Waltham on the Wolds, Leicestershire

Starting salary is £25,155 (inclusive of shift allowance), plus company bonus and benefits

Are you passionate about animal research and would you enjoy a hands-on role working with cats and dogs? Are you keen to join us in using science to drive our purpose: A Better World for Pets?

Our Pet Specialist roles play a key part in delivering our research program and every day, you get to work with our cats and dogs.

At Waltham Petcare Science Institute, our ambition is to improve pets’ quality of life by determining the drivers of health at each life stage, along with the risk factors associated with disease. As a global R&D site, the scientific findings we generate reach millions of pets worldwide through the Mars Petcare family of products and services.

In this role you will be responsible for the quality of the data we collect for our research studies which have a positive impact on the life of millions of pets.

You will also develop your knowledge and understanding of animal behaviour and training through working with our behaviour experts, alongside your own self-directed learning.

There is no need to be a dog or cat handler extraordinaire, as we will provide all necessary training when you start.

What would be your key responsibilities?

• You will deliver the tasks for our research studies including collecting data or biological samples from our pets (for example faeces or urine).
• Provide care for our dogs and cats through animal husbandry and training, using positive reinforcement.
• Working safely and to a high quality are our priorities. As part of this, you will be expected to actively identify and propose improvements to what we do and how we do it.

What are we looking for?

• Experience of planning your day-to-day tasks and working without supervision in a fast-paced environment as part of a team.
• Experience with Microsoft Office.
• You must be able to work weekends and bank holidays on a rota pattern.