ASO - Disease Survelliance Investigation Branch

Assistant Scientific Officer - Disease and Surveillance Branch

Location: Stormont
Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week
Pay Rate: £13.75 per hour

About the Role

DSIB Virology provides a statutory diagnostic testing service on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), supporting the farming community and commercial customers. The laboratory tests samples for the presence of viruses, viral antibodies, suspect epizootic diseases and notifiable diseases including Johne's disease.

The Virology Section is an approved designated laboratory for bovine tissue testing for Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus (BVDV) as part of the compulsory eradication programmes in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Scotland. The laboratory also undertakes testing for the voluntary BVDfree England scheme.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a busy diagnostic laboratory environment and contribute to vital disease surveillance and eradication programmes.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

The successful candidate will support laboratory operations through a range of technical and administrative duties, including:

• Collection, sorting and opening of laboratory samples, recording any non-conformances on Excel spreadsheets and reporting issues to the Laboratory Manager.
• Accurate data input and sample log-on to the DSIB DU Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), ensuring clear and correct labelling of all samples.
• Preparation of samples for diagnostic testing.
• Performing a broad range of microbiological and laboratory techniques in accordance with standard operating procedures.
• Working to quality standards required by ISO 17025 accreditation.
• Contributing effectively as part of a team to deliver diagnostic results within strict turnaround times.
• Adhering to all relevant health and safety regulations applicable to microbiological laboratories.
• Maintaining laboratory records, including use of Excel spreadsheets, scanning, filing and communicating documentation to clients via email.
• Supporting the disposal of laboratory waste and ensuring routine cleanliness, calibration and basic maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Undertaking additional duties as required by management in line with the needs of the service.

Essential Criteria

• Experience working in a laboratory, scientific, microbiology or diagnostic environment or relevant scientific qualification.
• Strong IT skills including experience using Microsoft Excel and data input systems.
• Ability to follow detailed procedures and maintain high levels of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Good organisational skills with the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Understanding of health and safety requirements within a laboratory setting.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Knowledge of microbiological or virology testing techniques.
• Experience working to ISO quality standards (e.g. ISO 17025).
• Previous experience handling biological samples.

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to contribute to important animal health and disease eradication programmes.
• Work within a supportive scientific team environment.
• Gain experience in an accredited diagnostic laboratory.
• Develop practical laboratory and data management skills.

Apply Now!
Take the next step in your career and join a rewarding role with our client. Apply today or contact Robyn Barry at [email protected]

To be shortlisted for this role all applicants MUST meet the essential criteria. Please note that these roles may be filled quickly but your CV will be kept on file for future similar roles. As there are so many applications, unsuccessful candidates may not be contacted.

Successful candidates may need to apply for an Access NI Certificate with Staffline regardless if you already have a valid certificate. It will be a cost of between £16 - £32 depending on clearance level.