Laboratory Assistant

Dale Farm is a leading dairy company, supplying a wide range of branded products and food ingredients into UK, Irish, and International markets. As a cooperative owned by over 1300 farmers across the UK, it is our mission to ensure we exude high standards throughout our processes, products, and people.

At Dale Farm, we believe our success is built on our people, and so as we embark on our ambitious transformation journey, we are looking to recruit the following key position based in our Group Technical Centre in Pennybridge, Ballymena.

**Laboratory Assistant**

As part of a dedicated central Laboratory team working within modern purpose-built facilities, you will assist in the preparation of media and the sterilisation process of laboratory glassware and equipment, with sample sorting and preparation of laboratory materials. Specifically, core role duties will include:

- Clean samples racks, sample crates and the micro sample receipt boxes for collection.
- Clean milk recording boxes and racks and reassemble with barcodes & preservatives ready for collection.
- Assemble sample boxes for advisory work for dispatch i.e. SCC & Mastitis.
- Segregate “Disease Samples” for dispatch to the appropriate personnel.
- Wash laboratory glassware and equipment.
- Disposes of liquid and solid samples through the appropriate waste route.
- Collects consumable stock from the store for laboratory use.
- Receive and distribute miscellaneous samples and materials delivered into the laboratory to the appropriate personnel.
- Sort milk recording samples and record details.
- Prepare culture media and materials for use in the laboratory and record details of the batches.
- Carry out general housekeeping duties and record details.

This is an important role within the group laboratory function, and applicants should possess the following competencies:

- a good level of secondary education
- qualified to GCSE level, grade C or above in Maths, English and a Science Related Subject
- must be computer literate with IT experience of excel and microsoft word packages
- a strong awareness of health, safety and hygiene practices in the workplace
- be available to work 8am - 4pm Monday - Friday, with flexibility to cover weekends when required

**The Person**

You will:

- Work reliably on your own initiative and have the ability to work as part of a successful team
- Have good attention to detail in all aspects of the job
- Be able to work under pressure to complete your duties
- Have a flexible, methodical and ‘can-do’ approach to work
- Have excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Work with enthusiasm, passion and in accordance with the Dale Farm values

We promote an open and supportive culture which is based on our core values

**Teamwork | Positivity | Resolve | Ambition | Curiosity | Accountability**

You can find out more about our organisation on our LinkedIn and Facebook Career pages and on our company website where you will find the link to apply;

dalefarm.co.uk/careers
- We are an Equal Opportunities employer_

**No unsolicited CVs from Agencies please.