Laboratory Assistant / Technician

We are a small family company focused on the dairy industry, offering milk recording, laboratory and consultancy services to a range of clients, ranging from dairy farmers to multinational companies. We have over 100 years combined experience in the dairy sector and are also involved at the ‘cutting edge’ of dairy production research and the application of the latest findings on farm. Our laboratory is well equipped offering access to the latest milk testing instrumentation including a Delta Combiscope; we also undertake bacterial identification using MALDI-ToF and perform automated MIC testing using both the Sensititre and Vitek 2 systems. We have an uncompromising approach to quality throughout our business from milk recording to bacteriology, adopted from a firm research base. Our philosophy is to deliver a cost-effective service centred on ‘adding value’ to the milk recording and bacteriology data we produce. We are firmly committed to providing appropriate unbiased advice and are acutely aware of the key management decisions that need to be made on the basis of our analyses. We are based in a rural location, near the city of Wells and due to increased business are looking to take on a number of full time, permanent Laboratory Technicians/Assistants. A part time appointment may be considered for a suitable applicant.

Person Specification:

The exact specification will vary according the appointment made.  The role(s) will need someone who has a good sense of humour, as we are a small team so getting along with your colleagues will be imperative. We are looking for someone who is a hard worker, willing to “muck in” and hit the ground running. Full training will be provided in the ways we operate, although relevant Dairy and Laboratory experience would be an advantage. You will also have excellent interpersonal and communication skills.  A good working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook will be essential for appointment as a laboratory technician.

Hours and Pay:

The core hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. However, you must be flexible to work 8am to 6pm in the busy periods and the occasional Saturday from 9am to 12noon, for which you will get time off in lieu. The rate of pay will be commensurate with experience but will not be less than £17,000 per annum. 20 days holiday, SSP and free parking.  You will be automatically enrolled in our workplace pension scheme (NEST).

Duties:

As a laboratory technician, you would be working in a clinical, laboratory environment, testing milk samples and logging the findings onto a bespoke computer system, so excellent data entry skills will be required. You will be using a Delta Combiscope, which tests milk constituents and somatic cell count (SCC) as well as other complex laboratory equipment. You should also be prepared to ‘muck in’ with more menial laboratory tasks if required.  You will ideally have knowledge of the different laboratory accreditations, as the lab is currently accredited to the ICAR Certificate of Quality and is in the process of accrediting further. You ideally will have knowledge and/or experience with ELISA’s and experience with filling in and completing compliance forms.

As a laboratory assistant you would be working in a clinical, laboratory environment and initially would be involved with the more basic laboratory tasks such as sample processing, media preparation, cleaning, wash up and kit dispatch.  However, the post will allow ample opportunity to expand your skill set and progress, given the appropriate aptitude and attitude.

The exact combination of duties from the two roles outlined above will vary according to the position offered.