Job Description

Applications are invited for a motivated and experienced Aquatics Facilities Manager to undertake the role across 4 busy aquatics facilities in Cambridge, within the University Biomedical Services division.


As Aquatics Facilities Manager you will be responsible for the day-to-day management and operation of the facilities housing multiple aquatics species, providing a comprehensive service to facilitate research and teaching requirements of users from other University Departments, and external institutions, in order to provide a safe, legal and Home Office compliant working environment that meets good practice standards at all times and promoted the ethical use of animals in research.


You will manage a team of technicians who are responsible for the daily husbandry, care and welfare of the animals within breeding facilities, quarantine and containment level 2 facilities. You will be responsible for the completion of all administrative processes necessary for the management of the facilities including monitoring and ordering of stock and equipment; financial recharging of research groups; health, safety and biosecurity; as well as Home Office and CEFAS compliance processes.


As Named Animal Care and Welfare Officer (NACWO) for the aquatics department, you shall be the primary point of contact for the Project and Personal Licence holders within the facilities. You shall provide advice and guidance in regards to Home Office regulations, commenting on Project Licences and reviewing study plans to ensure appropriate allocation of resources and compliance with Home Office regulations, and attend Animal Welfare Ethical Review Body (AWERB) meetings as required.


The facilities operate a rota system to provide animal care and essential husbandry at weekends and over Bank Holidays, which you may be required to support from time to time. The role holder will be required to take part in an out of houraAEURAs emergency call out list for the facilities also.


As the successful candidates for this role, you will have extensive experience working in a designated establishment with aquatic animals at quarantine and containment level 2, including experience in all aspects of the daily management regimes. You will hold an Institute of Animal Technology (IAT) membership and Level 3 (minimum) or equivalent qualification (relevant degree), and the NACWO qualification, with demonstrable in depth knowledge of Home Office legislation and guidelines, Health and Safety requirements and animal allergy policies. You will be an excellent communicator, able to communicate effectively with individuals at all levels, including management and motivation of staff.


The role is available immediately and subject to a 9-month probationary period.


Funding for this role is currently confirmed until July 2027, with possibility for extension.



Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment and a security check.


Please quote reference AQ48187 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.


The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.


The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.



Key information

Department/location

Salary

42,254-56,535

Reference

AQ48187

Category

Academic-related

Date published

5 December 2025

Closing date

27 January 2026