About the job

Job summary

Want to work at the cutting edge of environmental science research?  Passionate about making a difference and playing your part in tackling the climate and nature crises? Forest Research (FR) is a leading UK scientific research organisation that provides impactful scientific data, evidence and advice to policymakers and practitioners. Internationally recognised, we want to work with people who have the skills and passion to deliver impactful science which informs practical solutions across the sector.

We’re small enough that your voice is heard, yet large enough, as part of the Forestry Commission, that we have everything on hand to get the job done, as well as a variety of career pathways.  Our staff are dedicated to their work and sharing it with others to bring positive change for our natural environment.  With locations across the UK, you will find us a flexible and inclusive employer who promotes agile working to help you manage your work life balance. If you want to be a part of a growing organisation that makes a difference, find out more at Homepage - Forest Research

The FR Centre for Ecosystems, Society and Biosecurity applies a wide range of expertise to important issues concerning the health, functioning and value of Britain's trees woods and forests.  In particular it leads FR's research into biosecurity threats, ecosystem robustness and resilience, land use and ecosystem services, and the way in which society values trees. Interdisciplinary research is encouraged and the Centre provides a stimulating environment for scientists with professional training in plant pathology, entomology, soils and hydrology, ecology, social science, economics, statistics and spatial analysis.

Job description

The Tree Health group at FR's Alice Holt Research Station, provides scientific support and advice on tree pests and diseases for the forest industry, a wide range of other land managers, stakeholders, and the general public. In addition, the entomology team conducts a wide range of research on native and invasive insect pests and are currently looking to appoint an Entomology Research Assistant.

Initially the focus will be on assisting in developing improved surveillance, early detection and monitoring protocols (focussing on invasive insects), and developing new areas of research investigating insect - plant interactions, host plant resistance/susceptibility, and chemical ecology, in relation to both defoliating insects (e.g. oak processionary moth) and wood boring insects (e.g. bark and jewel beetles).  In addition, the post holder will be encouraged to help in the development of new research themes in relation to both invasive and native insect pests.  In particular the focus will be on, developing surveillance and monitoring tools, quantifying impacts, and assessing the potential for natural enemy control.  The new post holder will also provide support and input into seeking and applying for external funding to develop new areas of research, and in building collaborative partnerships and projects with other stakeholders.

Key Work Areas:

1. Assisting in the developing and improving of surveillance, early detection and monitoring protocols and systems for invasive and native insect pests
2. Undertaking field and laboratory work associated with invasive and native insect pests, initially with a focus on surveillance and monitoring project areas, but developing and contributing to new areas of research
3. Analyse, interpret and report on data collected from experimental trials (field and lab based), and contributing to the writing of technical reports, research summaries and peer-reviewed scientific publications
4. Contribute to the project management of both internal and external funded research contracts
5. Work with other members of the entomology (and Tree Health team) in an interdisciplinary manner to identify and develop novel areas of research for future project proposals

Person specification

Essential Criteria:

• A postgraduate qualification in an appropriate subject area, with a clear orientation towards entomological research
• Insect identification skills across a range of taxa, including familiarity with keys and terminology
• Experience of surveillance, monitoring and/or using insect trapping and detection techniques, with clear evidence of an aptitude for fieldwork and an ability to analyse and interpret the associated gathered data sets
• Good report writing skills with the ability to critically evaluate scientific literature and write concise reviews, reports, and contribute to peer reviewed publications
• Electronic data management through use of spreadsheets and competent user of MS Office
• Good analytical skills, with familiarity of an appropriate statistical package (R, GenStat, SPSS etc)
• Familiarity with forests in the UK and associated ecosystems/organisms, especially forest insects, and including basic tree identification
• We require the applicant to have a full current driving licence that enables them to drive in the UK. We will consider any proposals that would allow applicants to do the job by other means

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience of using GIS information systems to record, analyse and present data
• Evidence of managing their own areas of research and associated resources
• An applied understanding of plant health issues and pest management
• A basic understanding of chemical ecology in relation to host plant interactions with insects
• Familiarity with management and biological control approaches to dealing with insect pests, particularly assessing, augmenting and/or rearing of specific natural enemies

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £29,863, Forestry Commission - Forest Research contributes £8,063 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

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

Sift Date:  30th April 2024          
Interview Date:   13th May 2024

If a large volume of applications is received, then we will sift on Experience/Technical Expertise and the Lead Behaviour, Managing a Quality Service.  However, candidates will be expected to answer questions on all Behaviours at the interview stage.  

Candidates who are judged to be a near miss at interview may be considered for other positions in Forest Research which may be at a lower grade but have a potential skills match.

Diverse perspectives and experiences are critical to our success and we welcome applications from all people from all backgrounds with the experience and skills needed to perform this role.

If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.

Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.

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. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.