At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse food safety samples using advanced mass spectrometry techniques and develop new methods.
- Company: Join a leading company dedicated to food safety and biosecurity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, flexible hours, gym access, and generous parental leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food safety while developing your scientific skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with LC-MS/MS or GC-MS/MS and strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for training and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Join us as a Scientist and make an invaluable contribution to our Food Safety & Biosecurity! As a scientist, you’ll carry out the analysis of residues and chemical contaminants in foodstuffs, packaging material and environmental matrices by using LC‑MS/MS and GC‑MS/MS, contribute to method development, and support the ongoing performance and reliability of our analytical instrumentation. You’ll also have opportunities to share your knowledge through training and collaboration across teams.
What you’ll be doing:
- Analyse samples using established methods and novel techniques.
- Report data to internal teams for timely delivery of external deadlines to accreditation standards.
- Contribute to the development of new LC‑MS methods.
- Contribute to instrument maintenance and repair, training others as required.
- Be aware of and follow the appropriate quality assurance and safety procedures.
- Write and work from Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) to defined quality standards.
- Deliver training to internal staff and external delegates.
What we’re looking for:
- Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of mass spectrometry.
- Hands‑on experience with LC‑MS/MS and/or GC‑MS/MS, including data processing.
- Familiarity with MassLynx, MassHunter or Chromeleon (desirable).
- Confident IT skills with the ability to quickly learn bespoke software.
- Willingness and aptitude to learn and implement new laboratory techniques.
- A flexible, adaptable and self‑motivated approach.
- Strong organisational and time‑management skills, with excellent attention to detail.
- A methodical mindset with proven troubleshooting ability.
- Experience working within a quality‑driven environment (e.g. UKAS, GLP or equivalent).
- A collaborative team player who builds effective working relationships.
What’s 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 weeks…and 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.
Equal Opportunity Employer
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 recruitment@fera.co.uk and we’ll get back to you.
Scientist - GC/LCMS employer: Fera Science Ltd.
Contact Detail:
Fera Science Ltd. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Scientist - GC/LCMS
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to mass spectrometry and analytical techniques. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring along a portfolio of your work or examples of projects you've contributed to, especially those involving LC-MS/MS or GC-MS/MS. This will help you stand out and demonstrate your hands-on experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Fera.
We think you need these skills to ace Scientist - GC/LCMS
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your hands-on experience with LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS. We want to see how your skills match up with what we're looking for, so don’t be shy about showcasing your relevant achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about food safety and biosecurity. Let us know how your background makes you a great fit for our team and the role.
Showcase Your Team Spirit: We love collaborative team players! In your application, mention any experiences where you've worked effectively in a team or trained others. This will help us see how you can contribute to our culture.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fera Science Ltd.
✨Know Your Mass Spectrometry Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your theoretical and practical knowledge of mass spectrometry. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with LC‑MS/MS and GC‑MS/MS, as well as any data processing you've done. This will show that you're not just familiar with the equipment but can also apply your knowledge effectively.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Software
If you have experience with MassLynx, MassHunter, or Chromeleon, be prepared to talk about it! If not, take some time to learn the basics of these software tools. Being able to demonstrate your IT skills and willingness to learn bespoke software will definitely impress the interviewers.
✨Emphasise Your Organisational Skills
Given the importance of quality assurance and meeting deadlines in this role, highlight your organisational and time-management skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed multiple tasks or projects while maintaining attention to detail, especially in a quality-driven environment.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
This position requires a collaborative team player, so think of instances where you've built effective working relationships. Be ready to share experiences of training others or contributing to team projects, as this will showcase your ability to work well with others and support a positive team dynamic.