Virology Assistant Scientist – Fera Science Ltd.
Overview
Join us as an Assistant Scientist and make an invaluable contribution to our Food Safety & Biosecurity. Are you passionate about plant health and eager to build hands‑on experience in a scientific environment? We’re looking for a motivated individual to support the diagnosis and monitoring of plant diseases caused by viruses, viroids, and phytoplasmas. This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a laboratory setting using both molecular diagnostics and traditional virological techniques, contributing to vital research and surveillance projects that protect plant biosecurity.
Responsibilities
* Supporting the diagnosis of plant diseases caused by viruses, viroids, or phytoplasmas using molecular and traditional virological techniques (e.g. PCR, ELISA, sap inoculation, electron microscopy).
* Assisting with surveys and monitoring projects, including sample processing and preparation for diagnostic analysis.
* Managing consumables—preparing, labelling, ordering, and maintaining stock levels.
* Contributing to the validation and improvement of detection methods.
* Maintaining lab facilities and equipment, and producing media and buffers as needed.
* Supporting the inoculation and care of virus‑infected plants in glasshouses.
* Booking samples into electronic databases and ensuring accurate record‑keeping.
* Working to ISO17025 and ISO9001 quality standards.
* Collaborating with the team to respond to system support requests and uphold high standards of scientific practice.
Qualifications
* A science background—whether through education or experience—in biology, agriculture, virology, bacteriology, mycology, nematology, entomology, or molecular science.
* Experience or interest in working in a laboratory environment, following protocols and standard operating procedures.
* A keen interest in plant pests and pathogens, with strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain quality during repetitive tasks such as microscopy.
* A collaborative team player with effective communication skills and a proactive approach to learning.
* A commitment to quality and personal development, with the potential to progress into more senior scientific roles over time.
Benefits
* 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, cycle‑to‑work scheme, 15 weeks’ fully paid maternity, adoption and shared parental leave, paternity pay of two weeks and more.
* Voluntary benefits designed to suit your lifestyle – from discounts on retail and socialising, to health & wellbeing, travel and technology.
* Long Term Incentive Plan awarding points towards shares in the Employee Benefits Trust.
Next Steps
Choose ‘Apply now’ to fill out our short application so that we can learn more about you. If you have any questions before applying, please contact recruitment@fera.co.uk.
We’re an equal‑opportunity employer, which means we recruit and develop people based on 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 would like to discuss other changes or support you might need going forward, please email recruitment@fera.co.uk and we’ll get back to you.
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