IVF Laboratory Technician

About the Role

This opportunity sits within Paragon Veterinary Group's Advanced Breeding Team at Newbiggin, Penrith, where the work centres on a cutting-edge cattle IVF laboratory providing specialist advanced breeding services to clients across the livestock sector. The role is offered on a fixed-term 12-month contract, with the potential for extension or a permanent position depending on experience, service needs and business requirements.

You will be involved in both laboratory work and on-farm or mobile laboratory units, with plenty of variety across embryology, administration and technical support. The role also brings regular contact with vets, laboratory partners, satellite OPU teams and clients, alongside wider business support when needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out laboratory processes and associated administration.
• Develop embryology skills in the laboratory and on-farm/mobile laboratory units.
• Grade and freeze embryos.
• Work with laboratory partners, vets and satellite OPU teams.
• Support technical laboratory-based research and development activity.
• Assist with stock management and consumable reordering.
• Order media for all OPU teams.
• Contribute to quality control and results monitoring.
• Handle semen and frozen embryos, with accurate labelling, storage and record keeping.
• Clean, sterilise and prepare ET and IVF equipment for on-farm OPU work.
• Communicate with clients about semen selection and embryo results.
• Produce embryo registration forms and liaise with breed societies and clients.
• Maintain databases and activity reports.
• Use VetIT for IVF-related invoicing.
• Support colleagues across the Advanced Breeding team and wider practice.
• Provide additional support across the business when required.

Requirements

• Ability to work proactively, independently and as part of a team.
• Flexible approach and willingness to use initiative.
• Ability to follow defined protocols.
• Strong time management and organisational skills.
• Good manual dexterity.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Computer literacy and a willingness to learn practice management software.
• Strong client care skills.
• Willingness to learn new skills and techniques.
• Supportive and collaborative approach to teamwork.
• Previous laboratory experience is desirable.
• Embryology experience is desirable.
• Data evaluation experience is desirable.
• Interest in and knowledge of farming, particularly cattle, is desirable.
• GCSE Maths and English at Grade C or above is essential.
• A-level qualification or higher in a science-related subject is desirable.

Benefits

• Private Medical Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Ongoing support, training and development.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.

About the Practice

Paragon Veterinary Group is recruiting for this role through its Advanced Breeding Team in Cumbria. The listing places the work at Newbiggin, Penrith and describes a specialist cattle IVF laboratory serving clients across the livestock sector.

The vacancy is advertised by XLVets on behalf of Paragon Veterinary Group, and applications are to be sent directly to the practice by email.