Description:
Fera Science Limited is seeking a dedicated Scientist to join the Animal Health Monitoring Team, contributing to food safety and biosecurity through critical laboratory work. In this role, you will play a vital part in protecting animal health, supporting medical and biological research across the UK. Your work will involve health monitoring services for laboratory animals, including serology, real-time PCR, bacteriology, and parasitology, aimed at identifying and eliminating infectious agents that could compromise research quality. This service not only protects research integrity but also safeguards researchers, animal carers, and the animals themselves.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conducting analysis of biological samples in the laboratory with the Animal Health Monitoring Team.
- Performing specimen collection and necropsy investigations on laboratory rodents.
- Isolating bacteria using diverse culture media and bench tests.
- Identifying bacteria through MALDI-ToF, Real-time PCR, and sequencing techniques.
- Detecting antibodies using Multiplex Fluorometric Immunoassays and Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Tests.
- Using microscopy techniques to detect parasites.
- Performing water total viable count analysis.
- Conducting molecular screening, including PCR, real-time PCR, and sequencing preparation.
- Entering data into the Laboratory Information System (Nautilus).
- Assisting in the validation and improvement of diagnostic detection methods.
Required Qualifications & Skills:
- A relevant BSc degree or equivalent experience.
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience in laboratory animal work or laboratory diagnostics.
- Suitable for Laboratory Animal Technicians or Scientists with appropriate experience.
- Strong ability to prioritise tasks, follow protocols, and adhere to standard operating procedures.
- Excellent teamwork, attention to detail, and willingness to ask questions when unclear.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Proven aseptic techniques and rodent handling skills are highly desirable.
Benefits:
- Salary of £25,625 per year (equivalent to 2135 per month).
- 23 days’ holiday (increasing to 27 days) plus the option to buy additional leave.
- Flexible working hours, on-site gym, restaurant, and free parking.
- One paid day annually for volunteering.
- Company-matched pension, life assurance, cycle-to-work scheme, 15 weeks of fully paid maternity, adoption, and shared parental leave, plus 2 weeks of paternity pay.
- Voluntary benefits tailored to lifestyle needs, including discounts on retail, travel, technology, and more.
- Access to Employee Network Groups promoting diversity and inclusion.
- Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP): Annual allocation of points towards shares in the Employee Benefits Trust, with potential cash value during an equity event.