Job description
Assistant Scientific Officer - Bacteriology
Location: Newforge Lane
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) delivers world-class science to support agriculture, the environment, and the wider economy. Sponsored by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), AFBI provides evidence-based research and monitoring that informs government policy and promotes sustainability in Northern Ireland and beyond.
Job Role
1. Assist in the preparation, handling and testing of food samples in accordance with established microbiological methods and laboratory protocols.
2. Support routine bacteriological testing, including sample plating, incubation, colony counting, and data recording.
3. Maintain accurate laboratory records, logs and documentation to support audit and quality assurance requirements.
4. Ensure compliance with laboratory safety procedures, including correct use of PPE and adherence to biosafety guidelines.
5. Assist with the maintenance, cleaning and calibration checks of laboratory equipment.
6. Preparation of media, reagents, consumables, and other materials as required for daily laboratory activities.
7. Support senior scientific staff with ongoing projects and routine workflows within the Food Micro Unit.
8. Contribute to maintaining a clean, organised and efficient laboratory environment.
9. Any other duties appropriate to the grade that support service delivery.
Essential Criteria
10. Qualifications:
11. 5 GCSEs (or equivalent or higher) including Science, Maths and English at Grades A*-C.
Experience:
12. Experience working in a laboratory-based environment (academic, industrial or placement settings accepted).