Salary: Salary range £24,890 - £26,200 per annum
Duration of Contract: Fixed term for 1 year
Hours per week: 35 hours per week (Full Time)
Location: Sutton
Closing Date: 16th June 2026
We reserve the right to close this role early should we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
About the Role
We are seeking a highly motivated Trainee Animal Technician apprentice to join our Biological Services Unit (BSU) and contribute to the vital front-line support we provide to the ICR scientific community. The BSU plays a critical role in facilitating research by maintaining the highest standards of animal care and welfare in accordance with The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.
As a Trainee Animal Technician apprentice, you will begin your career in laboratory animal care by receiving comprehensive, hands-on training in routine animal husbandry, welfare monitoring, and facility hygiene. This role is designed to equip you with the necessary skills and experience to progress within the BSU team, with opportunities for regrading based on demonstrated competency and performance.
Key Responsibilities
Provide daily husbandry and care for laboratory animals, including feeding, watering, and bedding changes.
Monitor animal health and welfare, reporting concerns promptly to supervisors.
Clean and maintain animal rooms and working areas according to SOPs and hygiene standards.
About You
We are looking for someone who can demonstrate an interest in animal care and welfare with the following skills :
Passes in four subjects at GCSE level (or equivalent), including English Language and Mathematics or a Science subject.
Strong empathy and respect for animals.
High standards of reliability, dependability, and conscientiousness.
Able to work both independently and as part of a small team.
Willingness to participate in rota-based weekend and holiday work.
What We Offer
- A supportive and collaborative working environment.
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
- Competitive salary and pension
Department/Directorate Information
The Biological Services Unit (BSU) sits within the Research Services Directorate at the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR). The BSU is an essential component of the ICR’s research infrastructure, providing front-line support to scientists by ensuring the ethical and high-quality care of animals used in research.
Operating across the Chelsea and Sutton campuses, the BSU ensures compliance with The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and maintains the highest standards of animal welfare, facility hygiene, and biosecurity. The team plays a critical role in enabling preclinical cancer research, offering not only animal care and housing but also technical support, advice, and training to research staff.
As part of the Research Services Directorate, the BSU collaborates closely with scientists across ICR departments to support cutting-edge cancer research. The unit upholds the ICR’s commitment to ethical research practices, continual improvement, and the 3Rs principles (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) in animal research.
We encourage all applicants to access the job pack attached for more detailed information regarding this role.
Why work for us?
As a member of staff, you'll have exclusive access to a range of staff benefits.
The ICR is committed to supporting overseas applicants applying for roles, please click here to find out further information.
The Institute of Cancer Research, London, is one of the world's most influential cancer research institutes, with an outstanding record of achievement dating back more than 100 years. Further information about working at the ICR can be found here.
At the Institute of Cancer Research, we champion diversity as we believe it fuels innovation and drives impactful research. We welcome applicants from all walks of life, valuing diverse perspectives that enrich our work.
Don't let a checklist of qualifications hold you back – if you're passionate about the role, we want to hear from you. Your unique experiences and backgrounds contribute to the richness of our team. We are committed to being an equal opportunity for all, regardless of ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other dimension of diversity. Join us in creating an inclusive environment where everyone's voice is heard and valued.
