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This vacancy for an assistant scientist is within Fera's Bee Health team. The team's work feeds into the sustainable agriculture and environment sector of Fera's work. Fera is a leading UK centre for sustainable agriculture and plant protection research, providing truly interdisciplinary applied research for commercial and government customers.
Fera staff make up the research and development element of the National Bee Unit (NBU). The Unit's role is to provide support for the protection of the honeybee from threats such as serious pests and diseases and environmental impact.
This role will have a focus on delivery of diagnostic services to identify statutory pests and pathogens of honeybees, engagement with bee inspectors and beekeepers and assisting with annual surveys of beekeeping practices. In addition, the jobholder will work across teams within the Plants Programme to assist with other diagnostic services for plant health and providing support for research and development projects as required. Some field work and beekeeping duties may also be required.
This job would suit a well organised person with practical experience of working in a diagnostic laboratory who also has an interest in entomology/bee health.
What you'll be doing
- Work from Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to identify and diagnose pathogens and pests affecting bee health, including using molecular diagnostic methods
- Demonstration of diagnostic techniques for bee inspectors and beekeepers
- Data entry and checking
- Assisting with sample preparation for plant health related projects
- Support for field trials and general beekeeping activities if required
- Carry out general laboratory duties e.g. glassware washing, cleaning and tidying
What we're looking for
- Qualifications in a science subject, preferably biology
- Experience of working in a laboratory
- A methodical approach to work and attention to detail
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions efficiently
- Flexible and adaptable approach to work
- Practical IT experience, in particular Microsoft Office applications
- Ability to keep clear written records
- Clear verbal communication and confidence
- Ability to work in a team and independently as required
About Fera
At Fera, we’re making the world a better, healthier and safer place. We’re a joint venture partnership between Capita and Defra and we’re working proactively to protect the world we live in and the food we eat. Our teams are investigating plant and bee health, crop protection and sustainable agriculture. Join us and discover better as you deliver world-class science for the future.
Fera are part of Capita Plc, a leading UK provider of technology enabled business services. We’re supporting and improving the lives of millions of people every day and we can only do this with the right people in place, working towards a shared goal. We encourage an open, honest working environment where everyone can be true to themselves and people are valued for their differences.
We’re always challenging each other to learn and improve, because we know when we work together, we can deliver better outcomes. We work across such a huge range of businesses and sectors, that you’ll have the opportunity to grow and develop your career in any number of directions.
What’s in it for you?
- A competitive salary
- 23 days’ holiday (rising to 27) with the opportunity to buy extra leave
- 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
- The opportunity to take a paid day out of the office, volunteering for our charity partners or a cause of your choice
- 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
- The role is based at our world class site near York, UK with access to start-of the-art facilities, on site gym, free parking and discounted public transport
- You’ll be required on site full time, 37.5 hours per week, Monday – Friday. We offer flexi time anytime between 7am and 7pm
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.
We’re an equal opportunity and Disability Confident 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.
