Virology Assistant Scientist

Join us as an Assistant Scientist and make an invaluable contribution to our Food Safety & Biosecurity Are you passionate about plant health and eager to build hands-on experience in a scientific environment Were looking for a motivated individual to support the diagnosis and monitoring of plant diseases caused by viruses viroids and phytoplasmas. This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a laboratory setting using both molecular diagnostics and traditional virological techniques contributing to vital research and surveillance projects that protect plant biosecurity.What youll be doing: Supporting the diagnosis of plant diseases caused by viruses viroids or phytoplasmas using molecular and traditional virological techniques (e.g. PCR ELISA sap inoculation electron microscopy). Assisting with surveys and monitoring projects including sample processing and preparation for diagnostic analysis. Managing consumablespreparing labelling ordering and maintaining stock levels. Contributing to the validation and improvement of detection methods. Maintaining lab facilities and equipment and producing media and buffers as needed. Supporting the inoculation and care of virus-infected plants in glasshouses. Booking samples into electronic databases and ensuring accurate record-keeping. Working to ISO17025 and ISO9001 quality standards. Collaborating with the team to respond to system support requests and uphold high standards of scientific practice.What were looking for: A science backgroundwhether through education or experiencein biology agriculture virology bacteriology mycology nematology entomology or molecular science. Experience or interest in working in a laboratory environment following protocols and standard operating procedures. A keen interest in plant pests and pathogens with strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain quality during repetitive tasks such as microscopy. A collaborative team player with effective communication skills and a proactive approach to learning. A commitment to quality and personal development with the potential to progress into more senior scientific roles over time.Whats 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 weeksand 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 youll 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 youd like to ask before applying you can contact Were an equal opportunity employer which means we recruit and develop people based on their merit and passion. Were 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 youd like to discuss other changes or support you might need going forward please email at and well get back to you.The CompanyAt Fera were making the world a better healthier and safer place. Were a joint venture partnership between Bridgepoint and Defra and were 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. The Benefits On-site GymShopping & Transport DiscountsVoluntary Benefits to suit your lifestyleLTIP/share scheme Documents Key Skills Laboratory Experience,Immunoassays,Machine Learning,Biochemistry,Assays,Research Experience,Spectroscopy,Research & Development,cGMP,Cell Culture,Molecular Biology,Data Analysis Skills Employment Type : Full-Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1 Yearly Salary Salary: 20001 - 30000