We have a fantastic opportunity for a proactive individual to join our flourishing Advanced Breeding team. 

Our Advanced Breeding Team based at Newbiggin, Penrith offers a number of specialist cattle advanced breeding services for their clients and we are looking to recruit an IVF Lab Tech within our cutting edge cattle IVF lab.

This is a fixed-term contract for 12 months. There may be an opportunity for the role to be extended or made permanent, subject to experience, service needs and business requirements.

Job Role:

● Initially become competent in all lab processes and relevant administration.
● Become proficient in embryology both in the lab and on farm/mobile lab unit, to include grading and freezing embryos.
● Ensuring excellence within the lab working closely with lab partners, vets and satellite OPU teams
● Support technical lab-based aspects of R&D
● Assisting with maintaining stock levels and reordering consumables.
● Maintain a good knowledge of the whole IVP process and adhere to any changes in protocol as directed by the lab manager to achieve full competency.
● Responsible for ordering media for all OPU teams.
● Contribute to ongoing quality control and results monitoring.
● Handle semen and frozen embryos and maintain relevant records/databases, including labelling and storing accurately.
● Clean and Sterilise the reusable ET and IVF kit. Pack for on farm OPU.
● Communicate with clients regarding semen choices and embryo results.
● Produce embryo registration forms and email them to relevant breed societies and clients.
● Input weekly data into the database and produce activity reports.
● Use the VetIT system to invoice clients for IVF work.
● Liaise with colleagues within the AB team and whole practice where required to maintain good communication, attend team meetings and assist with some ET work when required.
● Provide support to colleagues within the wider team as and when required.

Skills & Abilities: 

● Working proactively, solely and within a team environment Essential
● Flexible with the ability to work on own initiative Essential
● Ability to adhere to defined protocols Essential
● Previous lab experience/embryology skills Desirable
● Data evaluation experience Desirable
● Good time management skills and an ability to work under time pressure Essential
● Good manual skills/dexterity Essential
● Supportive to colleagues Essential
● Excellent communication skills (verbal/witten) Essential
● Computer literate, willingness and ability to learn and use Practice Management software Essential
● Client Care Skills Essential
● Willingness to learn new skills/techniques Essential

Knowledge:
● Interest and knowledge in Farming- particularly cattle Desirable

Education & Training:
● Grade C or above in Maths and English GCSE Essential
● A-level or above in science related discipline Desirable
 

Our recruitment package includes Private Medical Insurance, an employee Assistance Programme, ongoing support, training and development as well as the option to join our Cycle to Work Scheme.  

Enquire by email or apply by sending your CV and covering letter to [email protected] by Monday 26th October 2025. 

Paragon Veterinary Group is an independent mixed practice, across 3 sites, situated in Cumbria, on the edge of the Lake District. Our key values include client care and clinical excellence, and we are looking for an additional small animal clinician to become part of our team of 9 vets and 7 nurses and continue our teamwork ethos.

Access to all the usual mod cons: digital x-ray, dental x-ray, blood machines, ultrasound, endoscopy, purpose built in-patient facilities.

Opportunities to diversify and develop non-clinical skills such as mentoring or sustainability or student training.

• A 4.5 day week, with 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• 1:5 out of hours rota with an extra half day off after a weekend worked
• Access to XLVets New Graduate Programme for a new graduate
• Private medical insurance and employer pension contributions
• RCVS membership 
• BVA membership, plus one other membership funded
• VDS indemnity cover
• Employee assistance program
• Part of the VetSustain project

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch via phone or email FAO Small Animal Leadership Team. 01228 710208, [email protected]

We are delighted to offer an opportunity for an experienced farm animal veterinary surgeon to join our expanding, independent, multi-centre practice. With three centres and a team of 16 farm vets — including multiple certificate and diploma holders — we provide a supportive, forward-thinking environment where high clinical standards, professional development and job satisfaction are genuinely valued.

Based in North Cumbria, with the Lake District National Park right on our doorstep, this role offers an excellent quality of life alongside a stimulating and varied farm animal caseload.

The Role

You will work closely with a progressive and motivated client base, delivering proactive, modern farm veterinary services. Our caseload includes a strong dairy focus alongside progressive beef and sheep enterprises, supported by active calf health and flock health clubs.

We pride ourselves on offering more than reactive veterinary care. Our services include structured herd and flock health planning, advanced breeding services, abdominal laparoscopic surgery, VetTech services (including an in-house foot trimmer), farmer training initiatives and overseas farm consultancy work.

Vets are actively encouraged to pursue and develop their own clinical or consultancy interests, with excellent support for CPD, certificates and further qualifications from experienced certificate and diploma holders within the team.

Work–Life Balance

We believe a sustainable career depends on balance. The role offers:

• A quiet out-of-hours rota (currently 1 in 7)
• A 4.5-day working week as standard
• Flexible working patterns possible
• Time off in lieu for overtime (when not on call)
• 5 weeks’ annual leave plus bank holidays

We are a friendly, close-knit team with a low staff turnover and a strong focus on creating an enjoyable and supportive working environment.

About You

Ideally, you will have:

• At least 2 years’ experience in farm animal practice
• A proactive, team-focused approach
• An interest in delivering high-quality, progressive farm veterinary care
• A desire to continue developing clinically and professionally

What We Offer

• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced maternity and paternity packages
• Structured mentoring programme
• RCVS membership funded
• BVA membership plus one additional professional membership funded
• Company vehicle
• Employee assistance programme
• Membership of Vetsalus

If you are an experienced farm animal vet looking to join a progressive, supportive practice where you can build a long-term and fulfilling career while enjoying an outstanding lifestyle, we would love to hear from you.

If you would like any further information on this role please contact Phil on 01228 710208.

To apply please send your CV and covering letter to [email protected]