Veterinary Referral Clinician - Head of Laboratory Services

Donnington Grove Veterinary Group; Newbury; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A veterinary practice is seeking a Head of Laboratory Services to lead an expanding team in Newbury. The role involves managing laboratory technicians, overseeing quality services, and developing testing capabilities. Ideal candidates should possess an MRCVS qualification and leadership experience in a veterinary laboratory.

Benefits

6.6 weeks annual leave plus your birthday as a paid day off

Private medical insurance

Cycle to work scheme

CPD allowance

Staff pet care discounts

Qualifications

• Experience in a busy veterinary laboratory handling equine samples.
• Strong communication and line management skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the laboratory, manage Laboratory Technicians, and ensure service quality.
• Develop the test portfolio and maintain current laboratory practices.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Clinical laboratory experience

Education

MRCVS qualification or Specialist Status in Internal Medicine or Pathology

Job description

Donnington Grove Veterinary Group is seeking a Head of Laboratory Services to oversee our expanding Laboratory at our main hospital in Newbury, West Berkshire.

Located in a semi-rural area with excellent access to open countryside, Newbury is a vibrant market town well connected by train to London.

Join Our Exceptional Team

We are a busy practice specializing in Equine and Small Animal medicine, conducting laboratory tests in areas such as haematology, clinical chemistry, endocrinology, microbiology, serology, and molecular diagnostics.

The role involves leading a team of Laboratory Technicians to provide top-tier service to our team of 50 Veterinary Surgeons and our referral network. We aim to grow our services and become the Laboratory of choice within the IVC Evidensia Group. The successful candidate will contribute to developing our test portfolio and ensuring our laboratory remains current with equipment and practices.

Leadership experience is essential, as we are committed to developing our in-house team, fostering knowledge expansion, and promoting a collaborative environment where everyone is engaged in future plans.

Candidate Requirements

• Experience in a busy veterinary laboratory handling equine samples and/or working in a clinical setting
• An MRCVS qualification, either board eligible or with Specialist Status in Internal Medicine or Pathology
• Strong communication and line management skills

Why Join Us?

We value our employees as key to our success. We invest in our people, premises, and processes. Benefits include:

• Work-life balance: 6.6 weeks annual leave, increasing with service, plus your birthday as a paid day off
• Wellbeing initiatives: family-friendly policies, private medical insurance, cycle to work scheme, employee wellbeing programs, and support for non-accidental injury cases
• Development opportunities: CPD allowance, learning via IVC Evidensia Academy, Vetlexicon access, research funding, infection prevention programs, and quality improvement initiatives
• Professional memberships: VDS cover, RCVS fees
• Additional benefits: reward gateway discounts, pension scheme, staff pet care discounts

To apply, please follow the link on the page or send your cover letter and current CV to Kris Reilly at [e-mail]. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package.