Scientist - Entomology

FERA SCIENCE LTD; Bradford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research organization in Bradford is looking for a Scientist to join the Entomology team. You will identify various invertebrates and support multiple projects in Plant Protection. The role requires attention to detail and adherence to quality and safety standards. Ideal candidates will have a BSc in a related biological science and experience in identifying invertebrates. Benefits include flexible working hours, generous leave, and a company-matched pension plan.

Benefits

25 days' holiday (rising to 29)

Flexible working hours

On-site gym

Company matched pension

Paid volunteering day

Qualifications

• Experience in identifying insects, soil mesofauna, or earthworms.
• Ability to work meticulously and accurately.
• Experience working to accredited standards (ISO 9001, ISO 17025).

Responsibilities

• Identify soil mesofauna and other invertebrates to family or species level.
• Work on research projects and deliver entomology work.
• Ensure adherence to quality systems and best practices.

Skills

Identification of invertebrates

Experience with dissecting microscope

Attention to detail

Good IT skills (Microsoft applications)

Education

BSc in entomology, zoology, biology or related field

Job description

Join us as a Scientist and make an invaluable contribution to our Food Safety & Biosecurity! As a Scientist, you will join the Entomology team, where your primary responsibility will be the accurate identification of invertebrates. A significant portion of your work will focus on soil mesofauna, including Collembola and Acari, as well as earthworms, identified to family or species level. In addition, you will contribute to a range of projects across Plant Protection as required. Some activities will be carried out under a Defra Plant Health Quarantine Licence, requiring meticulous attention to detail and strict adherence to established standards and procedures.

• Identifications of soil mesofauna, earthworms and other insects to family or species taxonomic levels. Training will be given in specific invertebrate groups, including soil mesofauna.
• Working on research projects.
• Delivering entomology work across the team as required.
• Ensure best practice in the laboratory, following Standard Operating Procedures and adherence to quality systems (ISO 9001 and ISO 17025).
• Contribute to writing and reviewing team Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) documents and risk assessments.
• Deliver work across Plant Protection as required.

  Candidates should have a BSc or equivalent level qualification in entomology, zoology, biology or a related biological science. Candidates without these qualifications will need to be able to provide evidence of the required skills and relevant experience.

• Experience in identification of insects, soil mesofauna, earthworms or other small invertebrates, please state any groups in which you have experience of identifying in your CV.
• Experience in the use of dissecting microscope equipment.
• Ability to work meticulously and accurately.
• Candidates need to have experience of working in a lab, experience of prioritising tasks and delivering work to a high standard and to set deadlines in a busy and fluid working environment. You must also be well organised, demonstrate attention to detail, and have a flexible approach to changing priorities.
• Experience of working to accredited standards such as ISO 9001 or ISO 17025.
• Our ideal candidate will have experience of working as part of a team but also on their own initiative with minimum supervision; clear and accurate written and verbal communication skills are essential.
• Good IT skills, particularly using Microsoft applications including Outlook, Excel, Word and PowerPoint.

  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, 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.
• 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.