Laboratory Technician

About the Role

Slate Hall Veterinary Services operates a specialist poultry diagnostic laboratory near Cambridge, delivering critical testing services under rigorous UKAS ISO/IEC 17025 and DEFRA approval. You’ll be joining a compact, busy team where every test matters—whether it’s identifying Salmonella strains, running serological assays, or conducting environmental hygiene monitoring for farms and hatcheries. This full-time position includes some weekend work on a rotational basis after an initial training period, giving you stability with manageable flexibility.

The laboratory’s meticulous approach to quality control and regulated testing means you’ll be working in an environment where precision is non-negotiable and your technical contributions directly support poultry health across East Anglia.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory tests including Salmonella isolation and confirmation, rapid slide agglutination serology (Mg, Ms, Sp antibodies), ELISA and HI serological testing
• Conduct farm and hatchery environmental hygiene monitoring, water testing, and bacteriology to support post-mortem investigations
• Carry out oocyst and worm egg counting from faecal or litter samples
• Maintain rigorous quality control standards to ensure accuracy of all results
• Keep accurate records and documentation in compliance with UKAS ISO/IEC 17025 and DEFRA requirements
• Collaborate with team members to support smooth laboratory operations and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders

Requirements

• Self-motivated with strong communication and IT skills
• Experience in bacteriological and ELISA techniques is advantageous but not essential
• Ability to work collaboratively within a small team environment
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality control in a regulated laboratory setting

Benefits

• Full-time permanent position
• Salary dependent on qualifications and experience
• Opportunities to develop expertise in specialist poultry diagnostics and regulated laboratory work
• Work with a small, friendly team in a regulated, quality-focused environment

About the Practice

Slate Hall Veterinary Services operates a specialist poultry diagnostic laboratory near Cambridge, accredited under UKAS ISO/IEC 17025 and DEFRA approval. The laboratory specialises in comprehensive testing services including Salmonella isolation and confirmation, serological testing, environmental hygiene monitoring, and bacteriological analysis to support farm and hatchery health across the region.