Senior Data Scientist - Environmental Sciences

FERA; York and North Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research organization in the UK is seeking a Data Scientist to contribute to food safety and biosecurity. You will utilize advanced data techniques within a multidisciplinary team, focusing on critical areas like crop protection and biodiversity. Ideal candidates possess an MSc and expertise in data analysis, project management, and scientific communication. This role includes attractive benefits such as flexible working hours, 25 days of holiday, and participation in a long-term incentive plan.

Benefits

25 days’ holiday (rising to 29)

Flexible working hours

On-site gym

Company-matched pension

Life assurance

Voluntary benefits like retail discounts

Qualifications

• Strong experience in data analysis, project management, and research.
• Proven ability to lead complex projects with excellent planning skills.
• Experience in grant writing and a strong publication record.

Responsibilities

• Gather and review literature, perform data analysis using statistical techniques.
• Manage projects and lead scientific teams to deliver quality outputs.
• Represent the team at conferences and deliver presentations.

Skills

Data analysis

Project management

R

Python

Version control (Git)

Qualitative research

Quantitative research

Communication skills

Education

MSc in a relevant scientific discipline

Job description

Join us as a Data Scientist and make an invaluable contribution to our Food Safety & Biosecurity!

As a Data Scientist within Fera’s Socio‑Economic, Mathematics and Statistics (SEMS) team, you’ll contribute to innovative research and analysis that supports evidence-based decision‑making in plant health, food safety, and environmental science. Working alongside a multidisciplinary group of analysts, economists, and statisticians, you’ll apply advanced data techniques to tackle complex challenges in areas such as crop protection, soil health, biodiversity, and sustainable land use.

What you’ll be doing:

• Systematically gather and review published literature, perform quantitative and qualitative analysis using advanced statistical techniques, surveys, interviews, and focus groups.
• Apply theory-based evaluation methods to interpret complex datasets and generate actionable insights.
• Manage projects end-to-end, lead scientific teams, and ensure high-quality outputs are delivered on time and within budget.
• Identify funding opportunities, prepare proposals, and lead customer-facing meetings with government and commercial clients.
• Produce clear technical documentation, contribute to project reports, and support manuscript development.
• Represent the team at conferences and seminars, delivering impactful presentations and thought leadership.

What we’re looking for:

• MSc in a relevant scientific discipline with strong experience in data analysis, project management, and both qualitative and quantitative research.
• Proven experience in either R or Python.
• Proven ability to lead and deliver complex projects on time and within budget, with excellent planning and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in version control systems (Git/GitHub/GitLab) and clear documentation of analyses and development work.
• Demonstrated expertise in applying data analysis to crop health, soil health, food safety, or environmental science.
• Experience in grant writing and a strong publication record in scientific journals.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, translating complex findings into actionable insights.
• Ability to lead and collaborate within multidisciplinary project teams.
• Commitment to continuous development of technical skills and scientific knowledge.

What’s in it for you?

• 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 an 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:

Choose ‘Apply now’ to fill out our short application, so that we can find out more about you. If you have any questions you’d like to ask before applying, you can contact [e-mail].

We’re an equal opportunity employer, which means we recruit and develop people based on their 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 if you’d like to discuss other changes or support you might need going forward, please email [e-mail] and we’ll get back to you.

The Company

At Fera, we’re making the world a better, healthier and safer place. We’re a joint venture partnership between Bridgepoint and Defra and we’re working proactively to protect the world we live in and the food we eat. Our teams are investigating plant and bee health, crop protection and sustainable agriculture. Join us and discover better as you deliver world‑class science for the future.