Job Details:
Job Reference: HCC621978
Salary Range: GBP 25,186 : GBP 26,244 per annum
Work Location: Hampshire Scientific Services, Portsmouth
Hours per week: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 25 August 2025
Interview Date: w/c 1 September 2025
Hampshire Scientific Service is a Public Analyst and Official Food and Feed Control Laboratory which provides ISO 17025 accredited testing services and consultancy to Hampshire County Council departments and other Local Authorities.
Based in our laboratory in Southsea, and primarily working within our Food Chemistry Team, your main role will be to carry out food sample preparation to ensure it is suitable for analysis by the laboratory team. This involves assessment of the food sample followed by selecting the correct method of preparation, examples include meat, cutting down to small pieces and blending, fish, gutting and deboning, and homogenisation of confectionary items. Sample data, including identification details, weights, is recorded on paper and on the computer. There will also be a requirement to carry out sample disposal, general laboratory housekeeping and the routine maintenance and calibration of some laboratory equipment.
This position involves the daily preparation of multiple large samples (weighing up to 20 kg each), including items such as nuts, spices, rice, and fish. Key responsibilities include manual handling, operating industrial blending equipment, and working in an outdoor environment exposed to varying weather conditions. The nature of the work requires a fast:paced approach and a high level of physical activity, making this role well:suited to individuals who thrive in dynamic, hands:on settings.
Due to the nature of the samples, this role would not be suitable for individuals with food allergies e.g. peanuts.
Full training will be provided.
Good communication and organisational skills are essential to the role alongside an ability to work independently and as part of a team.
The Role:
To deliver testing and inspection services to reduce health risks relating to food and water and to promote public safety and legal compliance.
What you'll do:
The role involves:
- Food sample preparation to ensure it is suitable for analysis by the laboratory team
- Sample disposal
- General laboratory housekeeping e.g. loading and emptying the dishwasher, putting away glassware, general tidying and cleaning of the laboratory
- Accurate completion of sampling and test records
- Use of Laboratory database to record all aspects of lab work
- Maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment
- Working within an ISO17025 Quality System
Activities of the Role
- 80 food sample preparation, housekeeping and disposal. To be performed to agreed quality, delivery and financial performance objectives.
- 20 carrying out maintenance and calibration of scientific equipment
What we're looking for:
- Attention to detail is essential
- Awareness and appreciation of the importance of Quality Systems
- Good communication and organisational skills
- Works well as part of a team.
- Flexibility and the ability to cope with reactive work and last:minute changes
- Good IT skills
- Minimum qualifications 5 GCSE's Grades A:C (or equivalent) including Maths and English Language. Science qualifications or experience working in a laboratory or similar environment would be an advantage
- A full driving licence is desirable.
Why join us?
Comprehensive induction programme with all necessary training.
Our benefits package includes details of the holiday entitlement, pension scheme, flexi:time scheme, family friendly policies and interest free travel loans and discounts. We offer a flexible, motivating and inclusive workplace. We have created an environment that you can look forward to being a part of, where you are empowered to be your best and a workplace built on