Scientist-Pathology

Job summary

Part of the Forestry Commission family, Forest Research (FR) is a world leader in applied forest science, providing evidence and practical solutions to policy makers, forestry professionals, land managers and anyone with green space, across Great Britain. With climate and biodiversity in crisis, and an increasing number of pests and diseases, our research is more vital than ever before. We advise on how woodlands can help combat climate change. We’re identifying tree species that will thrive in the future and seeking ways to safeguard those species at risk. Our research supports UK timber production because fewer imports reduce carbon emissions. We provide robust data on forests in Scotland, Wales and England, and provide evidence of the societal benefits of woodland. We do all this utilising the latest technology while working collaboratively with academia, partners and industry, nationally and internationally.

The Tree Health research group’s role is to sustain the forestry and tree sector in Britain through three main activities:

• Provision of rapid diagnosis of tree health problems and advice via FR’s Tree Health Diagnostic and Advisory Service (THDAS).
• Undertaking relevant and topical research on the pest and pathogen threats that affect British trees to inform appropriate management and future proofing.
• Conducting analyses and evaluations of specific tree health issues to underpin government policy.
Members of the group who carry out work on forest pathology typically undertake field and laboratory-based investigations and research into a range of tree pathogens including bacterial, fungal and Phytophthora species.

Job description

Key Work Areas

Diagnostician within the Tree Health Diagnostic and Advisory Service (THDAS)

• Providing advice and examining samples submitted to the THDAS for diagnosis, applying classical morphological and molecular diagnostic techniques as required.
• Undertaking basic bio-informatic processing of sequence reads, BLAST analysis and producing phylogenetic trees of species and taxa.
• Communicating to stakeholders at a variety of events, explaining pathogen threats, good biosecurity practice and the diagnostic services that THDAS offers.
• Provision of assistance with projects researching specific tree pathogens
• Contributing to the development and application of methodologies for detecting pathogens and investigating their biology including interactions with their hosts.
• Undertaking interpretation of biological data and collaborating in the writing of scientific and technical publications as well as research proposals
• Planning and carrying out field visits and sampling activities to achieve specific goals.
• Participating in knowledge exchange by presenting results to audiences with varying levels of technical expertise.

General research group & centre responsibilities
• Assisting in the continued smooth operation of the laboratory facilities at NRS
• Writing and reviewing Standard Operating Procedures and contributing to the laboratory accreditation processes.
• Contributing to the wider activities of the Tree Health research group including the fulfilment of professional duties.

Person specification

Essential Criteria:

• Degree in plant biological sciences, microbiology, or biochemistry or Post graduate qualification in Plant Pathology or Microbiology
• Skill in good laboratory practice with demonstrated experience identifying microorganisms including molecular skills.
• Skills in general plant pathology methods, including microscopy and the isolation / culture of organisms from plants.
• Good standard of verbal and written communication.
• Competent IT user with experience of MS Office packages.
• Please note that due to the nature of the role, we require the applicant to have a full current driving licence that enables them to drive in the UK.

Travel and overnight stays may be required approximately 5-6 times a year.

Desirable Criteria:

The below criteria are desirable only. These will not be assessed throughout the recruitment process but will be used in the event of tied scores between candidates.

• A broad understanding of plant pathology issues, particularly as they relate to emerging diseases of temperate woodlands, including Plant Health regulatory frameworks.
• Experience in laboratory management, and budget planning and monitoring of laboratory supplies.
• Expertise in the accreditation of molecular diagnostic protocols and inter-laboratory proficiency testing.
• Tree knowledge.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace
• Managing a Quality Service

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Working Together

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Tree health enquiry exercise.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £33,854, Forestry Commission - Forest Research contributes £9,807 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

Your career

• Excellent professional development opportunities which are tailored to your role, with paid professional membership subscriptions, mentoring, and Civil Service Learning available to all
• access to world class laboratory facilities, as well as state of the art buildings within forest or science park settings

Your work/life balance

• flexible working options such as: up to two days flexi leave per month, blended working, part-time working, paid special leave, career breaks, and unpaid leave. Parents and carers will be supported to enable you to manage work and family responsibilities
• A generous annual leave allowance of 25 days on entry increasing by 1 day each year to a maximum of 30 days (pro-rata for part-timers). Plus 2.5 days of additional leave and 8 days’ paid bank/public holidays

Your wellbeing

• A culture which promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment
• A range of wellbeing benefits including Employee Assistance Programme 24/7
• We want you to feel part of something bigger and we encourage a community feel in our workplaces, with everything from cookery competitions to Pilates and fell running, plus topical talks at Wellbeing Wednesdays and Feelgood Fridays
• Paid volunteering leave of 3 days per year so you can give back to your community and charitable causes by sharing your skills and time

Your benefits

• a highly competitive Civil Service Pension of 28.97% of your salary
• an employee benefits scheme offering discounts on groceries, gym memberships, holidays, days out, online retailers and high street shops
• Cycle to Work scheme and Interest free loans
• Free parking is offered on-site, alongside electric car charging ports
• With maternity, adoption, and/or shared parental leave there’s the flexibility to have up to 26 weeks full pay, followed