Assistant Scientific Officer - Laboratory REF:IRC311530 DEPARTMENT:Agri-Food and BioSciences Institute (AFBI) SALARY:£24,225 - £25,732 (under review) LOCATION:The majority of posts are based at the AFBI Stormont however, where a post arises at any of our locations, such as Hillsborough, Newforge, Crossnacreevy and Omagh an offer will be extended. Further appointments may be made from this competition should AFBI positions become vacant which have similar duties and responsibilities. About the Laboratory based Assistant Scientific Officer Role Assistant Scientific Officers (ASOs) play a key role in AFBIs mission of using scientific excellence to advance the local and global agri-food sector. As such, successful applicants will join teams of scientists with long established international reputations across many disciplines and an Institute already respected as a centre for innovation in the agri-food and biosciences. The role of a laboratory based ASO varies widely across the Institute. However, all are tasked with providing analytical support to senior scientists who may be leading programmes of work in animal and plant health, food safety and quality, environmental protection, and marine and aquatic ecosystems. The work undertaken may be statutory, in support of local industry or may form part of multi-million, multi-partner projects funded by the EU or other such funding bodies. ASOs undertake or assist in analyses, utilising long established scientific processes and procedures and also some of the latest and most sensitive technologies currently available across microbiology & chemistry laboratories. Methods routinely employed range from, for example, the traditional techniques applied within any standard microbiology laboratory through immunochemical techniques such as enzyme immunoassay and molecular techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction, to analysis based on the latest mass spectrometers which are capable of detection in the 0.25 parts per billion range. Working together as part of a wider team, ASOs are vital in the provision of statutory or diagnostic testing services. Organisational skills and attention to detail are both key in terms of planning workloads to meet deadlines and ensuring sample reception, analysis and reporting is performed to the highest standards and in accordance with quality procedures. Results of testing are highly important and can for example be used to confirm disease, deny or permit export or prevent food entering the food chain. Laboratory based ASOs may also be involved in research projects, method development or experimental trials. These roles rely on self-motivated individuals, who are able to use their own initiative to overcome analytical problems and deliver on time against milestones. Working in AFBI will provide the opportunity to work in a varied and exciting environment which will be challenging and rewarding. This list is not exhaustive, and the successful candidate will be required to carry out other duties as allocated by management. For more detailed information, including the duties and responsibilities of the post, and the criteria to be used during the recruitment and selection process, please click on the APPLY button below to view Candidate Information Booklet. In order to apply for this position, please click on the Apply button below to be directed to our website. Completed application forms must be submitted no later than 12:00 noon (UK time) on Friday 21st March 2025. We would particularly welcome applications from females and those from a Roman Catholic background. ALL APPLICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT ARE CONSIDERED STRICTLY ON THE BASIS OF MERIT