Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Monitor toxic algae in Scottish waters and analyse samples for biotoxins.
- Company: Join SAMS, a caring community dedicated to marine research and environmental health.
- Benefits: Flexible working, shopping discounts, wellness support, and training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on marine safety while enjoying a supportive work culture.
- Qualifications: Enthusiasm, communication skills, and ideally some experience in phytoplankton identification.
- Other info: Great career growth in a beautiful location with a focus on teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 26444 - 29605 £ per year.
Location: SAMS, Oban
Contract Type: Open-ended
Working Pattern: Full Time - 37 hours per week – Monday to Friday
Salary Range: £26,444 - £29,605 per annum
Closing date: 15th February 2026
The Role
For the last 20 years, SAMS has worked as part of the Shellfish Partnership with Cefas to deliver a monitoring programme for biotoxin producing algae species in Scottish waters for Food Standards Scotland (FSS). We are looking for an enthusiastic individual to join the team in delivering the operational aspects of this programme. The role will involve working in close collaboration with the Monitoring Manager to ensure smooth delivery of around 1300 samples per annum, with a seasonal element to sample frequency. Activities will include undertaking sample receipt, processing, analysis, and reporting of results. You will be responsible for stock control of consumables for the programme and will liaise with external sampling officers to supply sampling kits. There will also be opportunities to contribute to SAMS research, education and commercial activities outside the monitoring programme.
Our Ideal Candidate
We are looking for an individual who will bring enthusiasm to their work, using excellent communication skills to work within a team to deliver time sensitive sample analysis to ISO 17025 quality standards. The individual must be organised and practical, ideally with some experience of phytoplankton identification and light microscopy. A high level of self‑motivation and diligence is necessary, alongside an ability to work as an efficient team member, as well as independently, where required.
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. 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 Karen.MacKechnie@sams.ac.uk. For further information, please go to www.sams.ac.uk/vacancies. Applications must include CV and Cover Letter and should be sent electronically to recruitment@sams.ac.uk quoting Job Ref. ‘D23/25.KM’ in the subject heading. Closing date for application is 15th February 2026 - Interviews to be held shortly thereafter. Please note, we are unfortunately unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates therefore must have the right to work in the UK already in place when applying.
Equal Opportunity
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.
Toxic Algae Project Monitoring Officer in Oban employer: Scottish Association For Marine Science
Contact Detail:
Scottish Association For Marine Science Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Toxic Algae Project Monitoring Officer in Oban
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on SAMS and its projects. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions related to sample analysis and teamwork. We want you to feel confident and ready to showcase your skills when it counts.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your enthusiasm! During the interview, let your passion for environmental science and teamwork shine through. We love candidates who are excited about making a difference in our waters.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our awesome benefits right there.
We think you need these skills to ace Toxic Algae Project Monitoring Officer in Oban
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Toxic Algae Project Monitoring Officer role. Highlight any relevant experience, especially in sample analysis and phytoplankton identification. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your enthusiasm for the role and explain why you’re the perfect fit for our team. Don’t forget to mention your communication skills and ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Showcase Your Organisational Skills: Since this role involves managing around 1300 samples a year, it’s crucial to demonstrate your organisational skills. Share examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed multiple tasks or projects at once.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. Make sure to include your CV and cover letter, and don’t forget to quote the job reference ‘D23/25.KM’ in your email subject. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Association For Marine Science
✨Know Your Algae
Brush up on your knowledge of phytoplankton identification and biotoxin-producing algae. Being able to discuss specific species and their impact on Scottish waters will show your enthusiasm and expertise in the field.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since this role involves close collaboration with the Monitoring Manager and external sampling officers, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully worked in a team. Highlight your communication skills and how you contribute to a positive team environment.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
Prepare to discuss how you manage multiple tasks, especially when it comes to sample processing and stock control. Bring examples of how you've stayed organised under pressure, as this role requires handling around 1300 samples per year.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t hesitate to ask insightful questions about SAMS's research and commercial activities. This shows your genuine interest in the organisation and your eagerness to contribute beyond just the monitoring programme.
