About the job

Job summary

Are you excited by the opportunity to contribute to the growth of a diverse workforce which is reflective of the people of Scotland?

Would you like the opportunity to grow and develop your skills with a variety of learning and development opportunities?  If so, SASA are looking for a Molecular Ecologist to join its Wildlife DNA Forensics team.  This role offers the opportunity for interesting, varied and at times fast-paced work in a high profile area. In addition, you will be expected to engage with customers and stakeholders and represent the WDF at an international level with relevant professional groups.

The Wildlife DNA Forensics unit at SASA is a small team delivering analysis of non-human DNA evidence for criminal investigations across the UK. We are part of the Diagnostics, Wildlife & Molecular Biology (DWMB) branch of SASA which is a division of the ARE directorate in the Scottish Government.  The principal functions of our branch are:

• Development of novel DNA/RNA based methods for the detection of plant pathogens and identification of plant varieties.
• Provision of Wildlife DNA Forensics – for casework and research
• Advice and research on wildlife management
• Development and commercial production of antibodies for the detection of plant pathogens.

As the Molecular Ecologist, you will lead on management of our ongoing Raptor DNA Database projects for Peregrine Falcon, Hen Harrier and Golden Eagle. Each project involves a large network of volunteers across the UK who collect buccal swabs each nesting season. You will be responsible for ensuring the correct BTO licences are in place each year to collect swabs, manage volunteer lists and enquiries, send out swabbing kits, coordinate the receipt of samples and process the samples in the lab with DNA extraction and DNA profiling using microsatellite markers.

You will also lead in the development and validation of new molecular tests which will assist with specific wildlife crime priorities, specifically in relation to raptor persecution. You will take an active lead in current research projects with Peregrine Falcons and Golden Eagles, from laboratory aspects through to data analysis and the writing of validation reports.

In addition, you will be required to act as a technical reviewer for forensic reports relating to DNA profiling.   

24 month Fixed Term Appointment .

The salary provided is for a full time position.  For more information on the number of hours and part time salary, please email the point of contact.

Job description

• Manage ongoing DNA database projects for Hen Harriers, Peregrine Falcons, and Golden Eagles, including co-ordinating volunteers, processing samples received for DNA profiling and maintaining detailed records..
• Progress deliverables for DNA profiling research projects relating to Falconry.
• Develop an STR profiling method for Golden Eagles that is suitable for forensic casework.
• Act as technical reviewer for casework reports relating to DNA profiling.

Person specification

1. Strong laboratory skills: the development and optimisation of molecular techniques, particularly microsatellite genotyping.
2. A thorough understanding of, and ability to undertake population genetic analysis..
3. Experience of conducting applied research in a relevant subject area (e.g. molecular ecology, population genetics, conservation genetics), demonstrating active engagement in project development and writing up of work for publication.
4. Ability to work under own initiative, bringing forward recommendations and solutions through excellent problem-solving skills.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £35,867, Scottish Government contributes £9,684 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

Sift and Interview dates TBC
Please apply using the link provided

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.