Join us as a Sample Preparation Assistant and make an invaluable contribution to our Food Safety & Biosecurity As a sample preparation assistant you will prepare proficiency test material samples for analytical laboratories participating in Fapas® programmes. This role involves making food and feed and other test material samples by a variety of methods and involves a wide variety of tasks and skills. This role is suitable for someone with no scientific experience as you will receive comprehensive training. What you’ll be doing: Hands on, practical and manual tasks to make test material samples from food and feed. Working with chemical contaminants to produce test materials. Using machinery and instruments, from handheld blenders to industrial mixers and mills. Preparing, storing and delivering a wide variety of samples to tight deadlines. Maintaining a clean working environment. Logging in samples on a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). General duties: record keeping, stocking consumables, emptying waste, cleaning. Working to the required safety and quality standards in a laboratory. What we’re looking for: A proactive, positive attitude to working in an adaptable environment with a flexible approach to work, to learn, using skills to meet daily challenges and drive your development. Communication is vital and a core skill to the role requiring clear, concise communication in person, by phone and by email. A methodical, organised approach with the ability to work at pace and effectively manage your time and give regular proactive, detailed updates on progress. Attention to detail is fundamental with the ability to follow instructions and keep accurate records. Evidence of team working skills in a practical environment are essential. Use of MS Office; computer literacy. Experience of working with food, animal feed or a background in catering or practical logistics would be beneficial. What’s in it for you? 23 days’ holiday (rising to 27) 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. The Employee Benefits Trust holds shares on behalf of our employee, at the point of an equity event the shares will realise a cash value. 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 recruitmentfera.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 recruitmentfera.co.uk and we’ll get back to you. The Company At Fera, we’re making the world a better, healthier and safer place. We’re a joint venture partnership between Bridgepoint 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. The Benefits On-site Gym Shopping & Transport Discounts Voluntary Benefits to suit your lifestyle LTIP/share scheme Documents