Assistant Scientist- Molecular Biology

**Join us as an Assistant Scientist (Molecular Biology) 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 you’ll prepare and test samples, using molecular biology analysis, for plant health pests and diseases. In addition you will assist with maintenance of laboratory consumables, equipment and facilities as well as working within quality systems, required as part of official accreditation schemes such as ISO 17025.

**Role**: Assistant Scientist

**Salary**: £23,920

**Location**: York, UK - BioTech Campus YO411LZ

**Working pattern**: 37.5 Monday - Friday anytime between 7am & 7pm (flexi)

**Start date**: ASAP depending on recruitment and onboarding timelines.

**What you’ll be doing**:

- Assist with the diagnosis of plant diseases using molecular diagnostics (including real-time and conventional PCR)
- Assist with surveys and projects to monitor for the presence of plant disease, key elements include: Processing samples for diagnostic analysis using molecular techniques, preparation and labelling of consumables, stock control/ordering consumables used in diagnostic work and booking in samples onto our electronic database
- Validating and implementing improvements in detection methods
- Working in accordance with ISO17025 and ISO9001 quality accreditation standards
- Assist with the production of media and buffers where necessary

**What we’re looking for**:

- Ideally you’ll have a science qualification or equivellent experience
- Excellent attention to detail and good customer service skills
- We are looking for someone with excellent team working skills, who cares for the quality of their work and asks questions when unclear.
- You’ll be a keen collaborator and have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Working knowelege of Microsoft packages
- Previous experience in a labatory setting working with molecular biology or plant pathology would be desireable as well as experience working to quality standards

**What’s in it for you?**
- Competitive salary from £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**:
**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

**Salary**: £23,920.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Canteen
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee discount
- Employee mentoring programme
- Free or subsidised travel
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site gym
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
- Sick pay
- Transport links
- Work from home

Schedule:

- Flexitime
- Monday to Friday
- No weekends

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Sand Hutton, North Yorkshire: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)

Application question(s):

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

**Education**:

- Bachelor's (preferred)

Work authorisation:

- United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person