  Advising line manager, and HOD if required, on safety issues that arise.
• Receive work from line manager or other staff within the department.
• Organise workload using own initiative, with some direction and jointly with other team members based upon urgency/importance.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Essential criteria

• Strong desire to work within an animal laboratory environment. Application/ Interview
• Full clean driving licence. Application
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal. Application/ Interview
• Meticulous approach to hygiene and cleanliness. Application/ Interview
• Ability to conduct effective working relationships with colleagues and contractors. Application/ Interview
• Ability to manage and progress own work activities. Application/ Interview
• Ability to follow and understand standard operating procedures., Application/ Interview

Desirable criteria

• Experience of using and maintaining large scale specialist equipment. Application/ Interview
• Knowledge of relevant systems, policies, legislation and quality standards e.g.ISO 9001 and H&S. Application/ Interview

Further Information

Grade: G2

Salary: £22,443

Work arrangement: Full-time

Line manager: Site Supervisor

Direct reports: Site supervisor

Our website: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/rpi/ethics-integrity/animal-research

For informal enquiries about this job contact
Joanne Bland, Technical Manager on j.bland@sheffield.ac.uk or on 0114 2159437

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in April 2025 This will consist of an interview and tour of one of the facilities. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 17th March 2025. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Joanne Bland j.bland@sheffield.ac.uk

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).
 

What we offer

• A minimum of 38 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes;
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
  • support for those going through the menopause
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

Job Advert

An opportunity has arisen for an Animal Ancillary Technician to join a small and specialised team working in the Biological Services Unit. The post holder will contribute to the efficient operation of the department by processing soiled cages, operating industrial scale washing and sterilisation equipment, and carrying out general cleaning and minor maintenance tasks. The successful candidate will also drive a small delivery van on a regular basis; collecting and dropping off supplies and equipment as required at both university and other sites. Some basic animal care work including feeding, watering and cleaning of cages may also be required. We are looking for individuals who are self-motivated, have a passion for animals, and care about cleanliness and hygiene.

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.