Join us as an Assistant Scientist (Food Authenticity) and make an invaluable contribution to our Food Safety & Biosecurity!
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.
As an Assistant Scientist in the authenticity and novel foods team you will be responsible for the preparation and extraction of samples for analysis. These will include food authenticity markers, safety/quality of novel foods such as alternative protein sources and cannabinoids, allergen detection and food contact materials.
You will work closely with the other teams in the Business Unit – particularly the packaging migration team - and staff may be expected to redeploy effectively throughout the Business Unit according to changing work demands.
Salary: £23,920
Location: York Bio Tech Campus YO411LZ
Working pattern: 37.5 Monday – Friday (flexi between 7am & 7pm)
Start date: ASAP depending on recruitment and onboarding timelines.
Closing Date: 30th August 2024
What you’ll be doing:

• Accountable for the preparation and extraction of samples for chemical analysis in accordance with SOP’s and meeting the appropriate quality criteria.
• Prepare samples ready for analysis using established techniques according to standard operating procedures.
• Extract and clean-up samples in preparation for analysis.
• Be aware of and follow the appropriate quality assurance and safety procedures.
• Support sample prep during busy periods - log samples onto the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and prepare samples when required.

What we’re looking for:

• Practical IT experience, in particular Microsoft Packages such as Word and Excel.
• Previous laboratory experience, preferably within an environment of analytical chemistry.
• Ability to keep clear written records.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions efficiently.
• Ability to recognise when things have potential to go wrong.
• Flexible, adaptable and “can do” approach to work.
• Self-motivated and have an ability to develop good working relationships with colleagues and other team members.
• A methodical approach to work and attention to detail.
• Experience of operating within a quality system (e.g. UKAS).
• The role may require long periods of standing.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary £23,920
• ​23 days’ holiday (rising to 27) 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 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.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent, Graduate
Pay: £23,920.00 per year
Benefits:

• Canteen
• Casual dress
• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee discount
• Employee mentoring programme
• Flexitime
• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Life insurance
• On-site gym
• On-site parking
• Referral programme
• Sick pay
• Transport links

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• York, North Yorkshire: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Application question(s):

• Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status?

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person