Lab Tech 1

Zoetis Spain SL; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 31,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Zoetis is seeking a Lab Technician 1 to perform routine tests and support disease diagnosis in the Global Diagnostics division. You will prepare samples, operate analyzers, and ensure accuracy across multiple departments in a fast-paced lab environment.

You will handle routine maintenance, document results, maintain logs, and adhere to safety and regulatory standards, including DOT shipping rules where applicable. Strong attention to detail and team collaboration are essential.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• 1-2 years of experience in a clinical laboratory setting.
• Associate or Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Fluency in English.

Responsibilities

• Prepare biological specimens for testing across departments (hematology, chemistry, urinalysis, serology, cytology, endocrinology).
• Operate high-throughput analyzers and microscopes to test samples (blood, urine, serum, feces).
• Set up, run, review, and release lab results per SOPs.
• Perform routine and non-routine maintenance on analyzers.
• Troubleshoot one major department analyzer.
• Review daily QC and weekly Levey-Jennings charts.
• Handle and store specimens per SOPs and regulatory guidelines.
• Maintain a clean, organized lab workspace.
• Dispose of biohazard waste per guidelines.
• Maintain logs for maintenance, environmental, and cleaning tasks.
• Manage records for medical and courier logs and manifests.
• Prepare specimens for shipment to offsite testing facilities following DOT rules.
• Receive, log, and stock lab and office supplies.
• Operate secondary equipment (centrifuges, pipettes, heating blocks, slide stainers).
• Adhere to Zoetis Reference Laboratories SOPs and training.

Skills

Laboratory equipment operation

Quality control

Attention to detail

Data entry

Team collaboration

English fluency

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associate or Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

High-throughput analyzers

Microscopes

Centrifuges

Pipettes

Slide stainers

Job description

Role Description

Job Title: Lab Tech 1
Schedule: Tues – Sat 4:30PM - 1:00AM

The Lab Technician 1 is responsible for performing routine laboratory tests to support the diagnosis and treatment of animal health conditions. Key responsibilities include preparing samples, operating laboratory equipment, and maintaining accurate records. This role supports the Global Diagnostics division at Zoetis and will work closely with internal veterinarians or medical team, and other lab personnel to ensure the highest standards of quality and accuracy in our diagnostic services.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Prepare biological specimens for testing in various departments, including but not limited to, hematology, urinalysis, serology, chemistry, endocrinology, parasitology, cytology, and coagulation
• Use high-throughput automated analyzers, microscopes, and other diagnostic equipment to test various sample types, including but not limited to, whole blood, serum, urine, and feces
• Set up and execute laboratory tests, review results, and release findings in accordance with ZRL Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Perform routine and non-routine maintenance on analyzers, including but not limited to, daily, weekly, monthly, and as needed maintenance
• Perform basic analyzer troubleshooting techniques on one major department analyzer
• Review and accept daily Quality Control reports and weekly Levey-Jennings charts
• Handle and store all biological specimens in accordance with ZRL Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
• Maintain a clean and organized laboratory workspace
• Properly handle and dispose of medical and biohazardous waste while adhering to all applicable regulatory guidelines
• Consistently and properly fill out laboratory logs, including but not limited to maintenance logs, environmental logs, and cleaning logs
• Maintain several types of records, including but not limited to medical records, courier logs and manifests
• Prepare biological specimens for shipment to offsite testing facilities, adhering to all standards set forth by regulatory bodies including the Department of Transportation (DOT)
• Receive, store, and log all laboratory and office supplies into designated locations
• Operate and maintain secondary laboratory equipment, including but not limited to centrifuges, pipettes, heating blocks, and slide stainers
• Understand and follow SOPs and training modules set forth by Zoetis Reference Laboratories

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate or Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Requires 1-2 years of experience in a clinical laboratory setting and experience in performing basic laboratory testing or operations
• Proficient knowledge in one of the following preferred: Hematology, Chemistry, Urinalysis, Endocrinology, Parasitology, and Cytology

Technical Skills Required

• Strong attention to detail
• Proficiency in using laboratory equipment and software.
• IT and LIS (laboratory information systems) experience and general comfort level with computer systems, technology, and equipment interfaces.
• Team-oriented with excellent collaboration skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Robust organizational and time management abilitiesExcellent data entry skills
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to complete tasks with minimal supervision
• Fluency in English language

Physical and Time Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to bend, kneel, stoop, crouch
• Ability to walk, sit, or stand for extended periods
• Ability to wear PPE

Compensation and Benefits

The U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $22.70- $30.00/hr. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the base pay target range for new hire salaries for the position. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. In addition to compensation, Zoetis offers a comprehensive benefits package that supports the physical, emotional and financial wellbeing of our colleagues and their families including healthcare and insurance benefits beginning on day one, a 401K plan with a match and profit-sharing contribution from Zoetis, and 4 weeks of vacation. Visit zoetisbenefits.com to learn more.

Employment Status

Full time Regular Colleague

Recruiting Policy

Any unsolicited resumes sent to Zoetis from a third party, such as an Agency recruiter, including unsolicited resumes sent to a Zoetis mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Zoetis employees, or to Zoetis resume database will be considered Zoetis property. Zoetis will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. Zoetis will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees. This includes any Agency that is an approved/engaged vendor but does not have the appropriate approvals to be engaged on a search.

Notice: Zoetis Recruiters will contact candidates via email from an address ending in @zoetis.com and may also initially connect with candidates through LinkedIn, including LinkedIn InMail. Zoetis does not use Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, or other web-based/generic email domains to communicate about job opportunities, interviews, or offers of employment. If you receive a recruitment-related email message claiming to be from Zoetis that does not come from @zoetis.com, please treat it as suspicious. For your security, do not reply, click links, open attachments, share personal or financial information, or send money in response to unexpected or questionable recruitment communications. Zoetis is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability or veteran status or any other protected classification. Disabled individuals are given an equal opportunity to use our online application system. We offer reasonable accommodations as an alternative if requested by an individual with a disability. Please contact Zoetis Colleague Services at [e-mail] to request an accommodation. Zoetis also complies with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act. All applicants must possess or obtain authorization to work in the US for Zoetis. Zoetis retains sole and exclusive discretion to pursue sponsorship for the acquisition or maintenance of nonimmigrant status and employment eligibility, considering factors such as availability of qualified US workers. Individuals requiring sponsorship must disclose this fact. Please note that Zoetis seeks information related to job applications from candidates for jobs in the U.S. solely via the following: (1) our company website at www.Zoetis.com/careers site, or (2) via email to/from addresses using only the Zoetis domain of “@zoetis.com”. In addition, Zoetis does not use Google Hangout for any recruitment related activities. Any solicitation or request for information related to job applications with Zoetis via any other means and/or utilizing email addresses with any other domain should be disregarded. In addition, Zoetis will never ask candidates to make any type of personal financial investment related to gaining employment with Zoetis.

Company Culture

At Zoetis, our purpose is to nurture our 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.