From farm to fork, we help to protect the food we eat and the world in which we live. Join Fera and play an important role biosecurity and help protect our farming and natural environment. This protection is critical for the future of our food supply and all the animals and plants that live in alongside us. We're proud of our heritage stretching back over 100 years, we make a difference to everyone; delivering science for the public good and tackling all sorts of risks, including plant pests, diseases and chemicals that threaten our food security and natural environment. We're a caring and responsible company committed to making the world a better, healthier and safer place. Innovation is at the core of Fera's science…

As an Assistant Scientist you will be responsible for the preparation and extraction of samples for analysis of chemical residues / contaminants in food, feed stuffs and / or food contact materials.

You will work closely with the other teams in the Programme and staff may be expected to redeploy effectively throughout the Programme according to changing work demands.

Job title:

Assistant Scientist- Food Contaminants

Job Description:

What you’ll be doing:

• 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.
• Ideally, you'll be a chemistry graduate and have previous laboratory experience, preferably within an environment of analytical chemistry
• Ability to keep clear written records and follow written and verbal instructions efficiently.
• 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.

About Fera

Fera are part of Capita Plc, a leading UK provider of technology enabled business services. We’re 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’re 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’ll have the opportunity to grow and develop your career in any number of directions.

What’s in it for you?

• A competitive basic salary £19,500
• 23 days’ 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’ 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
• The role is based at our world class site near York, UK with access to start-of the-art facilities.

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.

We’re an equal opportunity employer, which means we’ll consider all suitably qualified applicants regardless of gender identity or expression, ethnic origin, nationality, religion or beliefs, age, sexual orientation, disability status or any other protected characteristic. We recruit and develop our people based on merit and their passion for creating better outcomes, and we’re committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.