Herpetarium Technician (87822)
Tropical Disease Biology
Salary: £28,879 – £33,232 per annum
Full-time, Fixed-term appointment up to 31st January 2027
Based in Liverpool
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic Herpetarium Technician to join our team in the Tropical Disease Biology department in advancing snakebite research and interventions.
Our Tropical Disease Biology (TDB) department is a leading national and international research and teaching department with a focus on translational research of tropical infectious diseases. The vision of TDB is aligned to that of LSTM’s to “save lives in resource poor countries through research, education and capacity strengthening”. To that end, research within the TDB department is focused on solutions that have the potential to have a material impact the health and well-being of people from resource poor settings.
Led by Director Professor Nicholas Casewell, the Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions (CSRI) boasts some of the world’s leading snakebite experts and has access to LSTM’s herpetarium, the largest and most diverse collection of tropical venomous snakes in the UK, used to support its research activities. The combination of the centre’s venomous snake collection and its extensive research activity makes LSTM one of the best institutions in the world for studying venom biology.
The successful candidate will support continued operations of herpetarium activities within CSRI and ensure continued operations of the Herpetarium and conduct associated husbandry activities.
Key deliverables will include:
Animal Husbandry
- Support routine snake husbandry (cleaning, feeding, etc)
- Support venom extractions from animals in the collection
Ensure continued operations of Herpetarium
- Maintenance good laboratory best practice, statutory compliance, housekeeping and general health and safety
- Management of the venom and antivenom inventory
- Ordering of required items needed within the herpetarium (feed, supplies, etc)
- Work in partnership with Herpetarium team and CSRI leadership to ensure the facility is in line with Home Office requirements
- Development and review (annually) SOPs for the operations within the herpetarium.
Communication
- Support tours and public engagement related to the herpetarium activities with the LSTM communication team
- Support the Communication Office and LSTM communication team with matters pertaining to the update of the website, social media and newsletters
- Assist visitors with queries, demonstrate tact and understanding when dealing with complex and serious issues
Ideally you will be able to demonstrate:
- GCSEs grades A-C (or equivalent) including English and Maths
- Experience of ensuring safe and clean work areas are maintained, willing to contribute to tasks involved in cleaning herpetarium
- Experience of handling or maintaining animals and good understanding of techniques in animal husbandry and handling
- Knowledge and understanding of potential hazards within a working animal unit / environment such as a Herpetarium
- Experience of working with Health & Safety guidelines and legislation
- Good administration skills, with the ability to maintain accurate records, demonstrating meticulous attention to detail
- Able to work competently with venomous snakes (desirable)
APPLY