Job Description

Join us as an Assistant Scientist (Microbiology) and make an invaluable contribution to our Food Safety & Biosecurity!

As an Assistant Scientist you'll be actively involved in delivery of Food microbiology, Water microbiology and Water parasitology Proficiency Testing Schemes. Contributing to other projects involving the handling of Hazard Group 2 or 3 organisms (including CBRN related projects) across Fera. Training and active support and development will be provided as necessary for the post.

What you'll be doing:

Support preparation and analysis of microbiological samples using appropriate traditional microbiological and / or molecular methods. Be aware of and follow the appropriate quality assurance and safety procedures. Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) to defined quality standards. Contribute to customer/project reports. Report results within deadlines to accreditation standards. Contribute to the development of new methods

What we're looking for:

Knowledge and experience of traditional microbiological and molecular methods for food, water and environmental sample analysis. Knowledge and experience of working in a microbiology laboratory (either ACDP level 2 or 3) and past experience of handling ACDP level 2 organisms. ACDP level 3 experience would be desirable. Ability to learn and implement new laboratory techniques and effectively troubleshoot. Flexible and adaptable approach to work. Self-motivated and have an ability to develop good working relationships with colleagues and other team members across the business. A methodical approach to work and attention to detail. Experience of operating within a quality system (e.g. UKAS or GLP). Experience of working with COSHH and risk assessments for ACDP level 2 or 3 work. Good organisational and time management skills and ability to work on multiple projects

What's in it for you?

?25 days' holiday (rising to 29) 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 Fera operates a LTIP ( Long Term Incentive Plan) under which all employees are awarded points towards shares in the Employee Benefits Trust on an annual basis. The Employee Benefits Trust holds shares on behalf of our employee, at the point of an equity event the shares will realise a cash value.

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 recruitment@fera.co.uk


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 recruitment@fera.co.uk 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.

+44 (0)300 100 0321

recruitment@fera.co.uk

https://www.fera.co.uk/careers