Join us as a Molecular Scientist and make an invaluable contribution to our Food Safety & Biosecurity As a Molecular Scientist you will support the work of the High Throughput Sequencing Team to meet plant health regulations. Additionally, you will contribute to the delivery of R&D projects and report on work to line manager and senior staff as appropriate. This will include, but is not limited to, extraction of nucleic acid from a range of sample matrices, use of PCR and similar technologies, and use of High Throughput Sequencing (HTS) platforms. What you’ll be doing: Undertake laboratory-based work using High Throughput Sequencing technologies to deliver routine diagnostics in support of plant health pest and diseases. Also support implementation of new methods and troubleshoot issues when they arise. Contribute to the delivery of R&D projects within the team under the guidance of line manager/project managers and other team members. Actively contribute to flexible working practices and team working, including contributing to team meetings, to ensuring key performance indicators are met. Ensure best laboratory practice is employed at all times with an adherence to ISO17025 and ISO9001 quality accreditation standards. Be responsible for helping to maintain routinely used facilities and equipment, and assist with stock control/ordering consumables. Assist in the drafting of SOPs, laboratory and COSHH risk assessments. What we’re looking for: A BSc or equivalent in Biology or a related subject plus at least 1 year's relevant lab experience. (Applicants without a science qualification will need to demonstrate appropriate relevant experience). You will be expected to work in the laboratory, meticulously follow protocols and standard operating procedures and maintain high quality standards. Experience of working to accredited standards such as ISO 17025 and ISO 9001 is desirable. Ideally, you will have practical experience with High Throughput Sequencing technologies, as well as a range of nucleic acid extraction and PCR & real-time PCR techniques. An ability to work with a range of different sample types (plants/soils/invertebrates) is desirable. Strong communication skills with the ability to prioritise work in a busy environment. Excellent team working skills, the ability to solve problems and quickly recognise and flag-up issues when they arise. Good IT skills, particularly in the use of databases and Microsoft applications including Outlook, are essential. What’s in it for you? A Salary of £25,625 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