Job description
Assistant Scientific Officer - Biochemistry
Branch: Disease Surveillance & Investigation Branch (DSIB)
Location: VSD, Stormont
Hours: 37 hours per week
Salary: £26,449 per annum
About the Role
The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) is committed to providing efficient, cost-effective testing services to support its principal customer, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), as well as the farming community and commercial clients.
The DSIB Clinical Chemistry Section delivers statutory and diagnostic testing for a wide range of haematological and biochemical parameters. This service underpins animal health, welfare, and agricultural productivity in Northern Ireland.
We are seeking an enthusiastic and diligent Assistant Scientific Officer (ASO) to join our Biochemistry team. The role offers the opportunity to work in a busy diagnostic laboratory environment, contributing to high-quality statutory testing and supporting AFBI's wider scientific mission.
Key Responsibilities
1. Receive, sort, and open samples, logging non-conformances and alerting the duty Scientific Officer.
2. Accurately input clinical sample data into the DSIB DU Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and ensure clear labelling.
3. Carry out a broad range of clinical chemistry techniques using dry chemistry analysers, ICP instruments, and wet chemistry methods.
4. Prepare blood samples, including spinning down for serum or plasma testing.
5. Work collaboratively to deliver diagnostic results within strict timescales.
6. Adhere to all health and safety regulations for chemistry laboratories.
7. Maintain accurate laboratory records and ensure compliance with designated testing laboratory criteria.
8. Support laboratory operations, including waste disposal, cleanliness, calibration, and routine maintenance of equipment.
9. Perform additional duties as required by management to support statutory testing services.
Essential Criteria
10. A minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent), including a science subject.
11. Effective communication skills.
12. Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Desirable Criteria
13. A general science background.
14. Previous experience in a laboratory environment.
Why Join AFBI?
15. Contribute to a statutory and diagnostic service critical to agriculture and animal health in Northern Ireland.
16. Gain valuable hands-on experience in clinical chemistry and diagnostic testing.
17. Work with advanced laboratory technologies and internationally recognised testing standards.
18. Join a collaborative and supportive laboratory team environment.