Laboratory Assistant Administrator

SRUC; Penicuik; Hybrid; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

Enhanced pension contributions

Cycle to work scheme

Discounted RAC Membership

Generous family leave

Hybrid working Solutions

Job summary

SRUC is seeking a Laboratory/Administrative Assistant to prepare and process samples for internal labs and external providers, with hybrid working options in some areas. The role includes unpacking and registering samples, customer support via phone and email, and handling basic testing as needed.

Minimum qualification is SCQF Level 4 or equivalent. The post supports SRUC's veterinary laboratory services across Scotland and offers opportunities for development within a nationally networked team.

Qualifications

• SCQF Level 4 or equivalent is required.

Responsibilities

• Unpack, prioritise, register, prepare, process and distribute samples.
• Provide customer support via telephone and email for external customers and Teams for internal users.
• Carry out basic testing of a straightforward nature when required.
• Aliquot samples and prepare for further testing with provided equipment.
• Perform basic administrative tasks for VAL disciplines and health schemes.

Education

SCQF Level 4, or equivalent

Job description

Closing date for applications: 09th November 2026

About the team:

SRUC Veterinary Services provides disease surveillance and analytical testing via our Veterinary and Analytical Laboratory and our network of disease surveillance hubs situated throughout Scotland. We provide national veterinary disease surveillance for the Scottish Government and collaborate with APHA to support statutory disease control schemes.

Our Veterinary Services team are experts in animal disease diagnosis, and we process over one million animal and material samples each year. Close links with research and development activities within SRUC and in several other academic and research institutions ensure that our UK, EU and international clients benefit from practical support coupled with expert scientific advice.

Our suite of services supports clients like vets, farmers and pharmaceutical companies by providing diagnostic testing for farm livestock and companion animals, as well as livestock health schemes, livestock health planning, veterinary CPD courses and external quality assessment schemes.

About the opportunity:

The main purpose of this role is to prepare and process samples for internal labs and external service providers, couriering the samples and general administrative duties.

Duties include:

• To unpack, prioritise, register, prepare, process, and distribute samples.
• To provide customer support via telephone and email for external customers and telephone, email and Teams for internal customers.
• To carry out limited testing of a straightforward nature as required.
• To aliquot samples and process samples for further testing using the equipment provided.
• To carry basic administrative tasks for disciplines within VAL or health schemes as required.

The post-holder will perform additional duties as directed from time to time by the Line Manager. The post holder must use their initiative in the conduct of their work, and apply sound judgement at all times to ensure that they conduct themselves within the framework of SRUC regulations and procedures and SRUC PPE requirements.

Further details of the requirements of the role can be found in the Job Particulars document.

Minimum qualifications and experience:

SCQF Level 4, or equivalent.

Admin ref: AMT/VS/039/26

Eligibility for Sponsorship:

This role is not eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route. If you are a migrant worker, you will need to ensure you have an appropriate visa to evidence the necessary right to work in the UK.

Salary and benefits?

• Generous annual leave
• Enhanced pension contributions to contributory pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted RAC Membership
• Generous family leave
• We encourage Continuing Professional Development with a tailored investment in an individuals' learning and development
• Hybrid working solutions (in some areas)

SRUC Leading the way in Agricultural and Rural Research, Education & Consultancy

SRUC is committed to valuing Diversity, advancing Equality and respecting Human Rights throughout the organisation and encouraging applications from disabled people using the “Disability Confident Employer” symbol. SRUC is a member of the Athena SWAN charter.

SRUC. A Charitable company limited by guarantee, SC003712. Registered in Scotland No SC103046