About the job

Job summary

If you are looking for an interesting and varied role where you can utilise your analytical skills and play a part in contributing to the Scottish rural economy and the environment, then we’d love to hear from you!

SASA, a Division of the Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate is a community of over 180 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.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Wildlife Forensic Scientist in the Wildlife DNA Forensics Unit, which along with Molecular Biology Laboratory and Wildlife Management Unit, make up the Diagnostics, Wildlife & Molecular Biology Branch.   

The principal functions of this 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.

This Wildlife Forensic Scientist role will carry out laboratory work of the Wildlife DNA Forensic (WDF) unit at SASA by assisting with forensic testing and carrying out research projects. Tasks will include DNA extraction from a wide variety of sources, PCR, Sanger sequencing and microsatellite genotyping. The post holder will work be a key member of the WDF unit team and provide support in the delivery of casework and development of validated tests.

This is an excellent opportunity to work as part of a flexible, inclusive, welcoming and supportive team, where you will have the opportunity to develop your scientific knowledge and skills to support agriculture, horticulture and the environment.

This is a 2 year Fixed Term Appointment with the possibility of extension.

Job description

• Assist in the running of the Wildlife DNA Forensic Unit by carrying out forensic testing and helping to maintain our quality management system.
• Contribute to the management of the Molecular Biology Unit by ordering consumables, maintaining equipment and also providing training and supervision to students and visitors.
• Research and development of molecular tests and technologies for application in forensic casework. 

Person specification

1. Strong laboratory skills: the development and optimisation of molecular techniques, including nucleic acid extraction, PCR and microsatellite genotyping.
2. Experience working within a tightly controlled quality management system (e.g. 17025 accredited laboratory).
3. Demonstrable interest in wildlife forensic science – either through courses completed, conferences attended, or research projects undertaken.
4. Ability to work under own initiative, bringing forward recommendations and solutions through excellent problem-solving skills.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £32,140, Scottish Government contributes £8,677 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.