Method Development Scientist - Molecular (Entomology)

Join us as a Scientist and make an invaluable contribution to our Food Safety & Biosecurity!

As a Method Development scientist you will be based within the Plant Health Molecular team developing and validating molecular biology methods across a range of pests & plant pathogens to meet plant health regulations. You will facilitate the development and transfer of these methods to routine diagnostic use in the molecular team and wider plant health team.

What youll be doing:

• Take responsibility for assigned molecular projects. Plan experiments undertaking validation and implementation of plant pest diagnostics using a range of molecular diagnostic tools.
• Transfer methods from research projects to routine frontline diagnostics following a process that ensures new assays are validated and fit for purpose.
• Undertake validation of new methods and verification of existing methods where appropriate (validation to ISO 17025 where appropriate).
• Produce protocols for the new methods.
• Provide molecular support to diagnostic work during busy periods
• Contribute to the drafting of scientific papers and research reports.
• Assist in the general day-to-day running of the Molecular Technology Facilities including maintenance of ISO 17025 accredited procedures.

What were looking for:

• A BSc or equivalent in an appropriate subject plus relevant lab experience. (Applicants without a science qualification will need to demonstrate appropriate relevant experience).
• The ability to meticulously follow laboratory 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.
• Proven molecular diagnostic experience including a range of nucleic acid extraction and detection techniques with the ability to work with a range of different sample types (plants/soils/invertebrates). Experience of training others would be beneficial.
• Good customer service 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.
• An interest in plant health pest and disease is desirable.

Whats in it for you

• 25 days holiday (rising to 29) 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 weeksand 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 youll 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 youd like to ask before applying you can contact

Were an equal opportunity employer which means we recruit and develop people based on their merit and passion. Were 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 youd like to discuss other changes or support you might need going forward please email at and well get back to you.

At Fera were making the world a better healthier and safer place. Were a joint venture partnership between Bridgepoint and Defra and were 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.