Working at York
Tom Fewlass
Senior Animal Technician and NACWO
Early Career
Since studying ‘Animal Biology’ at University, I’ve always been keen to find a career that blends my interest in lab work, biology, and hands-on work with animals. Becoming an animal technician was a perfect fit, although, like many in this field, I initially had to consider the ethical aspects of the role.
After graduating, I spent just over two years working for a contract research organisation, where I gained key skills and experience that prepared me for my next step. I was keen to work at the University of York because it offered good career progression and development opportunities.
Time Employed at the University of York
I joined the University of York in 2019 as a Trainee Animal Technician. Thanks to my previous experience I was able to progress beyond standard animal husbandry tasks and take on more senior responsibilities early in my career. The COVID-19 working arrangements also played a part in this, as I had the opportunity to take on additional responsibilities to help maintain research continuity. During this time, I responded to requests from a wide range of research groups, assisting with their work and ensuring their studies could continue smoothly. Speaking with these groups and learning more about their research was a key turning point in my career—it gave me a much deeper understanding of the research process and made the role even more rewarding.
Over time, a combination of circumstances and my willingness to step up led me to take on increasing responsibilities, which ultimately contributed to my recent promotion to Senior Animal Technician, NACWO, and AWERB Administrator. I currently work in the Animal Facility and Aquarium, completing the day-to-day husbandry alongside mandatory health checks to ensure the welfare of the animals under our care. I have taken on responsibilities in training staff and researchers in handling the species we work with here at York, helping to maintain high standards across the facility.
Additionally, I assist research groups with practical regulated procedures, ensuring they are conducted efficiently and in line with regulations. Beyond the hands-on technical work, my role within AWERB allows me to have an impact on the ethical approval process for all levels of animal research at the University. This aspect of my role has given me valuable insight into the ethical considerations and governance that underpin research, broadening my perspective on the work we do.
Career progression and continuous professional development (CPD) have been key elements of my journey. Since joining York, I have completed my PIL C licence (which added to my PIL AB licence which I gained from a previous employer), IAT Level 2, and IAT Level 3 qualifications, significantly expanding my technical knowledge. I have also undertaken extensive training in regulated procedures, moving from being trained myself to now training others. Completing train-the-trainer courses has been particularly rewarding, as has my training in zebrafish work, which has led to me being licensed to work with them aswell.
I truly appreciate the support and trust of management, both past and present, which has allowed me to progress in my career and take on new challenges. Most recently, stepping into NACWO and AWERB responsibilities has been an exciting development, broadening my expertise and giving me the opportunity to contribute in a more strategic capacity.
I am always keen to learn and embrace new challenges, and I look forward to continuing my development in this role while supporting the team and the wider research community.