Senior scientist in a specialist soil biology laboratory - help run it, and help it grow
SoilBioLab is a small, independent laboratory specialising in soil biology. We measure the living part of soil - bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes and mycorrhizae - for farmers, growers, consultants, landscape and estate managers, research organisations and product companies across the UK and Europe. Our results help clients build healthier soils and make better decisions, and our own soil biology products are growing alongside the testing business.
We want to bring in someone senior: a scientist who will take on the day-to-day running of the laboratory, do the analytical work alongside our small team, in our family business, act as a technical point of contact for clients, and help shape where the business goes next. This is a hands-on role with real breadth. You will be at the microscope in the morning and on a call with a client or trialling a new method in the afternoon.
What you will do
- Manage the day-to-day running of the laboratory: sample reception to report, turnaround, quality, documentation, stock, equipment and health and safety.
- Carry out analyses yourself - above all the direct counting of micro-organisms (bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes) by microscopy - and sign off results.
- Be a technical contact for clients - explaining methods and results, helping them choose the right tests, and turning good science into repeat business.
- Lead method improvement, new test development and product trials with the Director.
- Supervise and develop lab staff as the team grows, with people reporting to you.
- Contribute to business development: proposals, technical content, talks and events, and relationships with partners and researchers.
What we are looking for
- A degree in microbiology, soil science, ecology, environmental science or a related discipline, with substantial relevant experience.
- Several years of practical analytical laboratory experience. Confident, accurate microscopy is the core skill; experience of direct counting of micro-organisms, or of soil, compost or environmental samples, is a real plus. We will train the right scientist in our specific methods.
- A good understanding of what it takes to run a lab - quality systems, documentation, supervising people, prioritising the day's work. You may have run one, deputised in one, or be ready to step up.
- Someone who is comfortable talking to customers and enjoys it - clear, credible and friendly on the phone, by email and in person.
- Organised, precise, data-literate (Excel at minimum) and happy working with a lot of autonomy in a small team.
- The right to live and work in the UK.
Why join a small business like ours
We are a close, friendly team who care about the science and about each other. Because we are small, the person in this role has genuine influence: on how the lab runs, which tests we develop, and how the business grows. You will work directly with the Director and see the results of your work in the business within months, not years.
We take work-life balance seriously and have a long track record of making flexible arrangements work, including part-time and school-hours patterns. This is a lab role, so the 30 hours need to be on site across at least four days a week, but within that we are open to the hours and days that suit your life - school hours included - and we will try to build the role around what you need. Some desk-based work (write-ups, client follow-up, research reading) can be done from home.
The lab is on a working farm near Melksham with free parking and easy reach of Bath, Chippenham, Trowbridge and Devizes. The salary is £30,000 per annum for 30 hours per week (FTE £40,000). Alongside salary we offer a workplace pension, holiday that increases with service (21 days plus bank holidays at full-time equivalent, pro rata), training in our methods, and support for professional membership and CPD.
How to apply
Send your CV and a short covering note to Simon Parfey at [email protected], telling us about your lab experience and why soil biology interests you. We are recruiting now and will interview as applications come in, so please do not wait for a closing date.
Pay: £30,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Flexitime
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
