Analyst (2023-7590)

Would you like the opportunity to grow and develop your skills with a variety of learning and development opportunities?

If so, SASA are looking for an Analyst to join its Chemistry team to contribute to the delivery of the statutory Pesticide Residues in Food (PRiF) UK surveillance programme. This programme is required as part of the national pesticide regimes and contributes to food safety and surveillance of good agricultural practice across Scotland. 

Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA) supports Scotland’s arable and horticultural sectors, by developing policy and providing scientific advice, research, surveillance and inspection services. Our ca 180 staff conduct a wide range of functions in offices, laboratories, glasshouses, farm buildings and farmland as well as at third party inspection sites.

The primary role of the Analyst is to assist in the chemical analysis of samples submitted as part of the PRiF programme, using a variety of analytical techniques. 

You will be expected to prepare and run samples and to scrutinise analytical data to ensure suitability and accuracy and to meet the mandatory deadlines set out in the contractual agreement with HSE.

This role involves a range of analytical chemistry methods and will therefore require specialist technical knowledge.

SASA are based in the west side of Edinburgh at Roddinglaw Road, Gogarbank.  SASA is housed in a new modern building within its farmland at Gogar. It has dedicated facilities including a staff restaurant and fitness room. The site is readily accessible by car.  For staff commuting by public transport, SASA has arranged a morning and afternoon shuttle service linking SASA to the RBS headquarters at Gogarburn which is well served by the city’s bus network. These aspects make SASA a desirable working location.

• One of the core functions of the Chemistry team is to analyse and report Pesticide Residues in Food (PRiF) in various fruit and vegetables in accordance with the UK pesticides surveillance programme. Your primary role will be to assist in the chemical analysis of samples submitted as part of PRiF, using a variety of analytical techniques.
• You will have a flexible approach to work and will contribute to other areas of work undertaken by the Chemistry Branch when required. This will include Wildlife Incident and Investigation Scheme (WIIS) analysis and analysis to support the General Analytical Service (GAS).
• You will perform appropriate tasks including sample receipt, extraction of samples, analytical data processing and tabulation of results.
• You will work with a variety of analytical systems and be able to scrutinise analytical data and instrument performance. In addition, you will report and work to resolve any non-compliance issues when required.
• You will keep accurate records of all work undertaken and ensure that duties are carried out in in compliance with the requirements of the ISO 17025 and local quality management system guidelines and health & safety procedures.
• You will monitor the performance of laboratory equipment to ensure conformance with ISO 17025 quality assurance requirements.

1. Experience of working in a laboratory environment utilising chromatography, mass spectrometry and allied techniques.
2. Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to build good working relationships at all levels, and the ability to work flexibly within a small, collaborative team.
3. Experience of working in an accredited laboratory environment especially in accordance with standards specified in ISO 17025.
4. Excellent record keeping skills and a good working knowledge of IT packages such as Microsoft Word and Excel.

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%

Job contact :

• Name : David Kenyon
• Email : david.kenyon@sasa.gov.scot

Recruitment team

• Email : scottishgovernmentrecruitment@gov.scot