At a Glance
- Tasks: Identify plant-parasitic nematodes and contribute to impactful food safety projects.
- Company: Join Fera, a leader in food safety and biosecurity.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, 25+ days holiday, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with excellent career growth and volunteering opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact while developing your scientific expertise.
- Qualifications: BSc in a relevant field and lab experience in nematology or similar.
Join us as a Scientist and make an invaluable contribution to our Food Safety & Biosecurity! As a Scientist you will work in our nematology team identifying plant-parasitic nematodes from plant and soil samples, received from the APHA Plant Health and Seed Inspectorate (PHSI) and via the Fera Plant Clinic. You will communicate regularly with customers, deliver timely results, and deepen your expertise in nematode taxonomy and biology while contributing to impactful project work.
What you’ll be doing:
- Perform morphological identification of plant-parasitic nematodes (to genus/species level) from plant and soil samples, delivering accurate results within agreed deadlines.
- Develop in-depth taxonomic and biological knowledge of plant-parasitic nematodes.
- Communicate with customers to understand their needs, advise on testing options, and report findings via email, phone, and internal systems.
- Collaborate with the Principal and Senior Plant Nematologists to support project delivery and contribute to taxonomic updates and publications.
- Assist with nematode extractions (free-living and cyst) as needed.
- Adhere to ISO 17025, ISO 9001, and quarantine standards.
- Support quality assurance initiatives to maintain ISO 17025 compliance.
- Deliver training to team members, clients, and visitors.
What we’re looking for:
- A BSc or equivalent in a relevant scientific subject plus relevant working lab experience. Candidates without a formal qualification must demonstrate equivalent experience.
- Proven experience in morphological identification of invertebrates for diagnostics or research (e.g. nematology, entomology, parasitology).
- Experience in identifying plant-parasitic nematodes in a lab setting is highly desirable.
- Strong customer service and organisational skills, with the ability to manage priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication.
- Ability to perform microscopy for extended periods while maintaining accuracy and consistency.
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.
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.
Scientist - Nematology in York employer: FERA
Fera is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where scientists can thrive and make meaningful contributions to food safety biosecurity. With flexible working hours, generous holiday allowances, and a strong focus on employee development through training and collaboration, Fera fosters a culture of innovation and support. Located in a vibrant area, employees also benefit from an on-site gym, restaurant, and the opportunity to engage in community volunteering, making it a truly rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Scientist - Nematology in York
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
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Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at FERA. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
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Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at FERA. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at FERA
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
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