Service Area Support


Company:	University of Oxford
Salary:	£27,534 - £28,437
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Oxford, OX1 3TA
Working pattern:	On-site
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	27 Jul 2026
Closing date:	26 Aug 2026

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Summary

The Department of Biomedical Services (BMS) is a service department which manages

six animal facilities owned by Oxford University. BMS’s primary role is to care for

laboratory animals used in Biomedical Research. Research carried out at Oxford

University is governed by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. BMS supports

individuals who are involved in medical research; enabling them to achieve their objectives

whilst maintaining high standards of animal welfare in line with Home Office regulations.

The postholder will be an essential and integral part of the team, which is responsible for

the service area of the animal facility offering vital support to the technical team.

The postholder will prepare clean sterile cages, tanks and water bottles to the technical

team ensuring that bio security is maintained at all times. The postholder will be

responsible for laundering of work clothing for both technical and research staff use,

ensuring sufficient levels are always available. The postholder will assist in the collection

and distribution of essential stores, for which you must be physically fit. The postholder

will assist in the monitoring of specialist equipment to prevent breaks in service.

Responsibilities/duties

• Collaborate in the collection of soiled cages from the holding areas.

• Remove soiled bedding from cages into a bedding extract system.

• Load cages (and fish tanks) and operate automatic washer where applicable.

• Prepare cages with clean bedding and environmental enrichment.

• Load cages into an autoclave for steam sterilisation. Knowledge and

understanding of appropriate sterilisation methods is imperative to maintain bio

security of the holding areas, and understanding the implications if these

methods are not adhered to.

• Safe and bio secure storage of sterile cages until required by the technical

team.

• Empty, clean and refill water bottles and arrange transport to the holding areas

for use. Also ensure that adequate numbers of bottles are available.

• Assist in maintaining sufficient levels of sterilised diet and bedding to the

holding areas. Manual handling training will be given to fulfil this responsibility.

• Understand the rotation of perishable items.

• Assist in the laundering of laboratory coats, gowns and any other protective

clothing worn within the facility using an automatic washing machine and

tumble dryer.

• Maintain general standards within the service area by means of housekeeping

duties.

• Day to day replenishment of chemicals required by cage washers, such as

detergent and water softeners.

• Willingness to undertake weekend/holiday duties as part of staff rota if

required.

• Any other comparable duties as may reasonably be required by their line

manager.

Main Equipment used:

• Rack Washer

• Autoclave

• Bottle Washer

• Bedding Extract Systems

• Fly Kettle (at BSB)

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