Senior Laboratory Technician in Ringwood

Location: On site / Ringwood, UK

Job type: Permanent / Full-time

Sector and subsector: Science | Other

Salary: Competitive salary 40 hours per week Monday to Friday Salary TBC

Benefits:

• Discount platform (supermarkets, high street, cinema & travel)
• 25 days annual leave
• Enhanced absences (sickness and parental)
• Learning & Development opportunities
• Dog friendly offices

Job Summary:

Responsible for the day‑to‑day functioning of the VPG Laboratory Service, this role involves participating in routine testing of submitted samples, maintaining testing equipment, and identifying potential risks to the service. The individual performs various biomedical activities, including the efficient processing of diagnostic specimens to meet internal KPIs. Additionally, they ensure sufficient stock of consumable items and provide technical support to both the VPG testing service and external clients. Building and maintaining credible, productive relationships with other Lead Scientists and the wider laboratory team is also a key aspect of the role.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Perform routine investigations and participate in daily scientific and technical activities of the laboratory section.
• Assist in the receipt, recording, storage, allocation, and disposal of specimens – also identifying and resolving issues effectively.
• Participate in the input, retrieval, and analysis of data, seeking advice from a senior colleague where appropriate.
• Participate in the day‑to‑day maintenance and cleanliness of equipment and working areas.
• Prepare reagents and other materials for routine laboratory use following appropriate SOP’s.
• Perform general laboratory duties as assigned by the lab manager – e.g., temperature checks.
• Utilise the laboratory LIMS and other application software to authorised protocols.
• Actively participate in ongoing training and further learning / CPD where appropriate.
• Assist and take part in training new junior laboratory technicians, with a proactive approach to supervision and training others.
• Plan and prioritise work allocations – responding to the needs of routine and urgent activities.
• Assist in writing business cases as instructed by senior manager.
• Contribute to the internal and external QC/QA procedures and highlight concerns to a senior colleague.
• Assist with telephone enquiries to and from the department.
• Assist with writing and updating SOPs used within the laboratory.
• Request and maintain stock in an efficient way, ensuring correct supplies are always available.
• Ensure quality assurance reports for their designated section are maintained, issues highlighted and reports available for review by the management / quality team.
• Ensure results are reported within expected TAT’s.
• Validate results within their department to a high standard.
• Ensure laboratory maintenance is being performed and any quality assurance procedures are followed.
• Be competent and confident in all areas within the department.
• Be proactive when introducing system changes.
• Take a leading role within the laboratory when the laboratory manager is off site.
• Provide information for business cases when asked by an appropriate manager.
• Participate in test validation or external studies where appropriate.
• Undertake any other reasonable duty when requested to do so by an appropriate manager.

Key technical bench skills required in all areas of:

• Small Animal Haematology
• Clinical Biochemistry and Endocrinology
• Cytology slide preparation

Qualifications:

• Hold a relevant Scientific Degree i.e. Biomedical Sciences.
• A strong working knowledge of principles underlying testing procedures.
• Demonstrate the ability to work systematically and independently, completing allotted tasks in a time‑sensitive manner with a high attention to detail, while effectively planning, prioritising, and managing workload.
• Ability to train other technical staff in this role and provide some technical support to pathology staff.
• High degree of dexterity required and able to concentrate for extended periods of time.
• Good knowledge of computer applications and LIMS/DTE including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to adapt to change.
• Ability to communicate technical information accurately verbally, written and electronically, to staff of all levels.
• A good understanding of animal diseases relevant to the testing service.
• Must be able to build and maintain credible and productive relationships by working in partnership with the management team, directors and pathologists.
• Veterinary diagnostics laboratory experience.
• Extensive experience of working in a sample testing veterinary/medical laboratory.
• Good understanding of diseases relevant to the testing service and a strong working knowledge of principles underlying testing procedures.