Job Description

Join us as an Apprentice Laboratory Assistant and make an invaluable contribution to our Food Safety & Biosecurity!
Use your passion for science and practical mindset to kickstart your career in a dynamic and varied work environment. You don't need experience, just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to learn, and we'll give you all the tools and resources you need. With on-the-job training in a leading science company, this is your chance to build new and valuable skills whilst gaining a recognised qualification; Level 4 (HNC) in Applied Sciences with Level 3 apprenticeship.
Start date: August 2026
What you'll be doing:

• Based in Plant Protection supporting in the core laboratories.
• Contribute towards pathogen diagnosis in the laboratory to support plant protection within the UK and overseas for both commercial and government.
• Responding to emergency delivery needs as they arise.
• Attending York College and University Centre one day a week (term time only).
• Working independently as well as part of a team.
• Driving transformation in the plant protection program.

What we're looking for:

• A Level in Biology or Chemistry is preferred but not essential, or Level 3 science-based qualification, or relevant experience.
• Strong IT skills.
• The capability to work within deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to follow instruction into practice.
• Organised, determined and proactive approach to lab work and coursework.
• Punctual and strong work ethic.
• Great attention to detail and the patience to double check work for accuracy.

What's in it for you?

• Competitive salary: 24,570
• You will receive a BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Applied Sciences (Biology Pathway) and Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship.
• ?25 days' holiday with the opportunity to buy extra leave.
• Flexible working hours, on-site gym, restaurant, and free parking.
• The opportunity to take a paid day out of the office, volunteering for our charity partners or a cause of your choice.
• Company matched pension, life assurance, a cycle2work scheme, 15 weeks' fully paid maternity, adoption and shared parental leave, paternity pay of two weeks...and plenty more.
• Voluntary benefits designed to suit your lifestyle - from discounts on retail and socialising, to health & wellbeing, travel and technology.
• Access to our Employee Network Groups, which represent every strand of diversity and allow colleagues to connect and learn from each other on an open, inclusive platform.

What we hope you'll do next:
Choose 'Apply now' to fill out our short application, so that we can find out more about you. If you have any questions you'd like to ask before applying, you can contact
We're an equal opportunity employer, which means we recruit and develop people based on their merit and passion. We're committed to providing an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment process and working environment for everyone. If you need the job description or application form in an alternative format or if you'd like to discuss other changes or support you might need going forward, please email at and we'll get back to you.
At Fera, we're making the world a better, healthier and safer place. We're a joint venture partnership between Bridgepoint and Defra and we're working proactively to protect the world we live in and the food we eat. Our teams are investigating plant and bee health, crop protection and sustainable agriculture. Join us and discover better as you deliver world-class science for the future.

Skills Required