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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.
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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. 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.
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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 recruitment@fera.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 recruitment@fera.co.uk and we’ll get back to you.
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