Scientist - Food Packaging

FERA SCIENCE LTD; Sand Hutton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A research organization in the UK is looking for a scientist in the food business unit. The candidate will be responsible for preparing and analyzing food samples using various wet chemistry and analytical techniques, ensuring compliance with standards. Applicants should have a BSc in a relevant scientific field and hands-on experience with wet chemistry techniques. The role includes providing training to junior staff and contributing to customer reports. Benefits include flexible hours, a gym, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

25 days' holiday (rising to 29)

Flexible working hours

On-site gym

Company matched pension

Voluntary benefits for lifestyle

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with wet chemistry techniques required.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail needed.
• Experience working within a quality system like UKAS or GLP is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and analyse samples in a timely manner.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards and safety.
• Support daily laboratory operations and assist in audits.

Skills

Wet chemistry techniques

Analytical techniques (GC, HPLC, HRMS, FTIR)

Strong IT skills

Organizational skills

Troubleshooting skills

Education

BSc in a relevant scientific subject or equivalent

Job description

As a scientist, within the food business unit, you will be primarily responsible for the preparation and analysis of foodstuffs, food contact materials (FCMs) and other matrices using a variety of wet chemistry and analytical techniques. You will take a lead in the scientific delivery of testing services or projects, seeking advice of senior scientists where appropriate and working effectively with other scientists and assistant scientists to deliver high quality outputs for our customers.

What you'll be doing

• Preparing and analysing samples, in a timely manner and to defined deadlines and requirements.
• Ensure compliance with quality assurance and health & safety standards.
• Write and follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Support daily operation of the team's laboratories (housekeeping, stock check, logging in samples and standards, assisting in both internal & external audits etc.).
• Support more junior members of the team and deliver training to internal staff and external delegates, as required.
• Contribute to and prepare detailed customer reports.

Qualifications

• A BSc in a relevant scientific subject or equivalent experience in laboratory work.
• Hands‑on experience with wet chemistry techniques (e.g., solvent extraction, SPE).
• Knowledge of analytical techniques such as GC, HPLC, HRMS, FTIR, headspace, and thermal desorption.
• Strong IT skills and ability to learn bespoke software quickly.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects.
• Experience working within a quality system (e.g., UKAS or GLP).
• A proactive, adaptable approach and strong troubleshooting skills.

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.
• 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.

What we hope you’ll do next