Laboratory Assistant Bristol laboratory

Zoetis; West of England; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Zoetis is seeking a Laboratory Assistant in Bristol to support daily laboratory operations, from specimen reception to stock management. The role involves preparing specimens, maintaining lab standards, and assisting with QA and training under the Laboratory Manager.

A detail-focused, organized individual with LIMS experience will thrive in this busy diagnostic environment. Join a leading veterinary pathology laboratory that values good communication, teamwork and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Attention to detail and accuracy in a busy lab environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Good IT literacy and confidence with computer systems.
• Experience using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Proficient with Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Receive and prepare specimens for processing, ensuring correct labeling and recording.
• Open and distribute general deliveries to appropriate departments.
• Contact clients and partner laboratories by phone and email when required.
• Provide admin support including dictation for the Grossing Technician.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized laboratory environment.
• Dispose of tissues and containers per SOPs and safety procedures.
• Monitor and replenish laboratory consumables and stock.
• Prepare laboratory cassettes and reagents for routine use.
• Regularly monitor and action laboratory requests.
• Support QA, CI initiatives, and procedure development.
• Assist with training of new Laboratory Assistants.

Skills

Excellent attention to detail

Professional telephone manner

Organised and time management

Verbal and written communication

Basic IT skills

LIMS experience

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

PowerPoint

Tools

LIMS

Word

Excel

Outlook

PowerPoint

Job description

Location: Bristol, UK
Job Type: Full-Time

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 Bristol.

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.

• 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.
• 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
• 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.

About Zoetis

At Zoetis, our purpose is to nurture the world and humankind by advancing care for animals. As a Fortune 500 company and the world leader in animal health, we discover, develop, manufacture and commercialize vaccines, medicines, diagnostics and other technologies for companion animals and livestock. We know our people drive our success. Our award-winning culture, built around our Core Beliefs, focuses on our colleagues' careers, connection and support. We offer competitive healthcare and retirement savings benefits, along with an array of benefits, policies and programs to support employee well-being in every sense, from health and financial wellness to family and lifestyle resources.