Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct lab tests and support veterinary teams to improve donkey welfare.
- Company: Join The Donkey Sanctuary, a global leader in animal welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days holiday, life assurance, and a subsidised restaurant.
- Why this job: Make a real difference for donkeys while gaining valuable lab experience.
- Qualifications: Degree in biological or animal science and lab experience required.
- Other info: Part-time role with flexible hours in a beautiful location.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
The Donkey Sanctuary is an international animal welfare organisation, offering care and protection to donkeys worldwide. Our vision is a world where every donkey has a good quality of life, and our mission is to improve the lives of donkeys every day. We will achieve this by transforming the lives of donkeys in need worldwide by fostering greater understanding, collaboration and support, and by promoting lasting, mutually life‑enhancing relationships.
We now have an excellent opportunity for an organised and professional team player to join our Research and Operational Support team as Laboratory Technician. 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.
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.
About the role:
- Carrying out routine haematology, biochemistry and endocrinology on blood samples submitted by our 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.
What we offer in return:
- Based at our fully equipped veterinary hospital at Brookfield Farm, near Honiton, East Devon – an area of outstanding natural beauty – this is a part‑time, fixed term role starting as soon as possible until 1 January 2027, working 22.5 hours per week, ideally 3 full days, 08.00‑16.30 Monday ‑ Friday. Flexibility will be required for occasional weekend working.
- Life assurance.
- 31 days holiday (including Bank holidays), rising to 34 with each full year of service.
- Wellbeing team.
- Recorded Pilates classes.
- Long service awards.
- Healthshield Plan – Reimbursement of some medical expenses up to the specified limits per membership.
- Offers, discounts and cashback on shopping, travel and entertainment from participating outlets.
- Access to a 24/7 GP and counselling service.
- Free Parking.
- Subsidised restaurant and shop on main site.
Closing date for completed applications: Monday 6 April 2026.
Before submitting your application, please ensure you read our candidate journey page, in particular our FAQs section. Please note: We reserve the right to close this vacancy before the advertised date and therefore encourage early applications.
The Donkey Sanctuary is a Disability Confident Employer. The Donkey Sanctuary is 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.
The Donkey Sanctuary also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme and, for relevant posts, may request information from applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment.
Please note: The Guaranteed interview scheme is only applicable to candidates who consider themselves to have a disability applying for roles based within the United Kingdom.
NOTE TO APPLICANTS: We look forward to receiving your application, but we do ask you to complete this in your own words, and not to employ an Artificial Intelligence (AI) writing tool or assistant. Applications that are considered not to be an applicant’s own work may not be shortlisted for interview.
Laboratory Technician (2166) in Honiton employer: The Donkey Sanctuary
Contact Detail:
The Donkey Sanctuary Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Laboratory Technician (2166) in Honiton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the animal welfare and laboratory fields. Attend relevant events or join online forums where you can connect with professionals who might have insights or even job leads.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for donkeys! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your enthusiasm for animal welfare and how your skills can contribute to their mission. It’s all about making that personal connection.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your lab skills and knowledge of equine parasitology. Be ready to discuss specific techniques you’ve used, like PCR, and how they relate to the role. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining The Donkey Sanctuary team and making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Laboratory Technician (2166) in Honiton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for animal welfare and how it aligns with our mission.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. Mention your biological laboratory experience and any specific knowledge of equine parasitology or PCR that you have – it’ll make you stand out!
Show Your Commitment: We’re looking for someone who’s genuinely committed to making a difference for donkeys. Use your application to express why this role matters to you and how you can contribute to our vision of improving donkey lives.
Check Your Details: Before hitting send, double-check your application for any typos or errors. A polished application shows professionalism and attention to detail, which is super important for a Laboratory Technician role!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Donkey Sanctuary
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your biological laboratory principles and any specific techniques mentioned in the job description, like PCR and faecal parasitology. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just a good fit, but also genuinely interested in the role.
✨Show Your Passion for Animal Welfare
The Donkey Sanctuary is all about improving the lives of donkeys. Be prepared to share why animal welfare matters to you and how your values align with their mission. A personal story or experience can really make your passion stand out!
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Think of insightful questions to ask about the team dynamics, ongoing research projects, or how they measure success in the lab. This shows that you're engaged and thinking about how you can contribute.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
As a Laboratory Technician, you'll be part of a team. Highlight your previous experiences working collaboratively, especially in a lab setting. Share examples of how you've supported colleagues or contributed to training new staff, as this will resonate well with their team-oriented culture.