Resources and FAQ
Not sure what an animal technician actually does or what working in the life sciences sector involves? See below some useful links to other Life Sciences and Research related websites and some frequently asked questions to help you better understand the industry and career path of an animal technician.


S3 Life Science (Our Parent Recruitment Company)
S3 Science is well known in the industry and has been the leaders in animal technician recruitment services. Feel free to have a read about Animal Research, the ethics and why we use animals in research
Prospects.ac.uk
Job profile for an animal technician.
Understanding Animal Research
Dedicated to explaining the role of animals in medical and scientific research.
Gov.uk Guidance
UK Government information detailing the law on scientific research and testing involving animals.
Cancer Research UK
Registered charity funding research into finding cures and kinder treatments for Cancer.
Laboratory Animal Science Association
Supporting 50 years of progress in laboratory animal science and welfare. Promotes Concordat on openness for laboratory animal science.


FELASA
Represents common interests in the furtherance of all aspects of laboratory animal science (LAS) in Europe and beyond.
Institute of Animal Technology
Founded in 1950, the IAT is the foremost professional body in the field of Animal Technology.
Speaking of Research
Speaking of Research aims to explain the important role of animals in research.
AAALAC
A non-profit organisation that promotes the humane treatment of animals in science through voluntary accreditation and assessment programs.
NC3RS
UK’s national organisation which leads the discovery and application of new technologies and approaches to replace, reduce and refine the use of animals for scientific purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
I want to work with animals but have never considered becoming an Animal Technologist until now. What makes it such a great career?
The good news is that by becoming an Animal Technologist you will:
- Have a structured career path with clear and achievable goals leading to promotions and salary increases
- Continued and ongoing training specifically focused on working with animals
- Start your career from day 1 with decent earnings that rise along with the skills and experience you develop over time. In fact, our research suggests that Animal Technologists on average earn more than the majority of roles available working with animals.
- Be employed by some of the most prestigious and interesting organisations in the UK with not only a great salary but also inclusive benefits package and active social scene.
- Work with a team of fellow animal technologists every day that just like you share a passion for animals.
- And finally, you will be joining a crack, elite workforce of super intelligent, animal loving (animal mad!) individuals that get to do what they love – work with animals whilst getting paid for it!

What does an Animal Technologist do?
Why do we need laboratory animals and what are they needed for?

What legislation is in place to protect the animals?
A friend of mine told me that animals don’t need to be used in research and that there are alternative ways to develop medicines to beat Cancer, etc. Is this true?
Don’t forget that research using laboratory animals costs the pharmaceutical industry millions of pounds every year – if it were possible to develop medicines and not spend this money these organisations would stop using laboratory animals overnight. This has not stopped the scientific community from looking at alternatives to using animals. In fact way back in 1959 2 leading professionals in their fields of work (one was a zoologist, the other a microbiologist) came up with the phrase “The 3 R’s”. This stand for the Replacement, Reduction and Refinement of animals used in research.
Today the Home Office here in the UK operates a government group founded on the very same principles of Reduction, Refinement and Replacement with clear aims to improve the application of the 3Rs and promote research into alternative methods. Furthermore the core principles of the 3Rs are written into UK law under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act (1986). Going one stage further there is also an EU Directive governing animal use that also makes the 3 R’s clear.

As an animal lover I’m not sure I could I work with animals that are used in research.
What are the benefits?
The world of animal technology is a very social group and there are many events and gatherings that you will be able to attend. This enables you to branch out in your career, meet other like minded people who have the same passion as you and keep up to date on the latest developments.

What sort of animals will I be working with?
What training is involved?

I’ve been reading about the use of Animals in research. What are “regulated procedures”?
What about animal rights groups?

What are the downsides to the job?
Why are the vast majority of animals put to sleep at the end of the scientific study?
What are the conditions like?
