Laboratory Media Preparation Officer

The Scottish Government; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A public sector organization is seeking a Media Preparation Officer to manage media for testing and research. The role involves ensuring quality standards in laboratory practices and maintaining safety documentation. Ideal candidates will have experience in aseptic techniques and good laboratory practices. The position is based in Edinburgh with a standard 35-hour work week.

Qualifications

• Experience in good laboratory practice and aseptic technique.
• Knowledge of Health and Safety and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH).
• Ability to manage time effectively as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Provide media for statutory testing and research.
• Manage and maintain the Media Preparation Service.
• Conduct quality control to meet customer standards.

Skills

Good laboratory practice

Aseptic technique

Knowledge of Health and Safety

Job description

Are you looking for a varied and rewarding role which offers autonomy in how you manage your workload, whilst contributing to the protection of the Scottish rural economy and the environment?

The Business and Support Services Team, which is part the Agricultural and Rural Economy Directorate’s SASA division, undertake a range of activities such as corporate support, finance management and quality assurance on behalf of SASA.

The primary role of the Media Preparation Officer will be to provide media for statutory testing and research & development at SASA. You will be solely responsible for the management and provision of the Media Preparation Service at SASA and will help to ensure that all work on site is quality controlled and meets the expected standards of customers.

• Responsible for the Media Preparation Service for SASA in accordance with Quality Management systems ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 17025:2017.
• Provide media for statutory testing, research and development and to one external customer.
• Maintenance of all records within the Media Preparation Unit including COSHH and Risk Assessments.
• Act as Area Quality Manager for the Media Preparation Unit ensuring documentation is updated and reviewed, annual internal audits are undertaken, and preparation of documentation for the annual area management review.
• Maintenance of stocks of consumables and chemicals including procurement.
• Commission, organise and oversee repairs, services and calibrations of laboratory equipment when required.
• Provide sterilised laboratory equipment and glassware.
• Autoclave and safe dispose of waste material when required.
  
  

Success Profile

Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on.

Technical / Professional Skills

• Building and applying knowledge - Understands the importance of safe operation and maintenance of equipment relevant to their work.
• Developing science and engineering capability - Develops knowledge of QA systems and their importance.
• Technical oversight and management - Knows when to seek advice and report issues. Ability to self-manage their time as well as part of a team to meet targets.
  
  

Experience

• Experience in good laboratory practice and aseptic technique, with knowledge of Health and Safety and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH).
  
  

Behaviours

• Working Together - Level 1
• Delivering at pace - Level 1
  
  

You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours, here: Behaviour levels - Success profiles: candidate guide - gov.scot

How To Apply

Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 1000 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above.

If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and presentation.

As part of SASA's Diversity Pilot, interview questions will be shared ahead of interviews.

Assessments are scheduled for w/c 6 October 2025 however this may be subject to change.

Candidates will have their applications initially assessed against the Experience criteria above. Candidates who pass this initial sift will have their applications fully assessed against all criteria.

About Us

The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles.

Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland.

We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer.

As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules.

Working Pattern

Our standard hours are 35 hours per week. This role will be carried out on-site. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.

Equality Statement

We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.

Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.

Further information

Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website.

Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.