Job Description

Purpose of the role:

Fera is recruiting a new member of staff to join the Molecular team within Plant Protection Programme. The role of Molecular Scientist (Method Development) will be to develop and validate molecular biology methods with a particular focus of Entomology methods, to meet plant health regulations. The post holder will facilitate the development and transfer of these entomological methods to routine diagnostic use in the molecular team and wider plant health team. The post holder will also be involved in training internal and external staff in the
use of in-field diagnostics.

This role will be based within the Plant Health Molecular team but will work across the Entomology team in support of statutory outbreaks, surveys, commercial services, and R&D projects.
This job would suit someone with an interest in Entomology and Molecular Biology to take the next steps in their career to provide real world solutions to quarantine pest issues.

Job title: Molecular Development Scientist (Entomology)

:

What you\'ll be doing:

• Take responsibility for assigned molecular projects with a particular focus within the Entomology discipline. Plan experiments, undertaking validation and implementation of plant pest diagnostics, using a range of molecular diagnostic tools (real-time PCR, LAMP).
• Transfer methods from research projects to routine frontline diagnostics following a process that ensures new assays are validated and fit for purpose.
• Undertake validation of new methods and verification of existing methods where appropriate (validation to ISO 17025 where appropriate).
• Produce protocols for the new methods.
• Provide molecular support to diagnostic work during busy periods
• Contribute to the drafting of scientific papers and research reports.
• Assist in the general day-to-day running of the Molecular Technology Facilities, including maintenance of ISO 17025 accredited procedures.

What we\'re looking:

• Candidates should have a BSc or equivalent in an appropriate subject plus at least 1 year\'s relevant lab experience. (Applicants without a science qualification will need to demonstrate appropriate relevant experience).
• The post holder will be expected to work in the laboratory, meticulously follow protocols and standard operating procedures and maintain high quality standards. Experience of working to accredited standards such as ISO 17025 and ISO 9001 is desirable
• We are particularly interested in candidates who have entomology and molecular diagnostic experience including a range of nucleic acid extraction and detection techniques and are able to work with a range of different sample types (plants/soils/invertebrates)
• Experience of training others is also desirable
• The post holder will be expected to provide good customer service and be able to prioritise their work in a busy environment.
• They will also have excellent team working skills, the ability to solve problems and quickly recognise and flag-up issues when they arise. Good IT skills, particularly in the use of databases and Microsoft applications including Outlook, are essential.
• Additionally, an interest in plant health pest and disease is desirable.

About Fera

At Fera, we\xe2\x80\x99re making the world a better, healthier and safer place. We\xe2\x80\x99re a joint venture partnership between Capita and Defra and we\xe2\x80\x99re 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.

Fera are part of Capita Plc, a leading UK provider of technology enabled business services. We\xe2\x80\x99re supporting and improving the lives of millions of people every day and we can only do this with the right people in place, working towards a shared goal. We encourage an open, honest working environment where everyone can be true to themselves and people are valued for their differences. We\xe2\x80\x99re always challenging each other to learn and improve, because we know when we work together, we can deliver better outcomes. We work across such a huge range of businesses and sectors, that you\xe2\x80\x99ll have the opportunity to grow and develop your career in any number of directions.

What\xe2\x80\x99s in it for you?

• Competitive basic salary
• \xe2\x80\x8b23 days\xe2\x80\x99 holiday (rising to 27) with the opportunity to buy extra leave
• 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\xe2\x80\x99 fully paid maternity, adoption and shared parental leave, paternity pay of two weeks\xe2\x80\xa6and plenty more
• Voluntary benefits designed to suit your lifestyle \xe2\x80\x93 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
• The role is based at our world class site near York, UK with access to start-of the-art facilities

What we hope you\xe2\x80\x99ll do next:

Choose \xe2\x80\x98Apply now\xe2\x80\x99 to fill out our short application, so that we can find out more about you. If you have any questions you\xe2\x80\x99d like to ask before applying, you can contact jolee.begum@capita.com .

We\xe2\x80\x99re an equal opportunity and Disability Confident employer, which means we recruit and develop people based on their merit and passion. We\xe2\x80\x99re 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 (such as large print or audio), or if you\xe2\x80\x99d like to discuss other changes or support you might need going forward, please email at reasonableadjustments@capita.com or call 07784 237318 and we\xe2\x80\x99ll get back to you. For more information about equal opportunities and process adjustments, please visit the Capita Careers website.

Location: York

, United Kingdom

Time Type: Full time

Contract Type: Permanent

Capita