Laboratory Technician

Donkey Sanctuary; Exeter; On-site; GBP 30,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading animal welfare organization in Exeter is seeking a part-time Laboratory Technician to join their team. The role includes performing laboratory tests and providing support for research projects. Ideal candidates will have biological laboratory experience and a degree in a related field. This role offers competitive benefits, including a pension plan and generous holiday allowance.

Benefits

Competitive pension

Life assurance

Healthshield

31 days holiday

Wellbeing team

Subsidised restaurant and shop

Qualifications

• Previous biological laboratory experience required.
• Educated to degree level in biological or animal science.
• Self-motivated with a flexible attitude.

Responsibilities

• Carry out routine haematology and biochemistry on blood samples.
• Perform PCR tests on bodily fluid and tissue samples.
• Provide laboratory-based support to research projects.

Skills

Biological laboratory experience

Knowledge of laboratory principles

Competent IT Skills

Knowledge of equine parasitology

PCR usage experience

Education

Degree in biological or animal science

Job description

Laboratory Technician

We now have an excellent opportunity for an organised and professional team player to join the Research and Operational Support team as Laboratory Technician.

Position: Laboratory Technician

Location: Brookfield Farm, near Honiton, East Devon (an area of outstanding natural beauty)

Hours: Part-time 30 hours per week, Monday-Thursday

Salary: £29,076 pro rata

Contract: Fixed term role starting as soon as possible until 1 January 2027

Closing Date: Sunday 30 November 2025

About the Role

Under the direction of the Laboratory Manager, you will provide in-house clinical and pathological laboratory services, interpret results and communicate relevant findings to the clinical veterinary teams and other relevant teams or personnel.

Key responsibilities include

>Carrying out routine haematology, biochemistry and endocrinology on blood samples submitted by the veterinary teams and promptly highlighting abnormal results.
• Carrying out routine faecal parasitology on faecal samples submitted to the laboratory for intestinal parasites, liver fluke and lungworm.
• Monitoring the worm burden of charity donkeys by regular testing of a representative sample as determined by the Research Department.
• Processing blood and faecal samples from rehomed donkeys, private donkeys, holding bases and Ireland as part of an advisory service.
• Performing PCR tests on a variety of bodily fluid and tissue samples submitted for donkeys and mules with suspected infections and reporting the results to the case Veterinary Surgeon.
• Providing laboratory-based support to research and veterinary team projects.
• Supporting the Laboratory Manager in the training of new staff and the teaching of students and visitors.
>

About You

You will have :

• Previous biological laboratory experience.
• Knowledge and practical experience of laboratory principles.
• Educated to degree level (or equivalent) in a biological or animal science.
• Competent IT Skills.
• Knowledge of equine parasitology and experience in using PCR (desirable).
• Self-motivated with a flexible attitude.
• Committed to making a difference for donkeys and the people that rely on them.

As part of the process, you will be asked to upload your CV and Cover Letter once you click to apply.

Benefits include

• Competitive pension.
• Life assurance
• Healthshield.
• 31 days holiday (including Bank holidays), rising to 34 will each full year of service.
• Wellbeing team.
• Recorded Pilates and Yoga classes.
• Long service awards.
• Healthshield plan
• Free parking.
• Subsidised restaurant and shop.

About the Organisation

The sanctuary is one of the UK’s largest international animal welfare charities, currently supporting projects in over 35 countries worldwide, working for a world where donkeys and mules live free from suffering and their contribution to humanity is fully valued.

The Charity is a Disability Confident Employer, committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable people (children and adults) and expects all staff and volunteers to undertake this commitment. Applicants will be subject to safer recruitment processes, including an application for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check where required for the post.