Assistant Scientist - Chemistry

As a graduate, you will begin your career as an assistant scientist where you will work closely with the scientists and technical specialists in your area, preparing and extracting samples from various sources for chemical analysis to provide both qualitative and quantitative information on chemicals present, contributing to vital commercial research projects on food safety. Possible areas of expertise include chemical safety, environmental fate, pesticides, authenticity, veterinary medicines, contaminants, and packaging.

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.

• Be responsible for laboratory facilities (which include daily equipment checks, instrument maintenance and general laboratory housekeeping).

• Support sample prep during busy periods – log samples onto the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and prepare samples when required.

• Operate analytical instrumentation such as HPLC., Choose ‘Apply now’ to register your interest. If you have any questions you’d like to ask before registering, 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.

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.

• Graduates with a keen interest in creating a more sustainable world for generations to come.

• Scientific related qualification, preferably chemistry related.

• Practical IT experience, in particular Microsoft Packages such as Word and Excel.

• Experience of working in a laboratory is desirable, but not essential and we can teach you!

• Ability to keep clear written records.

• 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 is key.

• Experience of operating within a quality system (e.g. UKAS, GLP etc.) would be beneficial.

Fera Science is on the lookout for talented graduates to join us in 2025 to make an invaluable contribution to our Food Safety & Biosecurity!, Fera Science is situated on a purpose-built site close to the city of York, where our staff enjoy state of the art facilities including an onsite gym, staff restaurant and tranquil gardens for those sunny lunches!

• 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.