Biobank Technician (WildGenes) in Edinburgh

About us

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is a wildlife conservation charity with a bold vision: a world where nature is protected, valued and loved. Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park are our gateways to the natural world through which people can experience nature.

How you’ll contribute to our mission

Use your skills and experience to save endangered species from extinction by preserving samples for conservation researchers. Join our small but internationally renowned WildGenes team based in the heart of Edinburgh Zoo and you will have an amazing opportunity to make an impact on conservation in Scotland and around the world.

The role

Based in the onsite RZSS WildGenes biobank at Edinburgh Zoo, the role sits within the conservation team and consists of preparing incoming genetic material for long-term storage, preparing samples for outgoing research requests as well as organising and supporting the completion of sample paperwork regarding sample storage, postage, permits and material transfer agreements. As a member of the Conservation department, the post holder will contribute to the Society's key mission to reverse the decline of threatened species. This is a fixed-term, part time role (15 hours per week) based at Edinburgh Zoo.

Some of the things you’ll do:

• Work with the Senior Biobank technician to manage sample preservation workflows.
• Liaise with relevant colleagues in the conservation team.
• Prepare samples for long-term storage and feed information back to the relevant member/s of staff in the WildGenes team.
• Keep track of incoming and outgoing sample paperwork including permits, material transfer agreements and sample details.
• Keep biobank databases up-to-date.

What we’re looking for:

• Educated to HNC level or equivalent experience in a relevant role.
• Passion for conservation biology.
• High attention to detail.
• Basic laboratory skills.
• Demonstrable administration experience.
• Demonstrable experience of working in a similar role, meeting deadlines in a busy environment.

What you’ll get in return:

• Starting salary between £9, - £9, (offer based on experience / salary pro-rated based on 15hrs per week).
• 15hr working week (envisioned 2 working days at 7.5 hours each but open to other work patterns).
• 34 days annual leave (pro rata).
• Discount in both retail/catering.
• Access to a healthcare plan.
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), that provide 24-hour counselling and support, including health, legal, finance, wellbeing and family advice.
• Employer contributory pension scheme.
• You will receive a staff membership which will give you (and family/friends) free (and discounted) entry to both the Highland Wildlife Park and Edinburgh Zoo as well as a number of other Zoos across the UK.

We offer a range of great benefits which you can read about here. Please note that shortlisting of applications and interviews for this position will take place while the advert is live. The advert will close once a successful candidate has been found. Interested candidates are therefore encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible. The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland is an equal opportunities employer. Our policy is to recruit a diverse workforce following the guidelines of the Equality Act.