Laboratory Technician (2089)

The Donkey Sanctuary; Honiton; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

An international animal welfare organization is seeking a dedicated Laboratory Technician to provide clinical and pathological laboratory services. The role involves performing laboratory tests, supporting research, and training new staff. Ideal candidates will have laboratory experience and a relevant degree. This part-time, fixed-term role requires 30 hours per week at their veterinary hospital near Honiton, England.

Benefits

Life assurance

31 days holiday, increasing with service

Recorded Pilates classes

Healthshield Plan

Free parking

Subsidised restaurant and shop

Qualifications

• Biological laboratory experience is essential.
• Degree in biological or animal science or equivalent is required.
• Knowledge of equine parasitology and PCR is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine haematology, biochemistry, and endocrinology on blood samples.
• Conduct faecal parasitology on samples for intestinal parasites.
• Monitor the worm burden of charity donkeys.
• Process blood and faecal samples from various sources.
• Perform PCR tests on samples from donkeys with suspected infections.
• Support research and veterinary team projects in the lab.
• Train new staff and teach students and visitors.

Skills

Biological laboratory experience

Knowledge of laboratory principles

Competent IT skills

Knowledge of equine parasitology

PCR experience

Self-motivated

Education

Degree in biological or animal science

Job description

Overview

The Donkey Sanctuary is an international animal welfare organisation, offering care and protection to donkeys worldwide. Our vision is a world where every donkey has a good quality of life, and our mission is to improve the lives of donkeys every day. We will achieve this by transforming the lives of donkeys in need worldwide by fostering greater understanding, collaboration and support, and by promoting lasting, mutually life-enhancing relationships.

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

About you

• 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.

About the role

Your principal duties and responsibilities will include –

• Carrying out routine haematology, biochemistry and endocrinology on blood samples submitted by our 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.

What we offer in return

Based at our fully equipped veterinary hospital at Brookfield Farm, near Honiton, East Devon – an area of outstanding natural beauty – this is a part-time, fixed term role starting as soon as possible until 1 January 2027, working 30 hours per week, 08.00-16.30, Monday-Thursday. Flexibility will be required for occasional weekend working.

Life assurance.

31 days holiday (including Bank holidays), rising to 34 will each full year of service.

Wellbeing team.

Recorded Pilates classes.

Long service awards.

Healthshield Plan –

• Reimbursement of some medical expenses up to the specified limits per membership.
• Offers, discounts and cashback on shopping, travel and entertainment from participating outlets.
• Access to a 24/7 GP and counselling service.

Free Parking.

Subsidised restaurant and shop on main site.

Additional information

Closing date for completed applications: Sunday 30 th November 2025.

Please note: We reserve the right to close this vacancy before the advertised date and therefore encourage early applications.

The Donkey Sanctuary is a Disability Confident Employer.

The Donkey Sanctuary is 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.

The Donkey Sanctuary also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme and, for relevant posts, may request information from applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment.

Please note: The Guaranteed interview scheme is only applicable to candidates who consider themselves to have a disability applying for roles based within the United Kingdom.

NOTE TO APPLICANTS: We look forward to receiving your application, but we do ask you to complete this in your own words, and not to employ an Artificial Intelligence (AI) writing tool or assistant. Applications that are considered not to be an applicant’s own work may not be shortlisted for interview.