Freelance Lab Technician

Location: ASCUS Art & Science, Edinburgh EH9 1PL
Contract: 6 months, part-time (approx. 3 days per week, flexible working available)
Salary: £26,000 pro rata (Freelance – candidate responsible for own Tax & NI)

Start Date: Mid-May (negotiable)

About ASCUS Art & Science

ASCUS Art & Science is a non-profit organisation leading art-science collaboration in Scotland. We host ASCUS Lab, the first publicly accessible art-science lab in Scotland, offering training, workshops, and public events to foster creativity, experimentation, and interdisciplinary research. In addition to supporting artists, designers, and students, our lab is home to small biotech start-ups.

Role Overview

As part of a collaborative project with an innovative biotech company, we are seeking a Freelance Lab Technician to assist with field trials for a ground breaking rapid bacterial detection test. You will work closely with the project team and external collaborators to conduct sampling campaigns, perform lab testing and analyse results, and engage with stakeholders. This role provides an exciting opportunity to contribute to impactful environmental microbiology research while also supporting public engagement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and executing water sampling campaigns for bacterial detection tests.

• Engage with project partners to determine key locations for sample collection.

• Conduct field sampling, process samples in the lab, and maintain accurate records.

• Compare test results against existing benchmarks to evaluate performance.

• Analyse data and report findings to the project team.

• Maintain lab cleanliness and ensure good lab practices are followed.

• Support the organisation and delivery of public engagement events to gather user feedback on the test.

• Occasionally assist with other lab-based activities related to ASCUS projects.

Who We're Looking For

We are seeking a candidate with:

✅ Experience in microbiology, environmental water monitoring, or a related field.
✅ Good lab practice – understanding of health & safety regulations and experience working in a wet lab.
✅ Strong organisational skills – ability to manage sampling logistics efficiently.
✅ Attention to detail – ensuring accurate testing and data recording.
✅ Fieldwork experience – comfortable collecting and handling samples outside the lab.
✅ Data analysis skills – ability to interpret and compare test results.
✅ Strong communication skills – confident in engaging with stakeholders and reporting findings.
✅ Adaptability – able to work independently and adjust to changing project needs.

Bonus skills: Experience in science communication, knowledge of vital waterways in Scotland and Northern England, and an understanding of bacterial detection methods would be beneficial.

Additional Information

• While the skills listed above are essential for this role, we believe that finding the right fit for our team is just as important. We are open to providing on-the-job training to some extent for the right candidate.

• This is a freelance position, meaning the successful candidate will be responsible for managing their own Tax and National Insurance contributions.

• Having the right to work in the UK is essential.

• The role will involve some day travel to locations around Scotland and northern England

• Occasional weekend/after hours work may be required.

Why Join ASCUS?

At ASCUS Art & Science, we bring together science, art, and public engagement in a way that few organisations do. By joining us, you’ll be part of a dynamic and inspiring community, working on a cutting-edge project with real-world environmental impact. This is a unique opportunity to develop your skills, contribute to meaningful research, and collaborate with experts across disciplines.

📅 Application deadline: Midnight, 17 April 2025
📧 To apply, send your CV and a short cover letter stating your experience relevant to the role to lab@ascus.org.uk.
❓ Got questions? Feel free to reach out to the same email.