Job Description
Are you looking for a role where you can utilise your diagnostic and analytical skills to contribute to the protection of the Scottish rural economy and the environment?
The Bacteriology Unit, along with the UK Potato Quarantine Unit, Plant Pathology Unit and the PSTVd and other Viroids Laboratory, make up the Plant Health Sciences Branch which is part of SASA's Plant Health and Rural Engagement group.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Plant Pathologist to join the Bacteriology team and help us to provide an official diagnostic testing service which is critical to Scotland's food supply and security and protection of the environment, in compliance with national and international phytosanitary regulation. The delivery of this service is also essential to support routine business, trade and to effectively minimise the impacts from plant health threats.
Your primary role will be to support delivery of this diagnostic testing service for plant pathogens of regulatory concern.
Responsibilities
- Support delivery of a diagnostic service for pathogens of regulatory concern in plant material associated with imports/exports, certification, plant-passporting inspections, multi annual surveillance and "unknown" bacterial pests.
- Support delivery of Scotland's annual surveillance, monitoring and testing programmes for seed and ware potato production, for the presence of bacterial pathogens of quarantine significance.
- Responsible for resources to ensure the day to day running of the laboratory, including provision of consumables and chemicals, equipment, glasshouses and the Reference Culture Collections.
- Provide support with the Unit's Quality Assurance Systems 9001 and ISO 17025.
Qualifications
Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on.
Technical / Professional Skills:
- Building and applying knowledge - Can explain why the approach taken in own work area is appropriate.
- Communicating science and engineering for government - Generates, collates and provides succinct scientific, technical or engineering evidence to fulfil requirements.
- Developing science and engineering capability - Seeks opportunities to broaden their knowledge.
- Technical oversight and management - Ability to self-manage their time as well as part of a team to meet targets.
Experience:
- Experience in plant pathology and practical experience using a range of methodologies for detection and identification of plant pathogens, including molecular methods and aseptic techniques.
- Experience of conducting science within a quality framework.
How to apply
Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement of no more than
750 words which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in recruitment.
If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an
interview and
presentation.
Assessments are scheduled for w/c
1 December 2025 however this may be subject to change.
In the event of a high volume of applications, candidates will have their applications initially assessed against the
Experience criteria above. Candidates who pass this initial sift will have their applications fully assessed against all of the listed criteria. The same criteria will be applied to determine merit order at interview/assessment if there is a tied score.
About Us
The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles.
Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland.
We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer.
As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules.
Working Pattern
Our standard hours are 35 hours per week. We offer a range of flexible and hybrid working options depending on the needs of the role. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.
Equality Statement
We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.
Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.
Further information
Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website.
Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.
