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The laboratory animal facility is the space where the animals used in experimental laboratories for scientific research are housed. These centres or establishments must meet certain requirements related to the general care and accommodations of the animals used for experimentation, which guarantee the fulfilment of current legislation (European Union Directive 86/609/EEC of 26 November 1986 and Royal Decree 1201/2005 of 10 October). The majority of housed animals are rodents (rats and mice, often genetically modified), but currently they often include inferior species as well (zebrafish or toads). Few facilities have dogs, miniature pigs or primates, which require special spaces and permits. The laboratory animal facility technician works under the direction of the person responsible for the laboratory animal facility and is in charge of maintaining and handling the laboratory animals under their responsibility, as well as controlling the housing conditions according to the current regulations. In the case of technical and scientific services, they can also conduct certain experimental tests commissioned by external agencies. The laboratory animal facility technician is the person responsible for ensuring the well-being of animals used for experimentation at the laboratory animal facility.

• Provide a suitable environment, freedom of movement, as well as proper accommodations, diet and care that ensure the good health and well-being of animals used for experimentation.
• Carry out periodic health exams in order to keep the animals as healthy as possible so that reliable results can be obtained.
• Know the different regulations for quality control (Good Laboratory Practices, ISO, AAALAC and those related to animal well-being), as well as safety for the staff of the laboratory animal facility.
• Oversee the handling, maintenance and analysis of the animal models.
• Update the database of the laboratory animal facility.
• Oversee the animal log, cages and documentation.
• Control and keep track of the temperature and hygiene conditions of the laboratory animal facility. Take samples and prepare them for analysis.
• Oversee the recording and maintenance of the materials.
• Manage the disposal of biological material.

Regulated training and graduates

• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Agrària: Cura i manteniment d'animals utilitzats per a la investigació i altres fins científics (Nivell 2)
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Agrària: Realització de procediments experimentals amb animals per a la investigació (Nivell 3)
• Professionalism Certificate: Microbiological and biotechnological tests (Level 3)
• Professional Training Course(s) in the field of Chemical Professional Families - Advanced Level: Laboratory for analysis and quality control

Complementary training

Other specific skills

Initiative: Level 2

Concern for order and quality: Level 2

Orientation within reach: Level 1

Self-control: Level 1

Flexibility and change management: Level 1

Scientific research

Individuals who have an affinity for the field of scientific research focus their interest on activities that study different types of organisms and substances in order to obtain valuable products for human beings. A key part of performing this task is the planning and verification of scientific hypotheses through the use of different research designs and techniques. The objective of these searches is the development of new medicines and medical techniques, technological innovation based on the manipulation of cells, molecules and biological agents, as well as the study of cultures in order to improve the characteristics and properties of plants and food.

Environment

People who work in this field focus their professional interests on the preservation, improvement or restoration of the environment (vegetation, fauna, flora) in both built-up areas and natural spaces. Some of the activities that represent this field are the detection, analysis and control of pollutants, the carrying out of measurements and tests in relation to climatic or environmental variables and the reduction of the harmful effects of human activity on the environment. The carrying out of these activities requires knowledge of the environment, for its planning and use, and of environmental regulations.

Artificial skin operator

Chemical Laboratory Technician

Pharmaceutical laboratory technician

Environmental laboratory technician

Laboratory maintenance technician.

• Work hours

  The work day may be part or full time, either intensive or split shift.

• Salary

  Gross salaries range from 20,000 to 40,000 euros a year, depending on the experience of the person.