At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative method development projects to ensure food safety and authenticity.
- Company: Join a pioneering organisation dedicated to food safety and biosecurity.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive salary, generous holiday, and wellness perks.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in analytical science while shaping industry standards.
- Qualifications: MSc in Chemistry or equivalent experience with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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.
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 recruitment@fera.co.uk. 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 recruitment@fera.co.uk and we’ll get back to you.
Senior Scientist, Analytical Method Dev | Flexible Hours employer: Fera Science Ltd.
Fera is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering flexible working hours and a supportive work culture. With a strong focus on innovation in food safety and biosecurity, employees have the opportunity to lead impactful projects while enjoying generous benefits such as 25 days of holiday, a company-matched pension, and access to diverse Employee Network Groups. Join us to be part of a collaborative team that values your contributions and encourages you to make a difference in the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Scientist, Analytical Method Dev | Flexible Hours
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant conferences, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your previous projects, especially those involving analytical methods like GC, HPLC, and MS. This will not only demonstrate your skills but also give you something tangible to discuss during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your experience in method development and project management clearly and concisely.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at recruitment@fera.co.uk – we’re here to help!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Scientist, Analytical Method Dev | Flexible Hours
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Senior Scientist role. Highlight your hands-on experience with analytical techniques like GC, HPLC, MS, and FTIR, as well as any method development projects you've led.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about food safety and biosecurity. Share specific examples of your project management and proposal writing skills, and how they align with our mission at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements in method development and validation. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate the impact of your work, especially if it relates to ISO17025 standards.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fera Science Ltd.
✨Know Your Analytical Techniques
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of GC, HPLC, MS, and FTIR. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with these techniques and how you've applied them in method development and validation. This will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but have practical skills that can contribute to the team.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of past projects where you successfully managed timelines and delivered results to ISO17025 standards. Highlight your ability to juggle multiple projects and how you ensure quality and efficiency. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the Senior Scientist role.
✨Be Ready to Drive Innovation
Think about new research areas you've identified in the past and how you proposed funding for those projects. Be prepared to discuss your ideas on how to drive innovation within the company. This shows that you're proactive and forward-thinking, which is crucial for this position.
✨Engage with the Company’s Mission
Familiarise yourself with Fera's commitment to food safety and biosecurity. During the interview, express your passion for these areas and how your background aligns with their mission. This connection can set you apart as a candidate who truly understands and values the company's goals.
