Career outlook for
Figures and forecasts for roles at the same level, which require similar skills and qualifications.
Average UK salary
Currently employed in Scotland
Jobs forecast
This information is supplied by LMI For All, where data is currently available for Scotland.
What's it like?
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).
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
UK employment status
Full-time
Part-time
Self employed
Create a qualification route
We’ve found some examples of the qualifications that could help you get this job.
Discover my routeTop skills
Here are some of the skills that people in this job would be most likely to have:
- Working as part of a team
- Communicating ideas through writing
- Accuracy
- Working with your hands
- Caring for animals
- Working with numbers
- Paying attention to detail
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Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you’ll need.
Qualifications
Qualifications at SCQF Level 4-6, and/or a Higher National Certificate (SCQF Level 7), Higher National Diploma (SCQF Level 8) or a work-based qualification such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Animal Care (SVQ Level 2/3).
To enter a Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in animal care requires two Highers or a relevant NC/NQ.
Useful subjects
Most employers and courses require:
- English
- Maths
- A science subject, in particular biology or chemistry
You will also need
Some employers ask the applicant to have a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Laboratory Animal Science & Technologies.
Helpful to have
Experience in veterinary surgery assistance, lab practice and a knowledge of animal anaesthesia.
Related industries
