Laboratory Assistant

We at Yara are part of a global network, collaborating to profitably and responsibly solve some of the world's key challenges - resource scarcity, food insecurity and environmental change.

Purpose of the Role

Yara Analytical Services receives around 350,000 soil and leaf samples from over 40 countries worldwide for nutrient analysis and co-ordinates the use of analysis in Yara markets. The main objective of this role is to prepare soil and leaf tissue for analysis.

HESQ

Work in accordance with relevant legislation, Company Health & Safety Policy, Yara Safety Principles, Golden Rules and in line with Company Values. With Safe by Choice in mind, consider your health and safety and that of those around you. Specific HESQ related responsibilities are documented during the Performance & Development Discussion. Be involved in incident and hazardous condition reporting and practice Yara’s safety program as instructed. Understand the scope of the ISO 9001 and UKAS 17025 accreditations held by the laboratory and ensure that relevant processes and procedures are maintained to ensure compliance with the specific requirements which fall in the relevant area of operation.

Responsibilities

Laboratory

• Basic sample reception duties, such as transporting samples from drop off point to preparation area.
• Ensure sample preparation equipment is in place and appropriately numbered.
• Perform preliminary sample preparation procedures e.g. transfer of samples to drying equipment and milling of samples.
• Dispose of samples once analysis is completed and they have been retained in the archive for the appropriate time period.
• Liaise effectively with the administration team and the laboratory technicians.
• Alongside the laboratory supervisor, effectively organising sample throughput in the reception area.
• Train new employee assistants in line with pre-determined training plan.
• Basic customer interactions.
• Where applicable work with laboratory technicians to carry out routine sample preparation procedures (e.g. nutrient extraction/preparing tissue samples for digest).

Efficiency

Work and operate within a defined framework using 5S, Kaizen and lean manufacturing business improvement techniques to achieve a set of team Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) leading to the maintenance and improvement of laboratory efficiency and cost effectiveness.

Profile

Education

GCSE level English and Maths or demonstrable competence in writing and numeracy.

Experience

Relevant experience within a busy laboratory.

Personal Attributes

• Methodical approach.
• Attention to detail.
• Good level of numeracy.
• Good communication skills.
• Good problem solving skills.

Additional Information

Main Contacts

• Internal: YAS Managers, YAS Office, YAS Supervisor, Laboratory Colleagues.
• External/Stakeholders: Distributors and Farmer Customers, Suppliers, Auditors.

We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We believe that different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives strengthen our organization and contribute to our success.

Knowledge grows through differences. Yara is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We believe that creating a diverse and inclusive work environment is not only the right thing, but also the smart thing to do. To deliver on this, Yara has firmly anchored Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) in our business strategy and has more than 400 employees worldwide involved in D&I ambassadors networks.

As part of our recruitment process, where permitted by local law, we may conduct reference and background checks. These checks will only be performed when deemed necessary for the nature of the job. Candidates will be informed by HR before any background checks are initiated.