Animal technician

You would care for the animals used in medical or veterinary research. Your work would contribute to research into cures for human and animal diseases.

You'd be responsible for the day-to-day needs of animals such as rats, mice, guinea pigs and rabbits. You'd ensure that their treatment is humane and in accordance with strict legal controls.

You would:

• Give the animals food and water and organise special diets for them

• Make sure that they are comfortable and behave as expected

• Keep the animals and the centre very clean and hygienic

• Carry out regular observations and health checks

• Monitor the weight and growth of animals

• Exercise and train the animals

• Control the heating, lighting and humidity in the centre

You would keep accurate records and input data to computer systems.

You could work in animal research facilities in a:

• University

• Medical and veterinary college

• Drugs company

• Company breeding animals for research

• Commercial research centre

With experience, you could also be involved in helping scientists with experiments, setting up scientific studies and breeding animals.

Cosmetic and tobacco products are not tested on laboratory animals in the UK. You should be aware that some people have very strong feelings about or hostility to vivisection (research carried out on animals).

• Institute of Animal Technology - Information about this area of work

• Lantra Scotland - Training and skills for the land-based, aquaculture and environmental sector

• GreenJobs - Vacancies for animal jobs