Assistant Scientist - Entomology
This is a Permanent, Full Time vacancy that will close in {x} days at {xx:xx} BST.
The Vacancy
Join us as an Assistant Scientist and make an invaluable contribution to our Food Safety & Biosecurity!
As a member of the Entomology Team, you will contribute to the delivery of entomology and acarology across the breadth of the work delivered by the team. This will include logging samples, preparation of samples for identification, assistance with laboratory research projects on insects and mites, and collection of insects in the field. The post holder will be expected to undertake training in sample preparation and in the identification of insects and mites. These will be from agricultural and horticultural samples and from food and feed storage premises.
What you’ll be doing:
- Contribute to all aspects of laboratory and field studies, under the supervision of a senior scientist, in compliance with the relevant study plans/methods. This will require working with both chemical and biological insect and mite control agents.
- Preparing samples for identification & logging samples.
- Maintain a range of insect cultures.
- Data entry and validation.
- Carry out general laboratory duties such as cleaning and maintaining facilities and equipment.
- Keep clear and accurate written and computer records of experimental work.
- Conduct work under a Defra Plant Health Quarantine Licence in compliance with standard operating procedures.
- You will be expected to participate in a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme, including training in the identification of insects and mites.
- Have the opportunity to assist other teams in the plant business unit as requires.
What we’re looking for:
- Ideally, you’ll have a qualification in a science subject, preferably a biology discipline or equivalent experience.
- Experience of working with insects and a keenness to develop knowledge of entomological biology and taxonomy is highly desired.
- Experience of working in a laboratory and following protocols or standard operating procedures is desirable.
- The position involves working with both live and dead insects, mites and other invertebrates, so feeling comfortable with this is key.
- We are looking for someone with excellent team working skills, who cares for the quality of their work and asks questions when unclear. Our ideal candidate will have excellent written and verbal communication; they will be able to work in an organised manner to deliver work as efficiently as possible to meet deadlines whilst maintaining high standards
- Practical IT skills in software packages such as Microsoft Word and Excel
What’s in it for you?
- Competitive salary: £23,920
- 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
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.
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
Flexible working
Pension contributions
Training & Development
On-site Gym
Shopping & Transport Discounts
Voluntary Benefits to suit your lifestyle
LTIP/share scheme
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