Assistant Scientist - Seeds in York

Join us as an Assistant Scientist and make an invaluable contribution to our Food Safety & Biosecurity! As an assistant scientist (seeds) you will examine seeds and plant products for contaminants using a range of microscopic and culturing techniques such as incubation and isolation in addition to making slide preparations for microscopic examination. You will set up tests following standard operating procedures and directions from senior colleagues on samples received. You will be trained in identifying contaminants found within the samples to meet Plant Health Regulations.

What you’ll be doing:

• Visually examine seeds and plant product samples for contaminants and signs of disease using a light microscope to meet Plant Health Regulations.
• Set up diagnostic tests for seed pathogens using isolation and incubation methods.
• Identify fungi, weed seeds and other contaminants found in samples.
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures, carry out work in accordance with ISTA (International Seed Testing Association), ISO17025 and ISO9001 quality accredited procedures.
• Complete laboratory documentation with testing results.
• Be responsible for helping to clean and maintain routinely used facilities and equipment.
• Assist other teams in the Plant Protection Programme with surveys and testing as required.
• Handle plant product and food samples that are potential allergens e.g. nuts and wheat flour.

What we’re looking for:

• A qualification in a relevant science subject or equivalent experience.
• You will be interested in working in a laboratory and able to meticulously follow protocols and standard operating procedures.
• Good customer service skills and the ability to prioritise work in a busy environment.
• Proven aseptic technique is desirable.
• Excellent team working skills, and can take responsibility for the quality of work and asks questions when unclear.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; able to work in an organised manner to deliver work efficiently to meet deadlines whilst maintaining high standards.
• Practical laboratory experience in plant pathology, specifically working with quarantine pathogens is desirable but not essential if you have an interest in plants and plant diseases.
• Good IT skills particularly using databases and Microsoft applications including Outlook, and experience of working to accredited standards such as ISTA, ISO 17025 and ISO 9001.

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.