Job Details:
Job Reference: HCC621978
Salary Range: £25,186 - £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 & 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 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 teamwork where people can grow and develop in their roles.
If you think you have what it takes to make a real difference in Hampshire, get in touch!
Hampshire County Council is recognised nationally as one of the highest performing local authorities in the UK. A modern, forward-looking local authority, it offers a pleasant, supportive, and collaborative working environment.
Hampshire County Council is also a flexible employer interested in making the most of your skills and offers a great work life balance.
Additional Information:
Technical Officer
Vetting Requirements:
This post is subject to Non-Police Personnel Vetting. Further information about this process will be provided to successful candidates. Candidates must have resided in the UK for a minimum of 3 years in order for clearance to be obtained.
Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:
Heather Thomas, Team Leader on 0370 779 0848 or
Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.
We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.