Laboratory Assistant

Laboratory Assistant

Location: Bristol, UK
Job Type: Full-Time (Monday-Thursday 7am-3pm, Friday 7am-2.30pm)

Salary: Up to £26,500 per annum

Join VPG, Part of Zoetis

Are you organised, detail-oriented, and looking to build your career in a laboratory environment? VPG, part of Zoetis, is looking for a Laboratory Assistant to join our team in Ringwood.

This is an excellent opportunity to become part of a leading veterinary pathology laboratory, supporting the delivery of high-quality diagnostic services that make a real difference to animal health. You'll work alongside experienced laboratory professionals in a collaborative and supportive environment where your contribution is valued, and your development is encouraged.

About the Role

As a Laboratory Assistant, you'll play an essential role in supporting the smooth day-to-day operation of the laboratory. From specimen reception to stock management and laboratory housekeeping, you'll help ensure our laboratory runs efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of quality and service.

Key Responsibilities

·       Receive and prepare incoming specimens for laboratory processing, ensuring samples are correctly labelled and recorded.

·       Open and distribute general deliveries to the appropriate departments.

·       Contact clients and partner laboratories by telephone and email when required.

·       Provide administrative support, including typing dictation for the Grossing Technician.

·       Maintain a clean, safe, and organised laboratory environment.

·       Dispose of wet tissue, specimens, and laboratory containers in accordance with laboratory procedures.

·       Monitor and replenish laboratory consumables and stock.

·       Prepare laboratory cassettes in line with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

·       Prepare reagents for routine laboratory use and change processor reagents.

·       Regularly monitor and action laboratory requests.

·       Support quality assurance (QA), continuous improvement initiatives, and procedure development.

·       Assist with the training of new Laboratory Assistants under the guidance of the Laboratory Manager or Deputy Laboratory Manager.

·       Undertake any other reasonable duties to support the laboratory team.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who is enthusiastic, reliable, and enjoys working as part of a busy team.

Essential Skills & Experience

·       Excellent attention to detail.

·       Professional and confident telephone manner.

·       A flexible, self-motivated approach with a positive attitude.

·       Ability to work independently and under pressure.

·       Strong organisational and time management skills.

·       Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

·       Basic IT skills and confidence using computer systems.

Desirable

·       Previous laboratory experience.

·       Experience using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).

·       Good working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

Why Join VPG, Part of Zoetis?

At Zoetis, our colleagues make the difference. As the world's leading animal health company, we're committed to supporting our people with opportunities for learning, development, and career progression.

When you join VPG, you'll become part of a team that is passionate about delivering exceptional veterinary diagnostic services while living our core values:

·       Our Colleagues Make the Difference

·       Always Do the Right Thing

·       Customer Obsessed

·       Run It Like You Own It

·       We Are One Zoetis

We are proud to be an inclusive employer, welcoming people from diverse backgrounds who share our commitment to quality, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Ready to Join Us?

If you're looking for a rewarding role where you can develop your laboratory career while making a real impact on animal health, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and become part of VPG, part of Zoetis, helping to deliver trusted veterinary diagnostic services across the UK.

Full time

Why Join Zoetis?

At Zoetis, we are driven by a singular purpose: to nurture the world and humankind by advancing animal care. As the world’s leading animal health company, we innovate, collaborate, and make a real impact—every day.

🔹 Innovative Science & Technology – Work with cutting-edge solutions that enhance animal health and well-being.
🔹 Global Impact – Join a team that supports veterinarians, farmers, and pet owners worldwide.
🔹 People-First Culture – Thrive in an environment that values diversity, growth, and work-life balance.
🔹 Sustainability & Responsibility – Make a difference in a company committed to a healthier, more sustainable world.

Comprehensive Benefits

✔ Comprehensive Benefits – Enjoy life assurance, group income protection, and a robust pension plan with a generous company contribution.
✔ Health & Wellness – Benefit from private medical insurance, health assessments, dental insurance, and discounted gym memberships.
✔ Financial Security – Access mortgage advice, will writing services, and a share ownership plan with matching contributions.
✔ Work-Life Balance – Take advantage of paid annual leave to rest and recharge.
✔ Professional Growth – Enjoy industry-competitive salaries, merit-based salary progression, and a global performance bonus.
✔ Employee Support – Our Employee Assistance Programme offers counselling, welfare advice, and a 24-hour confidential helpline.

Our Core Beliefs

✔ Our Colleagues Make the Difference – We invest in our people and their growth.
✔ Always Do the Right Thing – Integrity and ethics guide everything we do.
✔ Customer Obsessed – We put our customers at the heart of our business.
✔ Run It Like You Own It – We take ownership and drive results.
✔ We Are One Zoetis – Collaboration makes us stronger.

Your passion for animals and science can shape the future. Are you ready to grow with us? 🚀 #Zoetis #JoinUs #AnimalHealth #CoreValues #Careers

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.