Are you a nematode taxonomist who would like to manage a team to support the production of healthy potatoes in Scotland?
This permanent post is based at SASA within the Virology & Zoology (V&Z) branch which carries out diagnostic testing on a range of samples to meet the Scottish Government’s commitments in relation to Seed Potato Classification and Plant Health Regulations.
The Nematology laboratory is the single official testing centre for potato cyst nematodes (PCN) in Scotland and is responsible for processing and testing up to 18000 soil samples each year from land that is intended for growing seed potatoes, along with a range of diagnostic tests in support of plant health and trade. The Nematology manager is responsible for delivery of these tests; co-ordinating laboratory activities, using taxonomy expertise to identify plant parasitic nematodes (PPN), and ensuring training and resources are available to meet SG demands.
Line management of 5 staff (A3-B1); managing a wider team (5 – 10 staff) over the nematology period (September-May).
Responsible for SPCS statutory Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN) soil testing. Manage staff, facilities, equipment and resources; co-ordinating with other managers and RPID to ensure timely delivery of up to 18,000 samples tested each season. Take the lead on visual identification of PCN to species and provide training and development for the team.
Co-ordinate UK national list PCN resistance trial at SASA; including maintenance of the Scottish reference stock populations of PCN, preparation for SASA and NIAB trial, material, viability testing, peat bed trials, extraction, and cyst counts.
Provide nematology testing and visual identification of PPN for plant health inspections and trade - including potato consignments, field beans, nursery stocks - primarily for the identification of PCN, Ditylenchus and Aphelencoides. Ensure that staff training, equipment, methods, and resources are available to support Scottish plant health requirements and provide advice to policy/inspectorate as required.
Provide support to AQM and Quality Assurance managers to maintain Nematology standards, reviewing SOPs and ensuring Nematology team awareness of quality issues. Take a lead role in participation of relevant proficiency tests as required. Support SASA/V&Z H&S officers by maintaining nematology RA’s, COSHH and other safety procedures.
Responsibilities
The successful candidate will hold a graduate level qualification in a relevant subject or have at least three years’ relevant experience. Other relevant qualifications or experience equivalent to this may also be acceptable.
Success profile
Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on.
Technical oversight and management – Technical delivery/project management
You can find out more about the skills required, Government Science and Engineering (GSE) Career Framework, November 2021 (Version 2)
• Demonstrated taxonomic expertise in plant parasitic nematodes (PPN), including the ability to identify and speciate Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN) and identify a range of PPN to genus (including Ditylenchus and Aphelenchoides spp) using internationally recognised protocols.
• A sound understanding of plant health nematology and/or seed potato production.
Delivering at pace – Level 3
Developing self and others – level 3
Recruitment Principles
As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases.
Qualifications
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.
