James Kean
Edinburgh
Summary
Specialising in animal care within laboratory settings. Committed to ensuring animal welfare while providing reliable scientific data. Skilled in handling, feeding, and monitoring laboratory animals, with keen observation for behavioural changes. Can contribute to scientific research integrity through stringent adherence to protocols and ethical guidelines.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
14
14
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Animal laboratory technician
University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh
2023.04 - Current
- Received qualifications to be a trainer.
- Ensured animal welfare by adhering to strict laboratory protocols.
- Troubleshot problems related to lab equipment, prevented delays in research activities.
- Followed stringent safety measures, mitigated risks during experiments.
- Increased understanding of species-specific needs by participating regularly in relevant training courses.
Temp. Contractor
Office Angels
Edinburgh
2018.06 - 2023.03
- During any off time between longer contracts, I take on short term temporary roles wherever possible
- Flexibility is key when taking these on, as they can range from a couple of days grading exam papers to a few months learning new office systems
- The most recent of which being a three month administrative role with Improvement Services, ending December 2022
Administrative Assistant
Mercy Corps
Edinburgh
2022.02 - 2022.08
- In this role I was the main point of contact for donors, and was responsible for obtaining, scanning, recording and processing donations to this humanitarian charity
- I also helped set up fundraising efforts, which involved liaising with universities across the UK to maximise exposure and create links between the student population and Mercy Corps
- This was a large responsibility and one I felt good about as the aims of the organisation were close to my heart
Administrative Assistant
Aegon UK
Edinburgh
2019.06 - 2022.01
- Following my undergraduate graduation, I started working in Financial Crime Prevention at this pensions service where it was my duty to perform background checks on flagged applicants
- I worked with large amounts of often sensitive data, kept accurate records of my processes, and produced reports on my findings, which cleared client access to funds
Volunteer
River Trust
2014.06 - 2015.01
- Obtained skills in how to humanely work with fish.
- Capturing and restraining fish without harming them.
- Monitoring fish growth and age.
Research Field Assistant
River Annan Trust
Annan
2013.01 - 2014.01
- After completing my Diploma of Higher Education in Zoology, I took on the role of a research assistant for the River Annan Trust
- In this position it was my duty to collect and analyse river samples in order to contribute to the creation of a comprehensive database of aquatic life in the local environment
- With particular reference to the age of the fish, we were looking to improve our understanding of breeding cycles
- I was able to apply the practical knowledge and skills I learned during my studies by conducting my own field surveys and data analysis
Customer Service Assistant
Tesco
Annan
2010.01 - 2014.01
- My key responsibilities included providing exceptional customer service, cash handling, visual merchandising, contributing to the daily running of the shop, following safety procedures, and maintaining a clean and organised workspace alongside my other team members
Chemistry Tutor
Self-employed
2009.01 - 2010.01
- I supported myself during my studies by finding work as a chemistry tutor on the advice of a local teacher
- I helped secondary school pupils achieve their target grades by curating independent lesson plans tailored to the learning style of each student
- I built strong working relationships in order to create a positive working environment and ultimately everyone I taught achieved their set goals
Education
Marine & Freshwater Biology -
Edinburgh Napier University
2015.09 - 2018.06
Diploma of Higher Education - Zoology
The University of Dundee
2008.09 - 2013.06
High School -
Annan Academy
2001.09 - 2008.05
Skills
- Research skills
- Computer competency
- Report-writing
- Data analysis
- Microsoft Office
- Canva
- GIS
- Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe Premier Pro
- Teamwork
- Communication skills
- Laboratory safety protocols
- Rodent colony management
- Scientific literacy
- Home Office License (PIL)
- Tick@lab competency
Custom
- Competitive Pokemon player with experience attending World Championships
- Co-founder of the Videogames Society at Dundee University
- Tournament organiser for D-Con (now Dee-Con)
- Passionate about the natural world and protecting the environment
Certification
Personal License (PIL) from the Home Office received in January 2025
Timeline
Animal laboratory technician
University of Edinburgh
2023.04 - Current
Administrative Assistant
Mercy Corps
2022.02 - 2022.08
Administrative Assistant
Aegon UK
2019.06 - 2022.01
Temp. Contractor
Office Angels
2018.06 - 2023.03
Marine & Freshwater Biology -
Edinburgh Napier University
2015.09 - 2018.06
Volunteer
River Trust
2014.06 - 2015.01
Research Field Assistant
River Annan Trust
2013.01 - 2014.01
Customer Service Assistant
Tesco
2010.01 - 2014.01
Chemistry Tutor
Self-employed
2009.01 - 2010.01
Diploma of Higher Education - Zoology
The University of Dundee
2008.09 - 2013.06
High School -
Annan Academy
2001.09 - 2008.05