Wildlife Forensic Scientist - (Fixed Term Appointment for 2 years) - Scottish Government

Overview

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Competencies:

Improving Performance

Analysis and Use of Evidence

Communication and Engagement

Self-Awareness

Essential Criteria & Qualifications

No specific qualifications are required for this post.

Essential Criteria:

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.

Location: Roddinglaw Road, Edinburgh, EH12 9FJ

This role is laboratory based. Therefore, the postholder will be expected to work at SASA most of the time, with only occasional opportunities to work from home.

Interview and Assessment:  Dates to be confirmed

Interview questions will be shared in advance.  Following the interview there will also be a laboratory assessment which will take one hour. Details for the laboratory assessment will be provided on the assessment day.

Scottish Government is preparing for the implementation of a new HR and Finance platform and, as a result, some job offers will be subject to an October 2024 start date at the earliest.  This will be confirmed as your application progresses.

Minimum time in post:

You will be expected to remain in post for the duration of the contract unless successful at gaining promotion to a higher Band or Grade.

SPONSORSHIP

Changes to legislation concerning Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship were implemented on 4 April 2024.  If you think you may require Visa Sponsorship it is important that prior to applying you read the official Home Office guidance to confirm eligibility.

Any applicants that are not eligible for sponsorship will be withdrawn at either application stage or the point of offer, with any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.

HOW TO APPLY & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 

Additional information:

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, if you have strong molecular biology skills and are interested in this role but your past experience or qualifications don’t align exactly to the criteria, we strongly encourage you to apply. Applications are encouraged from all regardless or ethnicity, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, religion, age, neurotype, disability status, caring responsibilities or socio-economic background.

For further information, please download and review the “Person Specification” which you will find below.

Person_Specification_Band_B

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.

In the event that further posts are required, a reserve list of successful candidates will be kept for up to 12 months.

For information regarding this post please contact:

lucy.webster@sasa.gov.scot

Scottish Government's ambition is to be a world leading, diverse employer where people can be themselves at work. We want to help you demonstrate your full potential whatever type of assessment is used. If you require any adjustments to our recruitment process, please let us know via scottishgovernmentrecruitment@gov.scot

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