Job Description

Our client is looking for an Assistant Scientific officer to join their team!

Rate of Pay: \xc2\xa311.99

Hours: 37 \xe2\x80\x93 Monday to Friday 9am \xe2\x80\x93 5pm

Location: Belfast

Duration: 3 months with possible extension

Start Date: As soon as possible

:

• The work programme of Bacteriology Branch includes statutory, analytical and research work on the major bacterial pathogens of animal and public health significance

• This ASO post will support the work programme of Bacteriology Branch to include statutory, analytical and research work on the major bacterial pathogens of animal and public health significance. Much of this work underpins important DAERA animal disease control programmes in areas such as bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis and Salmonella. Other work areas include food-borne zoonoses, antimicrobial resistance and paratuberculosis. Bovine tuberculosis and the detection and control of Campylobacter are currently major research focuses of the Branch. The work is either certified to ISO9001 or accredited to ISO17025, which requires officers to have a stable, structured, recorded and audited approach to training and work practices. The post will principally involve high-throughput work areas that deliver diagnostic functions.
• The role may include field work and travel to coastal areas for bathing water sample collection during unsocial hours. The role involves physically demanding work including manual handling and wading in the sea with the use of a life jacket and throw line and being comfortable working in an aquatic environment in a range of weather conditions

Specific Experience / Qualifications required:

Degree in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Biological Sciences, or related subject. Practical experience of microbiology and molecular biology

Experience of conducting microbiological isolation and identification of bacterial pathogens at Containment Levels 2 and/or CL3 levels would be an advantage and demonstrable experience of team working, with flexibility, accuracy and problem solving abilities are required to produce consistent high quality data for diagnostic schemes. This would include sample reception, preparation, processing, data checks and validation, bacteriological and cell-culture and waste management. The officer would preferably be proficient in laboratory work to support traditional and specialist microbiology. Experience at bio-containment levels 2 and 3 would be an advantage. Performance targets and KPIs form part of the agreed DAERA-AFBI Assigned Work Programme which guides much of this work.

The post may involve the handing of potential infectious materials. Staff may be required to undergo occupational vaccination according to the nature of the work being undertaken. Personal Protective Equipment and relevant training will be provided.

Experience of scientific field work.

The Recruitment Co.