About the job

Job summary

Are you looking for an interesting and varied role where you can utilise your skills, and play a part in contributing to the Scottish rural economy and the environment? We are looking for a Senior Molecular Biologist to lead innovation across our delivery programmes.

 

SASA is a Division of the Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate with a community of 170 scientists, inspectors, policy professionals, and support staff with responsibility for providing a range of services in support of arable agriculture, horticulture, food, wildlife, and the wider rural economy.

 

This post sits within the Molecular Biology team of SASA’s Diagnostics, Wildlife and Molecular Biology branch.

 

The principal functions of branch are:

 

• Development of novel DNA/RNA/antibody 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 delivery of externally funded plant health research.

Job description

• The primary role of this post is to provide technical expertise and advice to colleagues in relation to all aspects of molecular biology, reviewing methodologies, developing robust testing methods, troubleshooting issues and data analysis support. You will have a focus on the use bioinformatic tools for NGS analysis and support others in their use. You will maintain a focus on continuous improvement, horizon scanning for emerging issues and working closely with colleagues and head of branch to ensure that new innovations are utilised to maintain and improve services. (45%)

• You will line manage a team of three staff. (10%)

• You will communicate key scientific messages to a range of audiences, working with stakeholders and policymakers to improve understanding and awareness of SASAs science. You will present work at conferences, knowledge exchange events, and whilst hosting visitors at SASA. (10%)

• As the Laboratory manager you will ensuring the smooth running of the laboratories. This will centre on the running and maintenance of the real-time and conventional PCR machines, sequencers and robots. Additionally, you will play an active role in H&S, COSHH and quality assurance. (15%)

• You will develop and lead areas of SASA’s molecular biology research involvement, engaging with academia and institutes to deliver outcomes which are relevant to SASA’s core delivery. (20%)

Person specification

The successful candidate will hold a post-graduate qualification in a relevant subject or five years equivalent work experience in a relevant area.

Essential Criteria

1. A deep knowledge of molecular methods including Real-Time PCR, sequencing and evidence of supporting others in their use in a quality controlled laboratory environment.
2. Experience of leading project management, working with others to deliver scientific outputs.
3. Experience of stakeholder engagement with proven ability to develop good working relationships and translate science to non-scientific audiences.
4. Extensive experience of bioinformatic tools and their practical application.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £44,557, Scottish Government contributes £12,030 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 to be confirmed, please note interviews will be conducted in person.

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.