Are you interested in science, laboratory work, and protecting Scotland's agricultural industry? If so, this could be the perfect opportunity to start your career.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Potato, Virology & Zoology (V&Z) Branch within Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA), part of the Scottish Government. The branch plays a vital role in supporting Scotland's agricultural sector through the delivery of diagnostic testing services that underpin the Scottish Seed Potato Classification Scheme (SPCS) and Plant Health Regulations.
Working as part of the Potato Pathology Team, you will learn a range of microbiological, molecular, and immunological laboratory techniques, including pathogen isolation, PCR, qPCR, and ELISA testing. You will support the delivery of diagnostic services for the SPCS while working towards an SCQF qualification in Laboratory Techniques and developing the practical skills and experience needed for a career in plant science.
This is a Modern Apprentice opportunity.
Success profile:
Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of behaviours, experience and technical criteria (if applicable) that candidates will be assessed on.
Behaviours:
Working together – Level 1 - Proactively contribute to the work of the whole team and remain open to taking on new and different roles.
Developing self and others – Level 1 - Identify gaps in your skills and knowledge and make plans of how to develop these.
- Communicating and influencing – Level 1 - Listen and ask questions to ensure your understanding.
Find out more about Success Profiles .
How to apply:
Apply online, providing a supporting statement which focuses on the following question and behaviours listed above:
What interests you about science?
Please describe your interest in science. Examples can come from your studies, hobbies, personal projects, clubs, volunteering, work, or everyday life that have helped develop your interest in science.
Your statement should be no more than 750 words.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
Please see our candidate guidance for more information on acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in recruitment.
Candidates who are successful at sift stage will be invited to attend an in-person interview and job simulation assessment, and this is scheduled for w/c 14 September 2026 ; however, this may be subject to change. The interview will assess the behaviours listed in the job advert.
In the event of a high volume of applications, candidates will have their applications initially assessed against the " What interests you about science ?" criteria above. Candidates who pass this initial sift will have their applications fully assessed against the listed criteria.
We will be running a Recruitment Information Session on 10 August @ 18:00 - 19:00 to provide more information about the role and tips on what it takes to submit a strong application. This session will give you valuable insights to help you showcase your strengths and make the most of your application. You may wish to submit your application after you have attended the session.
Click here to sign up: Eventbrite - Edit Recruitment Information Session - Assistant Laboratory Technician
Skilled Worker sponsorship is not available for this role. As a result, we are unable to appoint candidates who require Skilled Worker sponsorship, now or in the future. Applicants must have an existing and ongoing right to work in the UK.
Recruitment Principles:
As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases.
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 , observing the Civil Service Code and 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:
As this role is laboratory-based, 100% on-site working is required at SASA, Roddinglaw Road, Edinburgh.
Our standard hours are 35 hours per week. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.
Security checks:
Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions).
You can find out more about BPSS on the UK Government website , and read about the Government Vetting Charter , or about all the different levels of security checks in our Candidate Guide .
Internal candidates may need to gain higher security clearance than they currently hold if successful in their application.
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.
