LABORATORY AND QA ASSISTANT

Job Description

The Laboratory Assistant, based at Buckie, will support the Regional Quality & Technical Manager in delivering accurate, timely, and fully traceable analytical results for distilling malt produced across the UK & Ireland region.

This role is responsible for ensuring that core Certificate of Analysis (COA) parameters are generated efficiently for off-kiln production batches, micromalted samples, and blend samples. The output of this role is critical in supporting operational decision-making, product release, and meeting customer requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out routine laboratory analysis on malt samples from UK & Ireland distilling malt sites
• Perform analytical testing for key parameters including moisture, fermentability, beta-glucans, and others
• Prepare samples for analysis, including milling, weighing, and laboratory mash preparation
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment such as extract apparatus, fermentation incubators, beta-glucan analysers, density meters, and friability testers
• Accurately record analytical results and ensure full traceability of laboratory data
• Support the generation of Certificate of Analysis (COA) data for distilling malt batches
• Receive, log, and manage samples from Buckie and Glenesk, ensuring correct identification, storage, and prioritisation
• Perform routine calibration, verification, and basic maintenance of laboratory equipment
• Maintain high standards of laboratory housekeeping, safety, and quality compliance
• Assist with documentation required for quality systems, audits, and certifications
• Monitor laboratory consumables and support procurement of supplies
• Support technical trials, including micromalting analysis and barley variety evaluation
• Assist in investigating analytical deviations or non-conforming results
• Contribute to continuous improvement of laboratory processes and workflows

Working Pattern

This role is primarily Monday to Friday, supporting analytical coverage for a 24/7 production environment. There may be occasional requirements to work weekends to complete sample preparation or monitoring, depending on operational demand.

Qualifications

To excel in this role, you will demonstrate:

• Exceptional attention to detail.
• A strong commitment to accuracy and precision, particularly in data collection and reporting.
• The ability to follow laboratory protocols and procedures consistently and accurately.
• Previous experience working in a laboratory environment, ideally within grain, brewing, or food laboratories.

Benefits

We offer an attractive salary and benefits package and as part of a global organization can offer career opportunities internationally.