Head of Pest & Pathogen Surveillance AFBI Newforge (Grade 7)

AFBI is now seeking an enthusiastic, internationally recognised scientist with a high level of expertise and knowledge of plant pest and/or plant pathogen surveillance. The post holder will have oversight and responsibility of a diverse range of scientific work programmes based at AFBI Newforge Lane, Belfast, Northern Ireland. The successful candidate will further develop AFBI's science aligned with the statutory testing requirements for plant health and pesticide monitoring. They will also develop and direct a research programme with a focus on advancing pest and pathogen surveillance, and/or implementing integrated pest management principles.

Job Background

The post holder will report to the Head of Plant Health & IPM Branch (UG6) within the Sustainable Agri-Food Sciences Division. The appointee will lead a team of approximately 15 staff in the Pest & Pathogen Surveillance Section. The main duties of the post will include the following:

• To deliver a research programme in pest and pathogen surveillance Lead a multi-skilled team of senior researchers (2), and scientific staff (13), and post graduate students, in the areas of plant health, invasion biology and integrated pest management. Investigate novel means to improve pest and pathogen surveillance techniques for plant health pests, and explore mechanisms to implement integrated pest management principles. Build collaborative partnerships with government policy-makers, industry and academic partners locally, nationally and internationally to advance the impact of the research programme. Secure research funding from a range of sources including government (such as DAERA, DAFM, DEFRA), EU, industry levy funders, and other funders, as appropriate, and to establish and maintain good relationships with these funders. Ensure that all scientific results are disseminated and published in high impact scientific journals as well as report writing, knowledge transfer activities and press articles to a wide range of stakeholders.
• Provide a quality service to national and international customers Lead and be responsible for the provision, forward planning, and development of national risk-based surveillance programmes for plant health, bee health, arthropod vectors of livestock diseases and pesticide usage. Ensure that the entomology and bee health laboratories are accredited to ISO17025. Ensure all work is carried out according to designated quality and health & safety standards. Oversee the delivery of the statutory work programme aligned with DAERA's plant health, bee health and other requirements.
• To provide expert representation at national and international level Represent AFBI, and DAERA at national and international meetings and relevant committees. Liaise with the National Reference Laboratories and EU Reference laboratories on matters relating to plant health. Provide specialist advice to AFBI senior management. Provide technical and scientific assistance to DAERA policy divisions on matters related to plant health, pesticide usage and integrated pest management.
• To manage staff, resources, data and facilities across the Programme Area Manage facilities, staff and resources at AFBI Newforge in an efficient and effective manner. Respond in a timely and constructive way to requests for information from management, finance and staff. Encourage staff engagement at all levels, promote a culture of continuous improvement, employee wellbeing and safe practices. Ensure that allocated budgets are managed in a fully auditable manner, which represents value for money and is compliant with AFBI procedures, contractual arrangements and the fiscal requirements of external project funders.
• To develop, implement and manage branch policies Support and assist the Head of Branch, developing and implementing strategic management initiatives, maintaining high standards of corporate governance, budget planning and control, and staff initiatives.
• To undertake continuous professional development Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of scientific literature, legislative changes and industry advances in plant health and integrated pest management. Conduct horizon scanning exercises to risk assess potential future issues.
• To fulfil other duties The post holder will be required to fulfil any other duties and responsibilities as determined by management that fall within the remit of the Programme Leader role within the branch. This list is not exhaustive, and the successful candidate will be required to carry out other duties as allocated by management.

For more detailed information, including the duties and responsibilities of the post, and the criteria to be used during the recruitment and selection process, please click on the Apply button below to be directed to our site. In order to apply for this position, please click on the Apply button below. Completed application forms must be submitted no later than 12:00 noon (UK time) on Friday 18th April 2025. We would particularly welcome applications from females and those from a Roman Catholic background. ALL APPLICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT ARE CONSIDERED STRICTLY ON THE BASIS OF MERIT.

Skills: Pest & Pathogen Surveillance, Plant health, Crop protection, Agricultural entomology, Scientific.