Animal Technologists are responsible for the care and welfare of laboratory animals that are used for scientific research.
Research involving animals is a small but essential part of developing medicines, cures and therapies. Most of the animals used are rodents, such as mice and rats, but they can also include fish, frogs, ferrets, guinea pigs, rabbits, dogs, cats, monkeys and farm animals.
Approximately three and a half million animals are used in research each year in the UK. The industry is tightly regulated by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. Under this Act, research establishments have to be certified and all scientific projects using animals must be licensed by the Home Office. Technologists must also prove they are suitably qualified, trained and experienced. The Act acknowledges the necessity of using animals in research, but demands a high level of protection for them in order to minimise any potential suffering.
The daily responsibilities of an Animal Technologist may include:
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Carrying out regular health checks on the animals in their care
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Ensuring rooms are at the optimum temperature and humidity
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Changing bedding and cleaning out cages
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Providing fresh water and food and, if necessary, organising special diets
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Making sure that the animals have been eating and drinking, and that their bodily functions are normal
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Handling the animals correctly and monitoring them to ensure that they are comfortable, in good condition and behaving as expected
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Maintaining and ensuring high standards of cleanliness and hygiene, throughout the animal facility
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Providing environmental enrichment, exercising and training opportunities for animals
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Operating computerised scientific and electronic equipment
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Obtaining samples and measurements from the animals
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Recording and monitoring the animals’ weight and growth on charts and graphs
Animal Technologists are expected to keep accurate records and input data onto computer systems and some Animal Technologists are also involved in complex breeding programmes and the setting up of scientific studies.
Animal Technology is a career that involves caring for animals within the evolving and sophisticated environment of a bio-medical research centre.
Animals need looking after seven days a week, fifty-two weeks a year. Therefore a typical working pattern may include early starts, late nights, weekend or bank holiday working, although many facilities operate over core hours during the normal working week.
There may be opportunities to work on a part-time basis.
Research work is carried out in laboratories. The environment is carefully controlled including the temperature, humidity, noise and lighting cycles. Access is also strictly controlled.
Technologists are provided with protective clothing and overalls to help to maintain a hygienic environment. Depending on the work, disposable masks, gloves and shoe covers may also be worn.
These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary depending on the employer and where people live.
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The starting salary for a trainee Animal Technologist is about £12,000 to £15,000 a year
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Once fully qualified, Animal Technologists may earn between £15,000 and £30,000 a year
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Senior Technologists with managerial experience often earn in excess of £40,000 a year
- Deliver basic treatments to animals
- Promote and maintain the health and well-being of animals
- Specify diets and feeding regimes
- Care for young animals
- Select and prepare animal accommodation
- Control the movement of animals
- Handle animals
- Support the health and welfare of animals
- Make selective use of IT (level 1)
- Prepare animals and equipment for general procedures
- Collect samples from animals
- Computer Skills
- Analytical / Research Skills
- Planning / Organizing Skills
- Problem-Solving
- Work in a team / with others
- Instruction / Training Skills
- Decision Making Skills
- Self-motivated
- Flexible working
There are a variety of qualifications and training courses that can help you:
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Find employment
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Improve your current skills
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Gain promotion
Training is considered vital to ensuring a continually high standard of care for animals involved in research and is closely monitored and regulated. In-house training is likely to cover subjects such as animal husbandry, health checks, handling animals, and animal behaviour and welfare.
The Institute of Animal Technology (IAT), as the Awarding Organisation for animal technicians, accredits the following qualifications:
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First Certificate in animal husbandry
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First Diploma in animal technology
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National Certificate in animal technology
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Higher Certificates in animal technology
The IAT is currently developing a graduate programme leading to degree-level qualifications and Fellowship (FIAT) of the IAT.
The IAT courses are offered at locations throughout the country. The courses may be delivered through regular day-release programmes, as well as visits to organisations and distance learning. Details on the centres providing the courses can be found in the Education section on the IAT website: http://www.iat.org.uk/
Level 2 and 3 Awards, Certificates and Diplomas in Work-based animal care are also available.
Research using animals comes under the Animal (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. Under this Act, research establishments have to be approved and scientists must prove they are suitably qualified, trained and experienced.
Read more about all types of qualifications available in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
It is important to:
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Enjoy caring for animals, but understand the need for them in research
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Be interested in working in a scientific research environment.
Animal Technologists work for a variety of organisations within the academic and commercial sectors. These include pharmaceutical companies, universities, veterinary colleges, specialist research organisations and animal breeding companies.
There are estimated to be between 4,000 and 5,000 Animal Technologists employed in the UK and employment prospects are good. Opportunities may be found throughout the UK in towns, cities and rural areas. There is a high concentration of pharmaceutical research in the South East, London and the East of England.
There are no formal entry requirements but generally it is usual for entrants to have at least GCSEs (A*-C) in maths, English and one or more science subjects. Some employers may require A-levels or equivalent qualifications. Graduates from bio-medical science courses also tend to apply for these positions.
Experience of caring for animals, either paid or voluntary, is useful in demonstrating a commitment to working in this area. This may include experience at farms or kennels or in veterinary practices. It would be beneficial for applicants to display to a potential employer their genuine interest in animal care and welfare.
Within this career there are many opportunities for specialisation, promotion and career development. Key opportunities are to become a Licensed Animal Technologist or Named Animal Care and Welfare Officer.
There may be supervisory or management positions available. These are dependent on ability, relevant experience and the appropriate qualifications.
Being an Animal Technologist requires an undertaking for lifelong learning or Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in order to ensure that knowledge and skills are continually updated. The Institute of Animal Technology (IAT) organises and holds a variety of courses and meetings designed to support this.
You can find out about other progression opportunities in this industry here
For further support and information on careers in the animal technology industry you can contact the Lantra Connect Service:
Tel: 02476 69 69 96 or e-mail Animaltechnology@lantra.co.uk
You can also find additional information from the following organisations and publications:
Industry Information
Publications (Some may be priced):
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Animal Technology & Welfare - IAT
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Bulletin - IAT
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Lab Animal Europe
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New Scientist
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Nature
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A Career as an Animal Technologist
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Introduction to Animal Technology - Wiley Blackwell
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Manual of Animal Technology - Wiley Blackwell
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Hobsons Guide to Careers in Science - Hobsons