Laboratory Assistant - Bristol

Zoetis Spain SL; West of England; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

VPG, part of Zoetis, is seeking a Laboratory Assistant to join our team in Ringwood/Bristol. You will support day-to-day lab operations, from specimen reception to stock management, ensuring high quality and safety standards while working in a collaborative environment that values development.

The role involves handling specimens, assisting with QA, training new staff, and maintaining a well-organised lab. Prior lab exposure is helpful, and a positive, team-friendly attitude is essential.

Qualifications

• Excellent attention to detail.
• Professional and confident telephone manner.
• Flexible, self-motivated approach with a positive attitude.
• Ability to work independently and under pressure.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic IT skills and confidence using computer systems.

Responsibilities

• Receive and prepare incoming specimens for laboratory processing, ensuring samples are correctly labelled and recorded.
• Open and distribute general deliveries to the appropriate departments.
• Contact clients and partner laboratories by telephone and email when required.
• Provide administrative support, including typing dictation for the Grossing Technician.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organised laboratory environment.
• Dispose of wet tissue, specimens, and laboratory containers in accordance with laboratory procedures.
• Monitor and replenish laboratory consumables and stock.
• Prepare laboratory cassettes in line with SOPs.
• Prepare reagents for routine laboratory use and change processor reagents.
• Regularly monitor and action laboratory requests.
• Support quality assurance (QA), continuous improvement initiatives, and procedure development.
• Assist with the training of new Laboratory Assistants under the guidance of the Laboratory Manager or Deputy Laboratory Manager.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties to support the laboratory team.

Skills

Attention to detail

Telephone manner

Flexible and self-motivated

Independent work under pressure

Organisational & time management

Verbal & written communication

Basic IT skills

Tools

LIMS

Microsoft Word

Excel

Outlook

PowerPoint

Job description

Laboratory Assistant Location: Bristol, UK Job Type: Full-Time (Monday-Thursday 7am-3.30pm, Friday 7am-3pm) Salary: Up to £26,500 per annum Join VPG, Part of Zoetis

Are you organised, detail-oriented, and looking to build your career in a laboratory environment? VPG, part of Zoetis, is looking for a Laboratory Assistant to join our team in Ringwood. This is an excellent opportunity to become part of a leading veterinary pathology laboratory, supporting the delivery of high-quality diagnostic services that make a real difference to animal health. You'll work alongside experienced laboratory professionals in a collaborative and supportive environment where your contribution is valued, and your development is encouraged.

About the Role

As a Laboratory Assistant, you'll play an essential role in supporting the smooth day-to-day operation of the laboratory. From specimen reception to stock management and laboratory housekeeping, you'll help ensure our laboratory runs efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of quality and service.

Key Responsibilities

• Receive and prepare incoming specimens for laboratory processing, ensuring samples are correctly labelled and recorded.
• Open and distribute general deliveries to the appropriate departments.
• Contact clients and partner laboratories by telephone and email when required.
• Provide administrative support, including typing dictation for the Grossing Technician.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organised laboratory environment.
• Dispose of wet tissue, specimens, and laboratory containers in accordance with laboratory procedures.
• Monitor and replenish laboratory consumables and stock.
• Prepare laboratory cassettes in line with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Prepare reagents for routine laboratory use and change processor reagents.
• Regularly monitor and action laboratory requests.
• Support quality assurance (QA), continuous improvement initiatives, and procedure development.
• Assist with the training of new Laboratory Assistants under the guidance of the Laboratory Manager or Deputy Laboratory Manager.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties to support the laboratory team.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who is enthusiastic, reliable, and enjoys working as part of a busy team.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Excellent attention to detail.
• Professional and confident telephone manner.
• A flexible, self-motivated approach with a positive attitude.
• Ability to work independently and under pressure.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic IT skills and confidence using computer systems.

Desirable

• Previous laboratory experience.
• Experience using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

Why Join VPG, Part of Zoetis?

At Zoetis, our colleagues make the difference. As the world's leading animal health company, we're committed to supporting our people with opportunities for learning, development, and career progression.

When you join VPG, you'll become part of a team that is passionate about delivering exceptional veterinary diagnostic services while living our core values:

• Our Colleagues Make the Difference
• Always Do the Right Thing
• Customer Obsessed
• Run It Like You Own It
• We Are One Zoetis

We are proud to be an inclusive employer, welcoming people from diverse backgrounds who share our commitment to quality, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Ready to Join Us?

If you're looking for a rewarding role where you can develop your laboratory career while making a real impact on animal health, we'd love to hear from you.

Full time Regular Colleague

Why Zoetis

Zoetis has more than 60 years of experience in delivering innovative, high-quality products and services that benefit our customers.

Zoetis work environment

At Zoetis, we take pride in a collaborative spirit and high-performing environment where every colleague is given room to learn and grow.

Your opportunities at Zoetis

We invest in our people and offer diverse and exciting opportunities to make a difference in a growing global industry while shaping the future of animal health.

Results that matter

Our colleagues make an impact by working hand-in-hand with those who raise and care for animals to better understand and address the unique real-world challenges they face.

Join Zoetis – and build your career with a global animal health company dedicated to supporting its customers and their businesses.