Job Description

Join us as a Laboratory Technician and make an invaluable contribution to our Food Safety & Biosecurity!
Are you detail-oriented, methodical, and passionate about supporting scientific analysis? Join our team as a Laboratory Technician, where you'll play a vital role in ensuring the accurate preparation and handling of samples for the analysis of chemical residues and contaminants in food. This is a hands-on role that involves varied tasks, from sample preparation to maintaining laboratory standards, all within a collaborative and supportive environment. Full training will be provided.
This is a 6 months fixed term position starting in Jan 2026.
What you'll be doing:

• Receive, log, and prepare samples for analysis, following SOPs and maintaining accurate records.
• Keep laboratories clean, safe, and well-stocked with glassware, consumables, and reagents.
• Manage sample storage, retrieval, and disposal, as well as waste handling (solvent, general, and clinical).
• Support testing teams by preparing and delivering samples, reagents, and maintaining equipment calibration and records to UKAS standards.
• Oversee procurement: raise purchase orders, monitor stock levels, and ensure timely delivery of consumables and equipment.
• Assist with sample preparation tasks such as homogenizing, freeze-drying, and weighing.

What we're looking for:

• Practical IT skills, especially Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Strong written record-keeping and ability to follow instructions accurately.
• Attention to detail and a methodical approach.
• Ability to identify potential issues and act proactively.
• Flexible, adaptable, and self-motivated with strong teamwork skills.

Additional Information

• The role involves routine/repetitive tasks and regular handling of raw animal flesh, fluids, cereals, nuts, and other foodstuffs.
• Full training provided for all tasks.
• The position is for 6 months fixed term

What's in it for you?

• ?25 days' holiday (rising to 29) with the opportunity to buy & sell 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
• 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
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