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Who works with laboratory animals?
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Shop assistant became laboratory technician
Karin Schön is a laboratory technician in a research group working to develop a substance to strengthen the effect of vaccine on the immune defence.
The substance is being tested in mice, and hopefully within a few years it can be used in humans.
“It feels meaningful to work with research that can make life better for humanity," she says.
Karin Schön worked as a cashier in a food market before studying to become a laboratory technician, or laboratory assistant as the job was called in the mid 1980s. For the past 15 years she has worked in a research group at the Department of Biomedicine at the University of Göteborg. They are now testing a substance important for developing flu vaccine.
“We´ve worked with this substance for ten years and hope to soon be able to test it in humans. But our tests in animals must continue to yield good outcomes," she says.
Most of Karin Schön´s working hours are used to analyse test results in the laboratory. She visits the university´s animal facility several days each week, where she gives mice the substances to be tested. She also handles the euthanasia of animals.
“I had no plans to work with animal research when I went to school. I had intended to work at a hospital. But then I received practical training here at the university and liked it. Animal research is part of the job," she says.
The working group consists of a principal investigator, 7 researchers, and 3 laboratory technicians. Karin Schön is in daily contact with the principal investigator and other laboratory technicians. The entire group meets on Mondays to collaboratively discuss how to plan their work.
Karin Schön also teaches animal handling in university courses on laboratory animals. She shows how to manage animals so they do not become stressed and bite.
“Many people feel uncomfortable holding a live mouse for the first time. The mouse notices this and becomes nervous. It is best to remain calm, and that´s something you learn with time."
Karin Schön´s family has rabbits, and she views herself as a friend of animals. She relates differently to pets than to laboratory mice since they have a different purpose. She is focused about taking good care of laboratory animals.
“It feels meaningful to work with research that can make life better for humanity," she says.
Karin Schön worked as a cashier in a food market before studying to become a laboratory technician, or laboratory assistant as the job was called in the mid 1980s. For the past 15 years she has worked in a research group at the Department of Biomedicine at the University of Göteborg. They are now testing a substance important for developing flu vaccine.
“We´ve worked with this substance for ten years and hope to soon be able to test it in humans. But our tests in animals must continue to yield good outcomes," she says.
Responsible for taking specimens
Most of Karin Schön´s working hours are used to analyse test results in the laboratory. She visits the university´s animal facility several days each week, where she gives mice the substances to be tested. She also handles the euthanasia of animals.
“I had no plans to work with animal research when I went to school. I had intended to work at a hospital. But then I received practical training here at the university and liked it. Animal research is part of the job," she says.
Work independently
The working group consists of a principal investigator, 7 researchers, and 3 laboratory technicians. Karin Schön is in daily contact with the principal investigator and other laboratory technicians. The entire group meets on Mondays to collaboratively discuss how to plan their work.
Karin Schön also participates in other working groups along with animal handlers in the animal facility, but otherwise works independently.
“It is a very free and favourable job. I plan my workday independently and decide when I´m going to do what," she remarks.
Important to be calm
Karin Schön also teaches animal handling in university courses on laboratory animals. She shows how to manage animals so they do not become stressed and bite.
“Many people feel uncomfortable holding a live mouse for the first time. The mouse notices this and becomes nervous. It is best to remain calm, and that´s something you learn with time."
Karin Schön´s family has rabbits, and she views herself as a friend of animals. She relates differently to pets than to laboratory mice since they have a different purpose. She is focused about taking good care of laboratory animals.
“Anyone who works with animals wants them to suffer as little as possible. Our animals here live a relatively good life," she concludes.
Text: Karl-Johan Börjesson
Responsible for content: Mats Ulfendahl, Secretary General of Medicine and health, Swedish Research Council.
Editor: Peter Tillhammar, Swedish Research Council. Contact: Send email to the editorial staff.
Editor: Peter Tillhammar, Swedish Research Council. Contact: Send email to the editorial staff.
