Veterinary Biomedical Scientist (microbiology)

We are currently looking for a Microbiologist to join our growing veterinary diagnostic laboratory based in Watford, Hertfordshire. You will be working within a busy & friendly team providing exceptional diagnostic support to our customers upon receipt of a variety of samples.

This is a full-time role, 37.5 hours per week which will include some Saturday working.

What You’Ll Do:

Training will be provided for the following tasks; however previous experience would be advantageous:

• Selection of the most appropriate media and culture conditions for all specimen types e.g. blood/joint/CSF cultures, skin and ear swabs, urine, faeces, respiratory tract specimens and body cavity effusions
• Knowledge of main zoonotic organisms and relevant clinical specimens
• Identification of commonly isolated bacteria, fungi and yeasts from a wide range of clinical specimens
• Use of various automated and manual techniques in microbiology to analyse veterinary clinical specimens e.g. Vitek 2 analyser
• Review and release results through the LIMS system
• Quality control: understanding the importance and application of iQC and EQC in Microbiology. Participate in iQC and EQC as directed by a senior VBMS-M
• Receipt of specimens, labelling and data entry
• Handle telephone and email queries from clients, documenting calls as required to comply with our QMS procedures
• Liaise with administrative staff and colleagues within the diagnostic service to ensure the efficient running of the service.
• Application of basic microbiology techniques e.g., aseptic technique, specimen plating/inoculation, plate streaking
• Understanding & performing basic staining techniques
• Carry out and interpret microscopy e.g. Gram-stains, hair/skin scrape slides
• Parasitology techniques: perform basic parasitology techniques.
• Knowledge of laboratory microbiology tests and profiles, specimen requirements & issues regarding specimen quality

What You’Ll Bring

• Application of basic microbiology techniques e.g. aseptic technique, specimen plating/inoculation, plate streaking
• Understanding & performing basic staining techniques
• Knowledge of main zoonotic organisms and relevant clinical specimens

It would be Advantageous if you also have experience of:

• Working in a high-throughput diagnostic laboratory
• Working within a quality management system
• Validation/review and release of reports
• Analyser operation – Vitek 2. Maintenance, running internal quality control and troubleshooting issues and errors
• Working with veterinary specimens

Why Medivet

Joining Medivet means becoming part of a nationwide community that puts care at the heart of everything we do. You'll work with a collaborative, people-first team where your expertise will be valued and your work will make a genuine impact on the lives of our colleagues and the animals they care for.