Veterinary Laboratory Assistant (12 month FTC)

Langford Veterinary Services; Langford; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Langford Veterinary Services is seeking a Veterinary Laboratory Assistant to support their Diagnostic Laboratories. This full-time role involves collecting and processing samples, maintaining a clean lab environment, and supporting effective communication within a multidisciplinary team. The ideal candidate will have a background in biological sciences and relevant laboratory experience, along with strong organizational and communication skills. Join a team dedicated to delivering quality veterinary services.

Benefits

5 weeks holiday per year

On-site Mental Health Champions

Annual CPD allowance

Employee discount

Generous pension scheme

Qualifications

• Scientific background and laboratory experience, ideally in a biomedical environment.
• Experience in provision of a consumer-orientated diagnostic service.
• Manual dexterity and ability to use standard operating procedures.

Responsibilities

• Collect, receive, and process samples including booking tests.
• Prepare biological samples for analysis and input results into the LIMS.
• Maintain laboratory cleanliness and assist with stock inventory.

Skills

Organisational skills

Decision-making skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

HNC/NVQ/degree in biological science

Tools

LIMS

SAGE

Job description

Langford Vets Diagnostic Laboratories are looking for a Veterinary Laboratory Assistant to join the team.

This is a full-time role to provide technical and/or administrative support as required to the Diagnostic Laboratories to assist delivery of an accurate, efficient, and reliable diagnostic service for internal and external customers.

The successful candidate will collect, receive, and process samples including booking tests, preparing samples for analysis in lab departments, sample shipment and storage. Other duties will include assisting with stock takes and ordering, general housekeeping, general cleaning and waste disposal.

The ideal candidate will be educated to HNC/degree level in biological science, or equivalent, desirably with practical experience in veterinary/medical laboratory work. They will need good written and verbal communication skills, enthusiasm and be organised and self-motivated.

Benefits and wellbeing

Our people are at the heart of what we do and as your employer we want to ensure we offer flexibility, support and staff development, where possible, through:

Time off
- 5 weeks holiday per year (plus bank holidays)
- Additional holiday entitlement for Long Service

Wellbeing
- On site Mental Health Champions
- EDI committee
- Employee Forum – to ensure all employees voices can be heard
- Menopause Café
- Wellbeing talks and events
- Cycle to work scheme
- Family friendly policies, including enhanced maternity and paternity pay (after 2 years’ service)

Health
- SimplyHealth Cashplan membership
- Free annual flu vaccination
- Free Specsavers eye test voucher

General
- Free onsite parking
- U2 bus service link to Bristol
- Annual CPD allowance
- Employee discount
- Generous pension scheme – we match up to 8% pension contributions
- Reimbursement of one professional membership fee per year

How to apply

If this role sounds like the right fit for you, don’t delay, click ‘Apply’ and begin your career with Langford Vets.

Reports To: Diagnostic Laboratories Manager

Job Purpose:

To provide technical and administrative support to the Diagnostic Laboratories to support delivery of an efficient and reliable diagnostic service for internal and external customers.

Principal Accountabilities: -

• To assist with administrative duties including booking tests, sample receipt, sample labelling and sample prioritisation.
• Prepare biological samples submitted for analysis (using automated and manual techniques) and input results into the LIMS.
• Co-ordinate outgoing shipments of biological samples to external laboratories (checking sample integrity and forms) and processing incoming results.
• Process requests with due diligence and in accordance with company data privacy policies.
• To assist with preparing monthly stock takes and regular monitoring of reagents. To include checking levels of calibrators, controls, reagents and consumables, ensuring expiry dates are not exceeded and batches are recorded.
• Receiving deliveries, reconciling orders with delivery notes and storing goods received appropriately
• To assist with maintaining a safe, clean and tidy laboratory environment, including lab cleaning and waste disposal.
• To work in accordance with standard operating procedures.
• To work closely with and communicate effectively with other laboratory staff, clinicians, and administrative staff in the Diagnostic Laboratories to ensure provision of an effective service.
• Comply with health and safety regulations and risk assessments; also following good laboratory practice and procedures for the safe disposal of hazardous waste.
• To assist with research projects and other non-routine work where required and under guidance.
• Participate in the Saturday rota as required after at least 6-12 months in the role.
• Proactively identify and act upon opportunities for business improvement. Openly identify and discuss problems in order to implement and sustain improvements that increase the value we deliver to our, clients, employees, and students.

Person Specification

Person Specification

The skills, abilities, experience and knowledge outlined below provide a summary of what is required to carry out this job effectively.

Scientific background and laboratory experience, ideally in a biomedical environment

Experience in provision of a consumer orientated diagnostic service

Excellent organisational and decision-making skills and attention to detail

Knowledge of LIMS, SAGE

Able to plan own work and meet agreed targets on an ongoing basis

Using standard operating procedures to perform tasks

Able to use judgement in straightforward situations requiring analysis e.g. resolving issues such as unlabelled samples

Educated to HNC/NVQ/degree level in biological science, or equivalent

Manual dexterity to perform tasks

Science Qualifications, e.g. GCSE, A Level and equivalent

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team

Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and clients at all levels

Enthusiastic and flexible approach to work