Job Description

Join us as an Assistant Scientist and make an invaluable contribution to our Food Safety & Biosecurity!
As an assistant scientist (seeds) you will examine seeds and plant products for contaminants using a range of microscopic and culturing techniques such as incubation and isolation in addition to making slide preparations for microscopic examination. You will set up tests following standard operating procedures and directions from senior colleagues on samples received. You will be trained in identifying contaminants found within the samples to meet Plant Health Regulations.
What you'll be doing:

• Visually examine seeds and plant product samples for contaminants and signs of disease using a light microscope to meet Plant Health Regulations.
• Set up diagnostic tests for seed pathogens using isolation and incubation methods.
• Identify fungi, weed seeds and other contaminants found in samples
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures, carry out work in accordance with ISTA (International Seed Testing Association), ISO17025 and ISO9001 quality accredited procedures.
• Complete laboratory documentation with testing results.
• Be responsible for helping to clean and maintain routinely used facilities and equipment.
• Assist other teams in the Plant Protection Programme with surveys and testing as required.
• Handle plant product and food samples that are potential allergens eg nuts and wheat flour.

What we're looking for:

• A qualification in a relevant science subject or equivalent experience.
• You will be interested in working in a laboratory and able to meticulously follow protocols and standard operating procedures.
• Good customer service skills and the ability to prioritise work in a busy environment. We will be particularly interested if you have proven aseptic technique.
• Excellent team working skills, and can take responsibility for the quality of work and asks questions when unclear. Our ideal candidate will have excellent written and verbal communication; and be able to work in an organised manner to deliver work as efficiently as possible to meet deadlines whilst maintaining high standards.
• Practical laboratory experience in plant pathology, specifically working with quarantine pathogens is desirable but not essential if you have an interest in plants and plant diseases,
• Good IT skills particularly using databases and Microsoft applications including Outlook, and experience of working to accredited standards such as ISTA, ISO 17025 and ISO 9001.

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