Biogeochemistry Research Technician
Location: SAMS, Oban
Contract Type: Fixed Term : 24 months.
Working Pattern: Full Time - 37 hours per week – Monday to Friday
Salary : G5 - £32,546.00 - £36,130.00 per annum
Closing date: 18 June 2026
The Role :
SAMS is a world leading marine science institute engaged in research, teaching and commercial ventures and a post has arisen to support its broad and interdisciplinary biogeochemistry analytical capabilities. The jobholder will take a leading role as an analytical technical specialist providing laboratory analysis of inorganic seawater nutrients using continuous and bubble segmented flow analysis. In addition, the role will also be engaged in the preparation of water, sediment and biological samples for a range of analyses such as CN elemental analysis, ICPMS/MS, dissolved gases, HPLC, IC and GC. The job holder will disseminate the data to SAMS scientists together with a synthesis of the analytical quality (including working to UKAS ISO management systems), contributing to publications and writing metadata documentation. As well as being responsible for the upkeep, performance and management of their analytical instrumentation, the jobholder would also significant oversight of multi-functional laboratory space maintaining, and seek to maintain and improve high standards of laboratory safety and sustainability.
Teaching is an integral part of SAMS work activities. The jobholder will be required to demonstrate analytical skills to students as well as other members of staff and contribute to undergraduate practical teaching sessions.
Working at SAMS within a vibrant international research community is rewarding and this in exciting opportunity to deliver research to advance our understanding of the oceans. It is expected that the successful candidate will participate in deep sea scientific expeditions contributing directly to hydrographic surveys as well as coastal field work on small boats.
Our Ideal Candidate
Candidates may hold an MSc and/or PhD is an appropriate discipline and be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of research methods and techniques.
This hands-one role requires a minimum of 3 years of analytical experience in an environmental and preferably an aquatic science discipline with a proven ability to operate, maintain, troubleshoot and fix environmental analytical laboratory equipment independently, as well as an ability to critique and improve analytical and research methods. Experience of data processing is essential is essential. Knowledge of segmented or continuous flow analysis and other analytical chemistry platforms such as CN elemental analysis, ICPMS, HPLC, IC, GC and FTIR is highly desirable. Experience of working with students and laboratory management is welcomed.
Employee Benefits
Our relatively small, caring community is an ideal environment for making friends, forming collaborations, and supporting each other to do the work that we really care about. Oban and surrounding areas provide a fantastic base to live and work, and we offer a wide range of employee benefits, support and inclusive culture, making SAMS a great place to work.
Our employees are the heart of our business. Recruiting and retaining the right people is the key to our success. Rewarding our employees is therefore an important component of our employment package and we have a wide range of benefits on offer to staff to support your work and lifestyle.
We are proud to provide a wide variety of benefits year-round, offering options to best support our staff, such as: flexible & hybrid working options, purchase of additional annual leave, shopping discounts, Cycle 2 Work scheme, purchases of technology through salary sacrifice, Payroll Giving, Pensions Plus, access to portals to support health and wellbeing, a sabbatical scheme, free car parking with access to electronic charging points as well as access to a number of training & development courses.
Additionally, SAMS encourages and recognises excellence among staff through various recognition and reward arrangements. We are striving to constantly develop and expand the benefits and offers for our colleagues.
Interested?
We would love to hear from you. If you have queries on the job and would like to talk these through before applying, please email these through, in the first instance, to people@sams.ac.uk
Applications must include CV and Cover Letter and should be sent electronically to recruitment@sams.ac.uk quoting Job Ref. ‘D04.26.CA’ in the subject heading.
Closing date for application is 18 June 2026
Full details can be found here:
Biogeochemistry Research Technician Job Description
Biogeochemistry Research Technician - JD Accessible Format
Please find further information below on how we can help you apply:
We are a Disability Confident Employer. Where a candidate requires reasonable adjustments as part of the application process, we encourage you to let us know. Where applicants with a disability meet the essential criteria for the job, you will be given the opportunity to demonstrate your skills, talent and abilities at interview.
SAMS’ commitment to gender equality has been recognised, as our institute was presented with an Athena SWAN (Scientific Women’s Academic Network) Bronze Award and is currently working towards Investors in Diversity accreditation.
SAMS follows Fair Work Practices.
SAMS Group is committed to being an equal and open organisation. Diversity and inclusion are important to us, and we strive to remove any barriers that may prevent people from applying to join us. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, and from all who share our values and can help us to broaden our knowledge and range of ideas.
