About the job:
Join the Biological Services Unit (BSU) at Queen's University Belfast as a Trainee Technician and begin a structured training programme leading to a permanent Grade 3 Technician role upon successful completion. This 12-month fixed-term opportunity is ideal for individuals looking to develop a career in laboratory animal technology and scientific research.
Working alongside experienced technicians, you will learn to provide high standards of animal care and husbandry, support the maintenance of Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) animal colonies, operate specialist equipment, maintain accurate records, and ensure compliance with the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA), Health and Safety legislation, and University Standard Operating Procedures.
Throughout the programme, you will receive comprehensive training, complete competency assessments, and work towards obtaining a Department of Health Personal Licence (PILA + PILB). You will also support teaching and research activities while contributing to the smooth day-to-day operation of the Biological Services Unit.
This role offers excellent opportunities for professional development within a supportive team committed to animal welfare, scientific excellence, and continuous improvement. Participation in a planned overtime rota, including weekends and University closure periods, is required to support the continuous operation of the facility.
You must be willing to undertake a structured training programme, successfully complete competency assessments and obtain a Department of Health Personal Licence (PILA + PILB) within the first 12 months of appointment. You should also be able to meet the physical requirements of the role and be willing to participate in an overtime rota, including weekends and University closure periods.
About the person:
The successful candidate must have, and your application should clearly demonstrate that you meet the following essential criteria:
To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information.
What we offer:
Beyond a competitive salary, the University offers an attractive benefits package including a holiday entitlement of up to 8.4 weeks a year, pension schemes and development opportunities. We support staff wellbeing with flexible working options, work-life balance initiatives and support for physical and mental health. You can find more detail on all of this and more at https://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/HumanResources/pay-reward-and-benefits/.
Queen's University is committed to promoting equality of opportunity to all. We subscribe to Equality Charter Marks such as the Diversity Charter Mark NI and Athena Swan and have established staff networks such as iRise (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and International Staff Network) and PRISM (LGBTQ+) which help us progress equality. For further information on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, please visit www.qub.ac.uk/diversity.
If you are an international applicant and don't already hold a visa that permits you to take up the role you are applying for, please use the information provided on our website to self-assess whether the University is likely to be able to support a visa application - http://go.qub.ac.uk/internationalstaffsupport.
Candidate Information