Laboratory Technician

The Donkey Sanctuary is an international animal welfare organisation, offering care and protection to donkeys and mules worldwide. We are working for a world where donkeys and mules live free from suffering, and their contribution to humanity is fully valued. We are achieving this by transforming the quality of life for donkeys, mules and people worldwide through 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.
• Knowledge of equine parasitology and experience in using PCR (desirable).
• Self-motivated with a flexible attitude.
• Able to demonstrate tact and diplomacy when dealing with sensitive and confidential matters.

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.

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 full-time, permanent role starting as soon as possible, working 37.5 hours per week, 08.00-16.30, Monday-Friday.

Benefits:

Competitive pension.

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.

Free Parking.

Subsidised restaurant and shop on main site.

Closing date for completed applications: Wednesday 26 April 2023.

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.

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.