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Job description

Assistant Scientific Officers play a key role in AFBI’s mission of using scientific excellence to advance the local and global agri-food sector. As such, successful applicants will join teams of scientists with long established international reputations across many disciplines and an Institute already respected as a centre for innovation in the agri-food and biosciences. The role of a laboratory based ASO varies widely across the Institute. However, all are tasked with providing analytical support to senior scientists who may be leading programmes of work in animal and plant health, food safety and quality, environmental protection, and marine and aquatic ecosystems. The work undertaken may be statutory, in support of local industry or may form part of multi-million, multi-partner projects funded by the EU or other such funding bodies. ASOs undertake or assist in analyses, utilising long established scientific processes and procedures and also some of the latest and most sensitive technologies currently available. Methods routinely employed range from, for example, the traditional techniques applied within any standard microbiology laboratory through immunochemical techniques such as enzyme immunoassay and molecular techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction, to analysis based on the latest mass spectrometers which are capable of detection in the 0.25 parts per billion range. Working together as part of a wider team, ASOs are vital in the provision of statutory or diagnostic testing services. Organisational skills and attention to detail are both key in terms of planning workloads to meet deadlines and ensuring sample reception, analysis and reporting is performed to the highest standards and in accordance with quality procedures. Results of testing are highly important and can for example be used to confirm disease, deny or permit export or prevent food entering the food chain..

Responsibilities

• Laboratory based ASOs may also be involved in research projects, method development or experimental trials.
• These roles rely on self-motivated individuals, who are able to use their own initiative to overcome analytical problems and deliver on time against milestones.
• The individual will often be required to assist in drafting scientific progress reports and papers and keep abreast of relevant scientific literature.
• Working in AFBI will provide the opportunity to work in a varied and exciting environment which will be challenging and rewarding.
• This list is not exhaustive, and the successful candidate will be required to carry out other duties as allocated by management.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• 5 GCSEs (or equivalent). 3 out of the 5 must include Science, Maths & English at grades A-C.
• Experience in a laboratory-based environment.

Further Information

NICS Application form only, Vacancy closing date Friday 5th April 2024 at 12 noon. Applications are particularly welcomed from Roman Catholics and Females as these groups are currently under-represented within AFBI. ALL APPLICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT ARE CONSIDERED STRICTLY ON THE BASIS OF MERIT

Application Information

Visit the recruitment service website www.nicsrecruitment.org.uk Please quote reference number: IRC300112