Senior Scientist

Join us as a Senior Scientist (Method Development) and make an invaluable contribution to our Food Safety & Biosecurity

As a Senior Scientist, you'll lead method development and validation projects that protect consumers and ensure the authenticity of food. This is your opportunity to work at the forefront of analytical science and influence industry standards.

What you'll be doing:

• Lead the review, development, and validation of analytical methods for foodstuffs, food contact materials (FCMs), and related matrices using advanced techniques (GC, HPLC, MS, FTIR).
• Manage bespoke testing and R&D projects to ISO17025 standards, delivering results on time and to the highest quality.
• Drive innovation by identifying new research areas and preparing high-quality proposals for funding.
• Represent Fera at conferences and in publications, showcasing cutting-edge science.
• Collaborate with business development teams to transform research into commercial solutions.

What we're looking for:

• MSc (or higher) in Chemistry or related field, or significant equivalent experience
• Hands-on experience with analytical techniques (GC, HPLC, MS, FTIR) and wet chemistry sample prep.
• Proven track record in method development, optimisation, and validation (including SOP preparation).
• Strong project management and proposal writing skills.
• Knowledge of food safety, quality and authenticity regulations (desirable).
• Self-motivated, collaborative, and able to manage multiple projects effectively.

What's in it for you?

• Salary between £30,000 -£40,000 dependent on experience
• ​25 days' holiday (rising to 29) 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
• 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 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

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 and we'll get back to you.

The Company

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.

The Benefits

On-site Gym

Shopping & Transport Discounts

Voluntary Benefits to suit your lifestyle

LTIP/share scheme

Documents