Laboratory Technician
Position: Laboratory Technician
Location: Brookfield Farm, near Honiton, East Devon (an area of outstanding natural beauty)
Hours: Part‑time 30 hours per week, Monday‑Thursday
Salary: £29,076 pro rata
Contract: Fixed term role starting as soon as possible until 1 January 2027
Closing Date: Sunday 16 November 2025
About the Role
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.
Key Responsibilities
* Carrying out routine haematology, biochemistry and endocrinology on blood samples submitted by the 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.
* Supporting the Laboratory Manager in the training of new staff and the teaching of students and visitors.
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.
* Competent IT skills.
* Knowledge of equine parasitology and experience in using PCR (desirable).
* Self‑motivated with a flexible attitude.
* Committed to making a difference for donkeys and the people that rely on them.
Benefits
* Competitive pension.
* Life assurance.
* Healthshield.
* 31 days holiday (including bank holidays), rising to 34 days each full year of service.
* Wellbeing team.
* Recorded Pilates and Yoga classes.
* Long service awards.
* Healthshield plan.
* Free parking.
* Subsidised restaurant and shop.
About the Organisation
The sanctuary is one of the UK’s largest international animal welfare charities, currently supporting projects in over 35 countries worldwide, working for a world where donkeys and mules live free from suffering and their contribution to humanity is fully valued.
The Charity is a Disability Confident Employer, 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: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation #INDNFP.
As part of the process, you will be asked to upload your CV and Cover Letter once you click to apply.
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