We are currently looking for a Microbiologist to join our growing veterinary diagnostic laboratory based in Watford, Hertfordshire. You will be working within a busy & friendly team providing exceptional diagnostic support to our customers upon receipt of a variety of samples. This is a fixed term role to cover maternity leave. It is full-time, 37.5 hours per week which will include Saturday working. What you’ll Do: Training will be provided for the following tasks; however previous experience would be advantageous: Application of basic microbiology techniques e.g., aseptic technique, specimen plating/inoculation, plate streaking Understanding & performing basic staining techniques Carry out and interpret microscopy e.g. Gram-stains, hair/skin scrape slides Parasitology techniques: perform basic parasitology techniques. Knowledge of laboratory microbiology tests and profiles, specimen requirements & issues regarding specimen quality Selection of the most appropriate media and culture conditions for all specimen types e.g. blood/joint/CSF cultures, skin and ear swabs, urine, faeces, respiratory tract specimens and body cavity effusions Knowledge of main zoonotic organisms and relevant clinical specimens Identification of commonly isolated bacteria, fungi and yeasts from a wide range of clinical specimens Use of various automated and manual techniques in microbiology to analyse veterinary clinical specimens e.g. Vitek 2 analyser Review and release results through the LIMS system Quality control: understanding the importance and application of iQC and EQC in Microbiology. Participate in iQC and EQC as directed by a senior VBMS-M Receipt of specimens, labelling and data entry Handle telephone and email queries from clients, documenting calls as required to comply with our QMS procedures Liaise with administrative staff and colleagues within the diagnostic service to ensure the efficient running of the service. What You’ll Bring Application of basic microbiology techniques e.g. aseptic technique, specimen plating/inoculation, plate streaking Understanding & performing basic staining techniques Knowledge of main zoonotic organisms and relevant clinical specimens It would be Advantageous if you also have experience of: Working in a high-throughput diagnostic laboratory Working within a quality management system Validation/review and release of reports Analyser operation – Vitek 2. Maintenance, running internal quality control and troubleshooting issues and errors Working with veterinary specimens Why Medivet Joining Medivet means becoming part of a nationwide community that puts care at the heart of everything we do. You'll work with a collaborative, people-first team where your expertise will be valued and your work will make a genuine impact on the lives of our colleagues and the animals they care for.