Grow valuable lab skills as an Apprentice Laboratory Assistant:

Use your passion for science and practical mindset to kickstart your career in a dynamic and varied work environment. Here, you’ll progress, learn and develop within our world while working for a leading science company. You don’t need experience, just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to learn, and we’ll give you all the tools and resources you need. With on-the-job training, this is your chance to build new and valuable lab skills whilst gaining a recognised qualification – Level 4 (Cert HE) Biological Sciences with Level 3 apprenticeship.

You’ll be based in one of two programmes; Plant Protection or Food Safety – both of which will include the training and exposure to shape the success of the laboratory, and your career, too.

The work is purposeful, requires great attention to detail and the patience to double check for accuracy, but as an apprentice laboratory assistant, you will be rewarded with real learning on real projects, and make real impact. Move ahead in your career with an apprenticeship at Fera.

What you’ll be doing:

  • Supporting in the core laboratories
  • Responding to emergency delivery needs as they arise
  • Attending York St John University one day a week (term time only)
  • Working independently as well as part of a team
  • Driving transformation in one of the two programmes.

    • What we’re looking for:

  • A Level in Biology or Chemistry is preferred but not essential, or Level 3 science-based qualification, or relevant experience
  • Strong IT skills
  • The capability to work within deadlines
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to follow instruction into practice
  • Organised, determined and proactive approach to lab work and coursework
  • Punctual and strong work ethic.

    • About Capita and FERA Partnership

    At Capita we have ambitious plans for the future, that’s why we invest in technology, inspiring work environments, and you. FERA are the UK’s number one provider of translation science services to the food and plant protection industries, focusing on discovery technology across the agri-food chain, smarter surveillance and risk analysis.

    They’re an international centre of excellence for interdisciplinary investigation and problem solving across plant and bee health, crop protection, sustainable agriculture, food and feed quality and chemical safety in the environment. With 350 scientists in the extensive laboratory facilities of the National Agri-Food and Innovation Campus, you can explore new ideas and challenge perceptions in this impressive campus.

    What’s in it for you?

  • £19,372 salary per annum.
  • 23 days holiday (rising to 27) with the opportunity to buy extra leave.
  • Flexible working hours, on-site gym, nursery, 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.
  • Access to our Employee Network Groups, which represent every strand of diversity. Here you can connect and learn with others in an open, inclusive platform where who you are is celebrated.
  • Voluntary benefits designed to suit your lifestyle – from discounts on retail and socialising, to health & wellbeing, travel and technology.
  • Company matched pension, life assurance, a cycle2work scheme, 15 weeks’ fully paid maternity, adoption and shared parental leave, paternity pay of two plenty more.

    • 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.

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    We’re an equal opportunity and Disability Confident 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 (such as large print or audio), or if you’d like to discuss other changes or support you might need going forward, please email Iqbal at For more information about equal opportunities and process adjustments, please visit the Capita Careers website.