Laboratory Assistant

Veterinary Pathology Group (VPG); Exeter; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading veterinary laboratory in Exeter seeks a dedicated individual to join their team. The successful candidate will participate in daily laboratory activities, ensuring that all tests meet the highest quality standards. This full-time role involves performing investigations, maintaining laboratory standards, and contributing to quality assurance. Ideal candidates will possess strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail, making a significant impact in the veterinary pathology field.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Discount platform

25 days annual leave

Enhanced absences benefits

Learning & Development opportunities

Dog friendly offices

Qualifications

• Good working knowledge of principles underlying testing procedures.
• Ability to manage change and create a positive environment.
• High degree of dexterity required, able to concentrate for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Participate in daily scientific and technical activities of the laboratory.
• Perform basic laboratory investigations and maintain cleanliness.
• Contribute to the internal and external QC/QA procedures.

Skills

Good problem-solving skills

Attention to detail

Ability to work independently

Good knowledge of computer applications

Job description

Benefits:

• Life Assurance
• Discount platform (supermarkets, high street, cinema & travel)
• 25 days annual leave (28 days after 3 years of service)
• Enhanced absences (sickness and parental)
• Learning & Development opportunities
• Dog friendly offices
  
  

Job Summary:

• To actively participate in the day-to-day activities of the VPG laboratory operation ensuring all tests are carried out to the highest quality and within the agreed turnaround times.
• Assist in delivering a market leading pathology service to all clients of the VPG.
  
  

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Work safely in the laboratory - following all relevant SOP's, health and safety, risk assessments and COSHH documentation.
• Understand and follow all quality procedures to meet the required quality standards
• Understand and comply with any internal or external regulations relevant to the workplace
• Understand and perform management, control, and disposal of laboratory waste
• Always understand and adhere to Good Laboratory Practices
• Undertake any mandatory training as required by the business
• Perform basic laboratory investigations and participate in daily scientific and technical activities of the laboratory section
• Participate in the receipt, recording, storage, allocation, and disposal of specimens - also identifying and resolving issues effectively with the assistance of senior colleagues where appropriate
• Participate in the input, retrieval, and analysis of data, seeking advice from a senior colleague where appropriate
• Participate in the day-to-day maintenance and cleanliness of equipment and working areas within the laboratory
• Prepare reagents and other materials for routine laboratory use following appropriate SOP's
• Perform general laboratory duties as assigned by the lab manager - e.g., Temperature checks
• To work in accordance with SOPs at all times
• Utilise the laboratory LIMS and other application software to authorised protocols
• To actively participate in ongoing training and further learning / CPD where appropriate
• Plan and prioritise work allocations - responding to the needs of routine and urgent activities
• To contribute to the internal and external QC/QA procedures and highlighting concerns to a senior colleague
• Requesting and maintaining stock in an efficient way, ensuring correct supplies are always available
• Ensuring results are reported within expected TAT's
• Ensure laboratory maintenance is being performed and any quality assurance procedures are followed
• To undertake any other reasonable duty when requested to do so by an appropriate manager
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, Attributes & Experience:

Essential:

A good working knowledge of principles underlying testing procedures.

An ability to work in a systematic manner. Be able to work independently to complete allotted tasks in a time-sensitive manner with a high attention to detail.

High degree of dexterity required and able to concentrate for extended periods of time.

Good knowledge of computer applications and LIMS including Work, Excel and PowerPoint.

Good problem-solving skills.

Ability to manage change and create a positive environment throughout the change process

Takes responsibility for and contributes to own personal development

Maintains required level of quality of their own work

Ability to communicate effectively, courteously and with clarity at all times

Desirable:

• An interest in science and ambition to progress within the laboratory.
  
  

Hours of Work:

This is a full time role working 40 hours per week:

• Tuesday to Friday: 07:30 to 16:45 (1 hour break)
• Saturday 6am to 1.30pm. (30 minute break)