Job Description

Veterinary Laboratory Assistant

6 month fixed-term contract

8 hour shifts / Tuesday to Saturday / Shifts between 4am - 4pm

Leamington Spa

25,000 - 28,000

Veterinary Laboratory Assistants (VLAs) are vital members of the laboratory team, supporting the day-to-day operations across various departments, including microbiology, cytology, specimen reception, and blood sciences.

This position is a

6 month fixed-term contract

. While there is a possibility of extension or a permanent role, this cannot be guaranteed.

Key responsibilities include:

Accurately process specimen requisitions following department protocols. Receive, unpack, and label specimens including microbiological, cytological, and blood samples; ensure proper identification, traceability, and handling. Plate microbiological specimens (e.g., swabs, cultures, fluids) while adhering to strict biosafety and aseptic procedures. Prepare specimens for various laboratory analyses, including culture, staining, sensitivity testing, coverslipping, and digital scanning. Sort and distribute specimens across relevant departments including microbiology, cytology, blood sciences, and specimen reception. Ensure proper storage of all specimens and maintain accurate post-testing inventory and records. Retrieve and prepare specimens for add-on tests, rechecks, and extended culture as required. Read, understand and follow applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Perform all required quality control per QA guidelines.

Knowledge, skills and abilities:

Proven relevant laboratory experience, ideally within a veterinary or clinical setting. Skilled in using digital systems for sample logging, accessioning, and tracking. Familiarity with different specimen types and their storage, packaging, and transportation requirements (e.g. ambient, chilled, frozen). Strong attention to detail and accuracy. Organised with the ability to multi-task and prioritise within a fast-paced environment. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Personal computer skills, strong typing ability, and proficient in Microsoft Office.

Benefits:

5 weeks holiday + bank holidays + Birthday Leave Career progression opportunities Staff discount schemes Life Assurance Enhanced sickness pay Enhanced equal family leave E-car salary sacrifice scheme Employee assistance program Eyecare voucher scheme Free annual Flu jab Cycle to work scheme Recruitment referral reward scheme

About Antech

Antech is a leader in veterinary diagnostics, driven by our passion for innovation that delivers better animal health outcomes. Our products and services span 90+ reference laboratories around the globe; in-house diagnostic laboratory instruments and consumables, including rapid assay diagnostic products and digital cytology services; local and cloud-based data services; practice information management software and related software and support; veterinary imaging and technology; veterinary professional education and training; and board-certified specialist support services.

Job Type: Fixed term contract

Pay: 25,000.00-28,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Cycle to work scheme Enhanced maternity leave Enhanced paternity leave Free flu jabs Free parking Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking Referral programme Sick pay
Ability to commute/relocate:

Warwick North CV34 6RR: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person