CEC Laboratory Assistant

At SARIA Food & Pharma, our activities are characterized by connected value chains, decades of shared market expertise and a unifying spirit of innovation to continuously develop our people and our products. Van Hessen, Devro and Bioiberica use animal raw materials to create their wide range of products, which are ubiquitous and universal, but anything but ordinary.

With a complementary portfolio of casings for the sausage industry that includes natural and collagen-based casings, Devro and Van Hessen are leading product experts in their industry. The global life science company Bioiberica produces active ingredients for humans, animals, and plants, from starting material it receives from Van Hessen.

We create the added layer of value with our products and services, improve the well-being of all by taking life science further and combine our attention to detail with the extraordinary, because it all matters.

About the role

The role of a Laboratory Assistant within our Collagen Expertise Centre (CEC) is to provide support and assist in the effective running of the Laboratory by conducting a variety of technical and experimental tasks by utilising established procedures and techniques within the laboratory team. You will be responsible for following strict safety protocols to help ensure the lab runs and operates smoothly.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to learn and develop their career within a growing organisation.

Responsibilities

• To implement company and departmental policies and procedures to comply with Health, Safety, COSHH and risk assessment requirements
• Plan own workload to ensure the correct balance between rapid delivery and appropriate quality of results to support the team in day-to-day laboratory activities
• To carry out routine and non-routine tasks accurately, in order to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific investigations
• To follow strict methodology to carry out analysis
• To record and analyse data, sometimes interpreting results to present to senior colleagues
• To undertake routine maintenance and calibration checks of laboratory services and equipment including fume cupboards, deioniser, visual electrical safety checks, autoclave etc. under the guidance of CEC Research Scientist
• To participate in continual improvement and development of methods and procedures
• To update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading technical publications
• Ensure good housekeeping of lab and control of stock items

About you

• BSc Degree in a related scientific field or a minimum of HND (e.g. chemistry or biology) is essential
• Health and safety knowledge working in a lab environment is paramount therefore two years relevant laboratory experience is essential
• A background in the food industry would be preferable but not essential
• A working knowledge of biology/wet chemistry/biochemistry
• Proficient IT skills (Word, Excel, Power Point)
• Good mathematical ability
• Analytical approach with excellent organisational and prioritisation skills
• Ability to focus on multiple tasks simultaneously
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills are required to work effectively with colleagues

What can we offer?

• A friendly, supportive team and working environment
• Encouragement to learn and develop within the company which is continuing to grow
• Onsite free parking and subsidised staff canteen
• Excellent location for commuters between Edinburgh and Glasgow