Laboratory and Field Assistant
This is a Permanent, Full Time vacancy that will close in {x} days at {xx:xx} BST.
The Vacancy
The James Hutton Group is a world-leading research organisation tackling global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, soil degradation, and threats to food and water security. Our work supports sustainable land and natural resource management, helping to shape a better, more resilient future.
The Role
We are currently seeking a Laboratory and Field Work Assistant (Level 2) to join our dedicated and enthusiastic Technical Group within the Environmental and Biogeochemical Sciences Department, based at our Aberdeen site.
This is a varied role combining both fieldwork and laboratory tasks. The successful candidate will support the technical field and experimental team in collecting and analysing environmental samples, conducting basic laboratory procedures, and maintaining monitoring equipment. The role underpins important research areas, particularly in water quality (including microbial analysis and testing for emerging contaminants) and wastewater management.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with the manufacture, assembly, and maintenance of bioelectrical systems for wastewater treatment.
- Process environmental samples, including sieving, milling, and filtering of soils, sediments, and waters.
- Carry out basic laboratory analysis in line with established protocols.
- Assist with the collection of environmental samples (e.g., soil, water, vegetation).
- Accurately record and collate data using both paper and electronic formats (Word and Excel).
- Support maintenance of field sites and monitoring equipment.
- Follow all health and safety guidance, including the use of provided personal protective equipment (PPE). Vaccinations will be provided where necessary.
Essential Criteria
- Willingness to handle environmental samples such as wastewater, sewage effluent, soils, and sediments with appropriate PPE.
- Full, clean UK driving licence with willingness to drive for work purposes.
- HNC qualification or equivalent relevant work experience.
- Competency in using Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
Desirable Criteria
- Emergency First Aid at Work qualification (or willingness to obtain).
- Willingness to travel and stay overnight for occasional fieldwork.
Why Join Us?
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to important environmental research at a leading scientific institution. You’ll work as part of a friendly and supportive team and gain hands-on experience across a wide range of scientific techniques and environments.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role via our website using the 'Apply Now' button on the right-hand side of the screen.
Interviews
Interviews are scheduled to take place in person at Craigiebuckler on Monday, 21 July 2025.
What We Offer
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) - A confidential service available to support employees and their families with work or personal problems. Providing access to professional counsellors, psychologists, and work-life consultants available to help and support individuals in tackling all types of problems.
Annual Leave – Generous entitlement up to 40.5 days a year, with carry over possible and guaranteed time-off for Christmas.
Pension - Employer Contribution of 15% in a Personal Pension Plan and employee contribution flexibility.
Self-managed hours and Flexible Working – option to manage and spread your working time in line with organisational needs to create a healthy work life balance.
Our Commitment to Equality and Diversity
We will not consider the use of 3rd party recruitment agencies for the sourcing of candidates for this position.
The James Hutton Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
The James Hutton Institute is a: Stonewall Diversity Champion; Athena SWAN Silver Status Holder; Disability Confident Committed Employer and a Living Wage Employer.
The James Hutton Institute is Happy to Talk Flexible Working.
The Company
The James Hutton Institute combines strengths in crops, soils and land use and environmental research, and makes a major contribution to the understanding of key global issues, such as food, energy and environmental security, and developing and promoting effective technological and management solutions to these.
James Hutton (1726 – 1797) was a leading figure of the Scottish Enlightenment, an eighteenth century golden age of intellectual and scientific achievements centred on Edinburgh. He is internationally regarded as the founder of modern geology and one of the first scientists to describe the Earth as a living system. His thinking on natural selection influenced Charles Darwin in developing his theory of evolution.
Our Values
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