Education Laboratory Support Assistant - Work Placement

Purpose

This placement is supported by funding from the Argyll & Bute No One Left Behind initiative. Eligibility: currently living in Argyll & Bute, right to live and work in the UK, aged 16-66, currently unemployed and at risk of long-term unemployment (12 months or more) and/or experiencing a physical or mental health condition.

You will work in the education team predominantly supporting undergraduate student laboratory practical classes. You will learn from the education lab manager how to set up for a range of marine science student practical classes (undergraduate and postgraduate). You will learn many laboratory procedures and assist teaching staff in delivering them. As part of this, you will learn how to comply with health & safety procedures. During busy education events such as graduation, you may assist the education team. This placement will provide an opportunity to work in a scientific/education laboratory environment and learn about marine science laboratory techniques, to upskill, refresh skills, or provide a work experience opportunity to decide if you would like a career connected to science/laboratories/education.

Our Ideal Candidate

This opportunity may be suitable for someone:

• Who has completed education (high school/university graduate) and is interested in science or looking to get back into work and upskill
• Is interested in a career in science/lab environment
• Works well in a team
• Has attention to detail
• Is able to follow instructions and procedures
• Has computer literacy

Learn more about what we do at SAMS: Home — Scottish Association for Marine Science, Oban UK

Interested?

We would love to hear from you. If you have queries or would like a short introduction on our placement opportunity, before applying, please contact us at [contact hidden].

Application Process

Applications must include a full CV and short cover letter. Your CV should include any previous employment (including tasks and dates of employment), education and relevant skills. Your cover letter should briefly outline your interest in our placement, skills and experience and how this would benefit you.

Please send applications electronically to [contact hidden] quoting Job Ref. ‘D04/25.AD’ in the subject heading.

Closing date: Wednesday 18th June 2025
Interviews: will be held shortly thereafter
Start date: the successful candidate must be able to begin the work placement within the first week of August 2025 (to align with a few weeks work experience and familiarity prior to students starting the new academic year early September).

Full details on this work placement can be found below:

• Education Laboratory Support Assistant - Placement Outline (Word)
• Education Laboratory Support Assistant - Placement Outline (Accessible PDF)

Applicant Support & Guidance: Download here

Please note: We are unfortunately not able to provide visa sponsorship for this position. All applicants must already be able to work in the UK and provide required documentation to support this as work placements will start soon after interviews.

SAMS’ commitment to gender equality has been recognised with an Athena SWAN Bronze Award and is currently working towards Investors in Diversity accreditation. SAMS follows Fair Work Practices and is a Real Living Wage Employer.

SAMS Group is committed to being an equal and open organisation. Diversity and inclusion are important to us, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

About Us

The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) has been delivering independent marine science since 1884. Based in Oban, 150 staff are working for healthy and sustainably managed seas and oceans through world-class marine research, education and engagement with society. Learn more about us…