Job description
Assistant Scientific Officer
Location: Stormont
Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week
Salary: £26, 449 per annum
About AFBI & the Agri-Environment Branch
The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) is required to provide the most efficient and cost effective testing facilities to deliver diagnostic and statutory testing which it carries out for its principal customer the
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for Northern Ireland (DAERA). DSIB bacteriology provides a statutory and diagnostic service for DAERA, the farming community and commercial customers, testing samples received for the presence of bacterial disease, suspect epizootic diseases and notifiable diseases including Johne's disease.
Job Role
The duties of the post include the following:
1. Processing of diagnostic bacteriology samples from PM and PVP's.
2. Carrying out various bacterial identification tests including Biolog, Gram Stain, Anthrax Stain, Serotyping, Chemical tests and IFAT.
3. Assist with carrying out leptospirosis Flourescent Antibody tests (LFAT) and leptospira microscopic agglutination test (LMAT)
4. Carrying out AMR testing on significant isolates.
5. SCC of milks samples.
6. Preparation of samples for botulism testing.
7. Carrying out testing for Toxo, Clostridium perfringens toxins, toxins and Salmonella Dublin using ELISA and LAT kits.
8. ELISA testing of bloods for Johnes Disease, both routine and under CHS. This list is not exclusive and the successful candidate will be required to carry out other duties as allocated by management.
Essential Criteria
A minimum of 5 GCSE's including a science subject, Maths and English (Grades A*-C in subjects specified) or equivalent or higher.
Desirable:
A background in science
Experience of working in a laboratory environment
Effective communication skills
Ability to work as part of a team
Ability to work flexible working hours