Job description
Seed Testing Lab - Assistant Scientific Officer
Location: AFBI Crossnacreevy
Hours: 37 hours per week
Pay Rate: £26,449
Job Overview
This is an excellent opportunity to support essential scientific and regulatory work within AFBI's Seed Testing Laboratory at Crossnacreevy. The role offers a balance of field and laboratory-based duties, focusing on the assessment of plant and seed characteristics as part of statutory plant variety and seed testing programmes.
Key Responsibilities
1. Assess plant and seed characteristics in field and laboratory settings
2. Support statutory plant variety and seed testing activities
3. Follow scientific protocols and standard operating procedures to ensure accuracy and efficiency
4. Collect, input, and manage scientific data
5. Perform measurements and handle samples in accordance with quality standards
6. Maintain a clean, safe, and organised laboratory and field environment
7. Work to agreed timelines and ensure adherence to high-quality practices
The post holder will be required to be sufficiently fit to work outdoors for extended periods bending/stretching, standing/walking and a significant amount of manual handling of (flowering) plant materials for analysis. This list is not exhaustive, and the successful candidate will be required to carry out other duties as allocated by management.
Requirements
8. Essential:Experience working in a laboratory and/or field environmentDemonstrable experience using Microsoft Office programs including Word and Excel (or equivalent software)Experience handling and working with dataFull driving licence
9. Desirable:Access to a personal vehicle for travel to various work locationsFamiliarity with laboratory procedures and working to protocols
Additional Information
10. On-the-job training will be provided based on the successful candidate's background and experience
11. A probationary period of 1-2 weeks applies
Why Join AFBI?
The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) plays a key role advancing scientific research in agriculture, food safety, and environmental protection in Northern Ireland and beyond. By joining AFBI, you will:
12. Contribute to regulatory and scientific work that ensures seed quality and supports sustainable agriculture
13. Develop your skills in both laboratory and field environments with structured support
14. Work alongside experienced researchers and technicians in a collaborative, professional setting
15. Be part of work that informs government policy and supports the farming and agri-food sectors