At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct molecular analysis of plant and fungal samples in a dynamic lab environment.
- Company: Join Fera, a leader in food safety and biosecurity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, flexible hours, gym access, and a share scheme.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact while developing your scientific skills.
- Qualifications: Scientific qualification or equivalent experience with strong teamwork skills.
The predicted salary is between 25650 - 31350 £ per year.
Join us as an Assistant Scientist and make an invaluable contribution to our Food Safety & Biosecurity! As an assistant scientist you will be conducting molecular analysis of samples within the Mycology Team, part of the Plant, Animal and Environmental Health Business Unit. You will be responsible for ensuring samples are processed and analysed within agreed timescales through effective workload planning and strict adherence to established procedures.
What you’ll be doing:
- Molecular analysis, using conventional PCR, real-time PCR and sequencing of plant and fungal samples following standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Ensuring best practice in the laboratories by adhering to quality systems (ISO 17025 and ISO 9001).
- Helping colleagues prioritise samples.
- Helping colleagues to troubleshoot problems if they occur.
- Stock control of reagents and consumables.
- Cleaning and maintaining routinely used facilities and equipment.
- Possibly assisting with literature reviews.
What we’re looking for:
- A scientific qualification, or equivalent experience.
- Excellent team working skills, who cares for the quality of their work and asks questions when unclear.
- The ability to follow SOPs and work to a high standard in an organised manner to meet deadlines.
- Experience in molecular diagnostics using a range of nucleic acid extraction and detection techniques.
- Experience of working to accredited quality standards such as ISO 17025 and ISO 9001.
- Good IT skills particularly using Microsoft applications (Word, Excel and Outlook).
Additional desirable skills:
- An interest in plants and plant diseases.
- Sequence interpretation (e.g., using Geneious and NCBI BLAST database).
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, free parking and a discounted on-site nursery.
- 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.
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.
Assistant Scientist - Mycology in York employer: FERA
Fera is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering a supportive work culture where innovation is encouraged. With benefits like flexible working hours, generous holiday allowances, and a unique Long Term Incentive Plan, employees can thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to vital work in food safety and biosecurity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Scientist - Mycology in York
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like FERA. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like FERA!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Scientist - Mycology in York
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show FERA that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at FERA.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that FERA does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at FERA
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at FERA. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into FERA's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at FERA. This shows your passion for the industry!
