Principal Scientist- Plant & Bee Health

at  Fera Science

JOIN US AS A PRINCIPAL SCIENTIST (PLANT & BEE HEALTH) AND MAKE AN INVALUABLE CONTRIBUTION TO OUR BIOSECURITY & FOOD SAFETY!

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.
We’re seeking a Principal Scientist to accelerate focus and build on the strengths of our existing business in Plant & Bee Health.
We invest in our people and have appointed a number of emerging leaders with the potential to act and lead on innovative initiatives. Our Principal Scientists demonstrate strong subject matter prowess with the ability to fundamentally challenge the science quality across our business whilst taking responsibility for representation of its science externally and applying commercial acumen for the evaluation of opportunities.
As a Principal Scientist, you will play the leading role in the science development and delivery of work in your scientific areas of expertise and make a significant contribution to the overall scientific direction of Fera. You will be accountable for the successful (scientifically and financially) and efficient delivery of a portfolio of testing services and/or projects, directing and mentoring colleagues as appropriate. Your breadth of knowledge will be such that you can lead and influence across the whole business in multiple science workstreams.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING:

This role will play a key part in the delivery and oversight of the Specialist Science and Contingency Services (SSCS) contract with the UK Government as well as:

• Contribute to Defra’s strategic planning in Plant Health, Bee Health, Genetic Modification and Non-Native Species.
• Lead on Fera’s Science Strategy in these areas to meet both Defra’s needs under the SSCS and Fera’s commercial requirements.
• This role will have a close relationship with Defra’s Chief Plant Health Officer and will work closely with them and others across a range of Defra and industry meetings.
• To develop further relationships within government at the Deputy Director and Grade 6 level to enable Fera to provide strategic science services across government.
• Driving the Science Excellence within the SSCS contract, including oversight of the Continuous Improvement process that will ensure that the services are delivered in a way that appropriately balances excellence and value for money.
• Science innovation is fundamental to Fera’s success. This role will lead on Innovation within the SSCS and work closely with Defra to ensure that potential innovations align with Defra’s strategy and requirements.

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 recruitment@fera.co.uk
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 at recruitment@fera.co.uk and we’ll get back to you.
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.
+44 (0)300 100 0321