Pathology Technician

We have an exciting opportunity for a Pathology Technician to join ZSL’s Wildlife Health Services team and contribute to our vital animal health and conservation work.

This role supports the delivery of pathology services across ZSL London and Whipsnade Conservation Zoos, as well as the Institute of Zoology’s pathology research programmes. Reporting to the Wildlife Veterinary Pathologist, the Pathology Technician will play a key role in conducting post mortem investigations, assisting with sample handling, imaging, and documentation. The role also involves laboratory upkeep, sample archiving, and administrative support to ensure smooth and accurate operations.

Please note: this role involves regular handling of animal carcasses, some of which may be in advanced stages of decomposition. Applicants should be confident in their ability to work in such conditions.

Key responsibilities:  

• Post Mortem Support: To assist the WVP with post mortem investigations.
• Sample Archiving: To safely and efficiently archive samples (including frozen, wet and paraffin-embedded tissues and microscope slides) and maintain said archives such that samples are not lost (e.g. monitoring freezers, arranging servicing).
• Facility Management and Safety: To be responsible for the safe running of the post mortem facilities, ensuring compliance with Health and Safety protocols and procedures.
• Sample Handling and Submission: To be responsible for sample receipt, and submission of samples to external laboratories for further testing as required.
• Laboratory Operations: To undertake general laboratory duties including, for example, stock-taking, ordering of consumables and maintaining clean working conditions and adhering to standard operating procedures.
• Data Management and Reporting: To develop and maintain up to date and accurate databases of samples and results, and to record and collate information for reports in a timely manner.

• A degree in biological sciences. 
• A willingness to work with animal carcasses and tissues.
• Demonstrable interest in wildlife conservation and/or anatomic pathology.
• Skilled in using MS office packages, especially Excel, or equivalent software packages.
• Ability to comply with and promote Health and Safety policies and procedures for safe laboratory working.
• Strong organisational skills and time management.
• A full UK driver’s license is required. 

This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including the candidate's right to work in the UK.

We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage. We are committed to ensuring our teams can bring their authentic selves to work without fear of discrimination. ZSL has active equality networks for our staff with lived experience and those who provide active allyship in Race and Culture, Team Pride, Disability Network, and Menopause Network, complemented by our strategic EDI Steering Group.  

We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction.  

What do we offer?  

At ZSL, we are proud of our approach to employee benefits. Our benefits include: 

• Our vision and purpose - you’ll work alongside colleagues who are passionate about science-led conservation, knowing that you will help us to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wildlife going extinct  
• Pension scheme - we offer a generous pension scheme with up to 12% contributory pension
• Flexible working – talk to us about your flexible working requirements and we will do everything we can to make sure you work in a way that suits you  
• Holidays – 25 days annual leave allowance, plus UK bank holidays  Wellbeing – access to a blended programme of wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme  
• Life assurance – eligible employees will be enrolled in ZSL’s life assurance scheme from their first day 
• Complimentary tickets – annual allocation of Whipsnade Zoo and London Zoo tickets, with a 30% discount in online and retail shops  
• Cycle2Work - our cycle to work scheme enables you to lease a bicycle  
• Season ticket loan - we offer an interest free loan for eligibly London-based employees to buy a season ticket for travel between home and work 
• Family friendly policies – we offer enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption packages