Quality Assurance Technical Specialist in Stirling

This role provides coordination, oversight and day-to-day management of quality assurance activities to ensure that the analytical services delivered by Nutrition Analytical Service (NAS) are compliant with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 ensuring that they are consistent, and of a high professional standard. In addition, the role will provide quality assurance support across the Faculty of Natural Sciences including contribution to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) aligned activities ensuring good practice and compliance are applied consistently across relevant operations. The postholder will support the effective operation, ongoing development and continuous improvement of the NAS ISO/IEC 17025 Quality Management System, including readiness for external assessment, accreditation activities and post-accreditation maintenance. The postholder will work closely with technical and academic colleagues to ensure quality processes are embedded and consistently applied. The role will also support a positive customer experience and the commercial sustainability of NAS. This role is integral to the delivery of the university Strategic Plan.

Description of Duties

• Support the effective operation and ongoing maintenance of the NAS ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Quality Management System in line with agreed requirements and established procedures, working with the Technical Manager and Analytical Service Manager.
• Support internal and external assessments for UKAS and GLP including preparation of documentation and responses to assessors as required within existing frameworks.
• Provide day-to-day oversight of the Quality Management System to ensure procedures, records and activities remain current, complete and compliant.
• Support the ongoing operation and continual improvement of the Quality Management System, embedding a culture of continuous improvement and risk-based thinking.
• Coordinate the delivery of the relevant audit programmes in accordance with the approved audit schedule, including assigning and undertaking audit.
• Record, track and support the resolution of audit findings, non-conformances and opportunities for improvement in collaboration with the Technical Manager and Analytical Service Manager.
• Review, update and maintain the Quality Manual, quality procedures, laboratory methods, templates, records and other controlled documents in accordance with document control requirements and GLP protocols.
• Authorise analytical reports and support timely, accurate and compliant reporting to customers in accordance with the Quality Management System and delegated authority.
• Oversee quality-related aspects of equipment and quality records management, ensuring verification, calibration status, service records and documentation are complete, accurate, traceable and available for internal and external assessment.
• Oversee the audits of facilities and studies within the Institute of Aquaculture’s GLP facility at NATIH Marine (Machrihanish, Argyll) to ensure compliance with the principles of GLP.
• Provide training in relevant quality assurance/GLP procedures.
• Attend regulatory inspections for UKAS and GLP.

Essential Criteria

• Educated to Degree level or equivalent (where no formal qualifications are held, additional, relevant experience is required).
• Working knowledge of and ability to implement and maintain ISO 17025 (or equivalent) Quality System with experience of conducting required audits and document control.
• Experience of working in a quality environment, with demonstrable ability to apply procedures, manage records and support compliance.
• Experience of planning, conducting or coordinating internal audits and managing document control.
• Experience of working in a customer facing environment, with an understanding of service delivery and stakeholder expectations.
• Strong experience of team membership with measurably positive impact on the organisation.
• Demonstrable experience of Health and Safety protocols and risk assessments.

Skills & Attributes

• Ability to organise own workload and coordinate the activities of others to ensure the Quality Management System remains compliant.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work under own initiative with minimal supervision on quality related matters within defined procedures and responsibilities.
• Ability to confidently engage with colleagues at all levels and to gain the confidence of members of staff and students across the university.
• Sound judgement, discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive or compliance related matters.
• Accurate recordkeeping and strong IT skills, including use of standard office and document management system.
• Good problem solving skills and the ability to adapt pragmatically when outcomes or circumstances change.

Additional Information

• Full time
• Open ended
• The closing date for applications is midnight on Tuesday 31 March 2026.
• Interviews are expected to take place on Monday 13 April 2026.
• There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.
• This role may be eligible for sponsorship depending on candidate circumstances under SOC code 3115.
• The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.

For a full description of duties and essential/desirable criteria please click the apply button, which will take you directly to the University Website.