Senior Laboratory Scientist
Location: Craigavon
Business Unit: Diagnostics Services
Reporting To: Clinical Testing General Supervisor / DX CR Team Leader / Clinical Testing Manager
Direct Reports: DX CR Clinical Testing Personnel/DX CR Laboratory Technician
HRJOB11739
The Role
Almac Diagnostic Services is responsible for delivering high-quality clinical testing services within a highly regulated laboratory environment. We are pleased to offer an opportunity for a highly motivated
Senior Laboratory Scientist to join our team in Craigavon, supporting the accurate processing, testing and reporting of patient specimens. This role combines technical scientific expertise, laboratory coordination and quality oversight to ensure the delivery of high-complexity molecular testing within our ISO15189, CAP and CLIA accredited laboratories.
Working Pattern
This position operates on a 4-week rotating shift pattern:
Week 1: Monday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Week 2: Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Week 3: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
Week 4: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday
Flexible start and finish times available between 07:30 and 18:30.
This shift pattern provides excellent flexibility and supports a healthy work-life balance while ensuring operational coverage across the laboratory.
Key Responsibilities
- Processing specimens and performing authorised clinical laboratory tests in line with approved procedures.
- Maintaining accurate records of patient test results, quality control activity, calibrations and maintenance.
- Perform investigations when test systems fall outside acceptable performance levels.
- Identifying, correcting and documenting issues that may affect test performance or result reporting.
- Completing testing only within areas where you have the appropriate education, training, experience and authorisation.
- Working under the required level of supervision in line with laboratory and regulatory requirements.
- Ensuring all work is completed in compliance with internal procedures and applicable standards including ISO 15189, GCP, CAP and CLIA.
- Deputise for the Clinical Testing General Supervisor or Team Leader when required.
- Coordinate and support junior team members to ensure projects are delivered on time and to the required quality standards.
- Participate in customer and vendor meetings and audits when required.
- Maintain awareness of emerging technologies, scientific literature, and diagnostic/RUO products.
- Review and verify laboratory data and quality control results.
- Identify, investigate, document, and resolve non-conformances while minimising disruption to laboratory activities.
- Manage sample receipt, storage, tracking, long-term archiving, and disposal.
- Generate, review, and maintain SOPs and laboratory quality documentation.
- Collaborate with Project Management, Quality, and cross-functional teams to support operational delivery.
- Ensure laboratory activities are conducted in accordance with company policies, SOPs, quality requirements, and regulatory standards.
- Maintain excellent housekeeping standards within the laboratory environment.
- Support operations across any Almac Diagnostics site as required.
Essential Criteria
- Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related Life Sciences discipline.
- Significant experience performing high complexity molecular testing in a clinical testing environment.
- Strong working knowledge of molecular technologies
- Excellent organisational and time management skills with the ability to prioritise workloads effectively.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
- High attention to detail and accuracy.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
Desirable Criteria
- Postgraduate qualification in Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related Life Sciences discipline.
- Experience within a regulated laboratory environment (e.g. ISO 17025, ISO 15189, CPA, GCP, CAP, CLIA).
- Experience implementing and training scientific staff in molecular technologies.
- Extensive experience troubleshooting laboratory techniques and processes.
What We're Looking For
The successful candidate will demonstrate Almac's core competencies by:
- Delivering results with a commitment to quality and excellence.
- Proactively identifying solutions and solving complex problems.
- Leading by example and supporting the development of others.
- Communicating effectively across teams and stakeholders.
- Maintaining a strong customer-focused mindset.
- Demonstrating strong technical knowledge while continuously developing expertise.
If you are someone who takes pride in accuracy, quality and patient-focused work, and you are keen to contribute to a highly regulated laboratory environment, we would welcome your application.
Applicants must have eligibility to work in the UK/IE with no restrictions OR possess a valid work permit that will allow you to take up full time employment in the UK/IE.
Further information
Further information on the essential and desirable criteria required for this role can be found in the Job Description attached to this advert.
A fantastic salary and benefits package is available, including annual bonus, generous holiday allowance, healthcare reimbursement scheme, and a rewarding role where your work contributes to the advancement of human health.
How To Apply
Apply online and tailor your CV to outline how you meet the role criteria. Please upload your CV in PDF format where possible.
Closing Date: We will no longer be accepting applications after 5pm on Sunday 9th August 2026.
RECRUITMENT AGENCIES PLEASE NOTE:
Almac will only accept applications from agencies/business partners that have been invited to work on this role by our Talent Acquisition team. Speculative candidate CVs received or submitted directly to Hiring Managers will be considered unsolicited and no fee will be payable. Thank you for your cooperation.