Recruitment

Laboratory Technician

The Wales Veterinary Science Centre (WVSC) is currently recruiting for a Laboratory Technician to join the team in our ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory in Aberystwyth. This role is varied to support the diversity of work conducted at WVSC but will mostly include: performing veterinary diagnostic lab tests (ELISA blood tests such as BVD antigen and antibody testing, faecal parasitology, bacteriological smear staining) in accordance with quality standards (ISO/IEC 17025), reporting results to customers, keeping the work environment tidy and organised, record keeping, and assisting our vets with livestock necropsies (postmortem examinations).

Applicants should have a BSc in biology (or related discipline) and previous laboratory experience. Excellent IT skills would be an advantage. Full or part-time working will be considered but the successful candidate would be required to work a minimum of 4 days a week.

THE PRIMARY ROLE OF THE LABORATORY TECHNICIAN:

  •  Receiving and checking-in samples.
  • Preparing samples for testing e.g., centrifugation.
  • Performing various tests (faecal parasitology, ELISA blood tests, smear staining). Training for all tests will be provided.
  • Preparing results reports.
  • Reporting results to customers.
  • Carrying out work in accordance with quality standards (ISO/IEC 17025).
  • Cleaning and disinfecting of the working environment.
  • Keeping records e.g., of samples stored/cleaning and maintenance of equipment.
  • Adherence to health and safety protocols for themselves and others.
  • Arranging the ordering of consumables as required.
  • The Centre also performs livestock necropsies (postmortem examinations) and laboratory technicians will be asked to assist vets with these as part of this role.

    ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

    • Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant science discipline.
    • Excellent interpersonal and teamworking skills.
    • Attention to detail and ability to follow laboratory protocols.
    • Record keeping skills.
    • Ability to work to strict deadlines.
    • Good communication & IT skills.

    DESIRABLE BUT NOT ESSENTIAL FOR THE RIGHT CANDIDATE:

    • Experience working in a laboratory.
    • A willingness and ability to handle dead animals and tissue samples.
    • Welsh language (spoken and written).
    • BCG vaccination.

    TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

    • Full time or part time (80%)
    • Full time terms are 7.5 hour working day (08.30 to 17.00), 37.5 hrs/week, but flexibility expected due to seasonality of work
    • FTE holiday allowance is 20 days plus bank holidays (plus 1 additional day for every full year worked up to a maximum of 5 additional days).
    • Training by a range of media, including inhouse training must be undertaken.
    • Location: WVSC Laboratory, Aberystwyth.
    • Salary: £26,227.50.

    Deadline for applications: Friday 10th July 2026. To apply for this position, please send a CV and covering letter outlining your suitability for the post to hwright@wvsc.wales.

    A PDF copy of the job specification can be found here.