Job Description

Purpose of the role:

The post holder will examine seeds and plant products for contaminants using a range of microscopic and culturing techniques such as incubation and isolation in addition to making slide preparations for microscopic examination. They will set up tests following standard operating procedures and directions from senior colleagues on samples received. They will be trained in identifying contaminants found within the samples to meet Plant Health Regulations.

They will ensure samples are processed efficiently and effectively between disciplines, that customers are informed of their sample status, and final reports are delivered to appropriate deadlines. They will ensure samples are disposed of safely to the appropriate quarantine and non-quarantine waste streams. The role involves working in a busy laboratory where potential allergens are tested.

In addition, they will assist in surveys within the plant protection programme.

Job title: Assistant Scientist - Seeds

:

What you\'ll be doing:

• Visually examine seeds and plant product samples for contaminants and signs of disease using a light microscope to meet Plant Health Regulations.
• Set up diagnostic tests for seed pathogens using isolation and incubation methods.
• Identify fungi, weed seeds and other contaminants found in samples
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures, carry out work in accordance with ISTA (International Seed Testing Association), ISO17025 and ISO9001 quality accredited procedures.
• Complete laboratory documentation with testing results.
• Be responsible for helping to clean and maintain routinely used facilities and equipment.
• Assist other teams in the Plant Protection Programme with surveys and testing as required.
• Handle plant product and food samples that are potential allergens eg nuts and wheat flour

What we\'re looking for:

• Candidates should have 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above (including English and Maths or Science) or equivalent experience.
• The post holder will be expected to work in a laboratory and meticulously follow protocols and standard operating procedures.
• They will also be expected to provide good customer service and be able to prioritise their work in a busy environment. We will be particularly interested in candidates who have proven aseptic technique.
• We are looking for someone with excellent team working skills, who takes responsibility 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. They will also need to be able to lift heavy samples of up to 10Kg.
• Additional skills that will be desirable are practical laboratory experience in plant pathology, working with quarantine pathogens, an interest in plants and plant diseases, good IT skills particularly using databases and Microsoft applications including Outlook, and experience of working to accredited standards such as ISTA, ISO 17025 and ISO 9001.

About Fera Science

At Fera, we\'re making the world a better, healthier and safer place. We\'re a joint venture partnership between Capita and Defra and we\'re working proactively to protect the world we live in and the food we eat. Fera is a national and international centre of excellence for interdisciplinary investigation and problem solving across plant and bee health, crop protection, sustainable agriculture, food and feed quality and chemical safety in the environment. Join us and contribute to delivering world-class science for the future.

Fera are part of Capita Plc, a leading UK provider of technology enabled business services. We\'re supporting and improving the lives of millions of people every day and we can only do this with the right people in place, working towards a shared goal. We encourage an open, honest working environment where everyone can be true to themselves and people are valued for their differences. We\'re always challenging each other to learn and improve, because we know when we work together, we can deliver better outcomes. We work across such a huge range of businesses and sectors, that you\'ll have the opportunity to grow and develop your career in any number of directions.

What\xe2\x80\x99s in it for you?

• Competitive salary of \xc2\xa323,000
• \xe2\x80\x8b23 days\xe2\x80\x99 holiday (rising to 27) with the opportunity to buy extra leave
• 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\xe2\x80\x99 fully paid maternity, adoption and shared parental leave, paternity pay of two weeks\xe2\x80\xa6and plenty more
• Voluntary benefits designed to suit your lifestyle \xe2\x80\x93 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
• The role is based at our world class site near York, UK with access to start-of the-art facilities

You\xe2\x80\x99ll get the chance to follow your chosen career path anywhere in Capita. You\xe2\x80\x99ll be joining a network of 63,000 experienced, innovative and dedicated individuals across multiple disciplines and sectors. There are countless opportunities to learn new skills and develop in your career, and we\xe2\x80\x99ll provide the support you need to do just that. Our purpose is to create a better outcome for you.

What we hope you\xe2\x80\x99ll do next:

Choose \xe2\x80\x98Apply now\xe2\x80\x99 to fill out our short application, so that we can find out more about you.

We\xe2\x80\x99re an equal opportunity and Disability Confident employer, which means we recruit and develop people based on their merit and passion. We\xe2\x80\x99re 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 (such as large print or audio), or if you\xe2\x80\x99d like to discuss other changes or support you might need going forward, please email at reasonableadjustments@capita.com or call 07784 237318 and we\xe2\x80\x99ll get back to you. For more information about equal opportunities and process adjustments, please visit the Capita Careers website.

Location: York

, United Kingdom

Time Type: Full time

Contract Type: Permanent

Capita