Bacteriologist - Edinburgh, United Kingdom - Scottish Government

Scottish Government
Scottish Government
Verified Company
Edinburgh, United Kingdom

3 weeks ago

Tom O´Connor

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Tom O´Connor

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Description

Overview:


SASA are a Division of the Agriculture and Rural Economy (ARE) Directorate and are a community of 170 scientists, inspectors, policy professionals and support staff.

We have responsibility for providing a range of services in support of arable agriculture, horticulture, food, the environment and the wider rural economy.

We are the certifying authority for seed potatoes in Scotland and provide advice and scientific services to the ARE Directorate and stakeholders in the potato industry.

The Bacteriologist role sits within the Potato, Virology and Zoology branch.

The Branch's, core function is to provide a diagnostic testing service on a range of samples to meet the Scottish Government's commitments in relation to Plant and Bee Health legislation and Seed Potato Classification.


Using a range of techniques such as DNA extraction and qPCR, you will be responsible for the day to day routine testing and diagnosis of potato and plant material for _Dickeya_ and _Pectobacterium_ spp.

You will also work closely with and provide support to the Potato Bacteriologist.


You will report directly to the Potato Bacteriologist and work alongside Potato pathologists within the branch, and other bacteriologists within the Plant Health branch.


Responsibilities:


  • Participate in field work to test Scotland's watercourses for the presence of _Dickeya_ spp. including identifying areas to be sampled and ensuring the necessary equipment and labware/media is available.
  • Maintain records of tests performed using a bespoke database, ensuring that data is entered accurately and in compliance with the quality management system.
  • Provide laboratory support for the Potato Bacteriologist with ongoing externally funded projects concerning blackleg disease of potato.
  • Assist in testing potato tubers received from internal/external customers for _Dickeya_ and _Pectobacterium_ spp. Liaise with customers to keep them updated on progress of tests.
  • Assist the Bacteriology team with testing for the nonindigenous potato pathogens _Ralstonia solanacearum_ (potato brown rot) and _Clavibacter michiganensis _ssp. _sepedonicus_ (potato ring rot) when necessary.

Competencies
Teamwork

Self-Awareness

Communications and Engagement

Customer Service


Essential Criteria & Qualifications:
No specific qualifications are required for this role.


Essential Criteria

  • Experience of microbiology and good laboratory practice including pathogen diagnosis - preferably plant pathogens, and utilising a range of methodologies including classical and molecular techniques.
  • A team player, working well with others but can carry out individual tasks as required with the minimum of supervision.
  • Well organised and able to respond to competing priorities, adapting skills and resources to changing circumstances.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate ideas clearly and concisely to a range of audiences.

Location
Roddinglaw Road, Edinburgh, EH12 9FJ


Interview and Assessment
Interview questions will be provided in advance.


Minimum time in post


You will be expected to remain in post for a minimum of three years unless successful at gaining promotion to a higher Band or Grade.


HOW TO APPLY & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

How to apply

Additional information


For further information, please download and review the "Person Specification" and "Science Specialist Competency Framework" which you will find below.

Person Specification Band A

Science Specialist Competency Framework


The post is a full-time role, but staff with different working patterns are invited to apply, and we will assess proposed working patterns against the business requirements for this post.


We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you have strong scientific skills and are interested in this role but your past experience or qualifications don't align perfectly, we still strongly encourage you to apply. Applications are welcome from all regardless of age, disability, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief, race, sex, sexual orientation, trans status or social economic background.

As part of any recruitment process, Scottish Government and associated public bodies collects and processes personal data relating to job applicants and applicants for public appointments.
**Personal information you provide in the recruitment process will be made available to Scottish Government and our additional data processors.
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