Laboratory Assistant/Administrator

About The Team: SRUC (Scotland's Rural College) is a specialist higher education institution delivering tertiary education, research and consultancy. SRUC's principal purpose is to advance education, science, research, and environmental protection and improvement in rural and land-based industries, both domestically and internationally. Veterinary Services – Health Schemes 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 offer 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. 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: The role includes the following, dependent on location and overall team requirements: Unpacking, prioritising and distributing incoming submissions of samples Dealing with telephone/email /Teams queries from internal and external customers Contacting vet practices and/ or farm clients to resolve queries Manual processing of veterinary samples including labelling Registering, moving submissions/samples and result entry within LIMS and/or the Health Scheme databases Using Excel applications to handle data Administrative support to staff within Health Schemes. Basic finance duties Aliquoting samples Developing and maintaining a good understanding of the rules of the health schemes and BVD schemes and advising clients on testing requirements Responsibilities: Requirement to follow SOPs and quality assurance procedures Requirement to follow Health & Safety procedures Ensuring all daily work is complete and samples are processed Providing cover in other areas of Health Schemes as directed QUALIFICATIONS Minimum SCQF Level 5 or equivalent in English, Mathematics and preferably a science based subject. You should be willing to learn how to use sample handling databases – with the ability to follow instructions and work within a quality management system Experience of database use would be advantageous. Experience of working in an administrative role with experience of use of Microsoft Office programmes. Previous experience in an accredited laboratory would be useful including an awareness of cleanliness routines and keeping areas tidy. 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. Admin ref: AMT/VS/037/25 Why work for SRUC? Generous annual leave Enhanced pension contributions (5% employee and 10% employer) Cycle to work scheme Discounted RAC Membership Generous family leave Flexible working patterns Hybrid working solutions (in some areas) Tailored investment in and individuals' learning and development How to Apply: Please complete an online application form by pressing “apply”. Please read the Job Particulars document before applying. 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

Location: Melrose, Scotland, GB

Posted Date: 11/13/2025