Animal Technologist

An animal technologist (also known as animal laboratory technician) is responsible for the care and welfare of laboratory animals used in medical, veterinary and dental research. Some technologists are involved in experimental work, but this is less common.

Just fewer than 2.9 million animals (85% of which are rodents) are used in scientific procedures in Britain annually. The different requirements of each species and each set of experiments leads to different working environments.
The use of animals in scientific procedures is regulated by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, which recognizes the necessity of research involving animals but demands high levels of protection for their welfare.

Animal technologists are in daily contact with animals and much of the work involves routine tasks essential for the animals' care and welfare. These tasks include: cleaning cages, pens, trays, equipment and fittings, feeding and watering animals, obtaining samples and measurements, collecting and recording data, ensuring animals are kept clean and comfortable.

Technologists may be involved in designing studies and setting the conditions and protocols that will provide scientists with the information required. To do this, they need to understand the physical, behavioral and environmental needs of individual species, and be able to predict and interpret the animals' responses.
Experienced technologists help to breed animals especially for use in research. They monitor pregnancies, care for newborn animals and measure weight gain and growth.

Technologists also play a key role in selecting animals for studies and carrying out and developing dosing, assessment and sampling techniques. Some understanding of the science supporting individual studies is required in this instance. Research with animals in the UK takes place under strict legal controls and technologists are responsible for ensuring all legislation.