R&D Technician Laboratory

• Primary task (90%), hands on in the laboratory to perform several laboratory procedures with attention to detail and strict adherence to standards of laboratory practice, in order to provide support for the delivery of the research plan across a range of competency areas
• Movement of samples around site
• Secondary tasks (10%) attending research support team meetings, trial after action reviews (where appropriate) and liaising with research members on trial requirements and progress updates
• Work under the guidance of the Research Support Team Leader to ensure trial requests are effectively carried out
• Attend weekly research support team meetings
• Work on up to 8 different trials per week including: Interpreting and adhering to risk assessments and standard operating procedures
• Preparing a variety of flavour solutions for in vivo testing in cats and dogs
• Preparing of supplements for inclusion in diet
• Processing biological samples including saliva and faeces for laboratory analysis
• Preparation of pet food for analysis
• Disposing of chemicals appropriately
• Following trial protocols to ensure appropriate data is recorded
• Printing labels for trial samples
• Accurate recording of data in a variety of formats (Laboratory Information Management System LIMS, excel spreadsheets and XDL)
• Attend and contribute to trial after action reviews where appropriate
• Assisting in the development of new methodologies in collaboration with Research Scientists: Being trained on new equipment / methodologies
• Carry out pilot studies to ensure trials run successfully

• Must be educated to A-Level standard or equivalent
• Excellent attention to detail, accuracy and quality of work
• Experience of working in a laboratory environment either through scientific qualifications or through work experience
• Ability to effectively work to deadlines
• Good communication
• Flexible with the ability to work on a number of different techniques within a working day
• High level of learning agility
• Ability to work within a team
• Computer literate

A higher education qualification, such as a BSc or further education courses, in a scientific discipline is desirable