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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support plant pathology projects through lab, field, and glasshouse work.
- Company: Join the James Hutton Institute, a leader in environmental and agricultural research.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, generous annual leave, and a strong pension plan.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global food security while working in a diverse and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: A degree in Biological Sciences and lab research experience are essential.
- Other info: This is a fixed-term role until February 2027, requiring full-time on-site attendance.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
The Vacancy
Main Purpose of Job
We are seeking a motivated individual to provide technical support to the Plant Pathology group within the department of Cell & Molecular Sciences located at the Invergowrie Campus. The post-holder will work across a range of projects aimed at understanding the detection, epidemiology and control of plant diseases focusing mainly on filamentous fungi and barley pathology. Responsibilities will include the preparation of environmental samples for metabarcoding and Illumina sequencing, undertaking pathogen genotyping and processing fungal, bacterial, and crop samples for Oxford Nanopore sequencing. As part of our wider plant pathology group, the role will involve laboratory, glasshouse and field work across a variety of pathosystems, providing valuable input and support. This post requires full-time in-person attendance on site and occasional off-site working at other locations for sampling purposes is a possibility.
This post is fixed term until February 2027.
Main Duties of Postholder
• Preparation of environmental samples for metabarcoding and Illumina sequencing
• Pathogen genotyping
• Processing of fungal, bacterial and crop samples
• Plant propagation
• Data collection, collation and analysis
• Laboratory, field and glasshouse experiments
Person Specification
Education/Experience/Skills
Essential
• Biological Sciences degree
• Research experience in a lab environment
• Proven ability with microbiological techniques, such as culturing microorganisms under aseptic conditions.
• Experience of molecular biology techniques such as DNA extraction, PCR and sequencing.
• Self-motivation and time management
• Good data handling and record keeping
• Evidence of working effectively within a team
Desirable
• Experience in field and glasshouse work and plant handling
• Plant pathology skills
• Report writing
• Basic data analysis/statistics
Other Skills
• The ability to work unsupervised
• The ability to follow protocols and standard operating procedures
Additional notes/Requirements
Current driving license
What We Offer
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – A confidential service available to support employees and their families with work or personal problems. Providing access to professional counsellors, psychologists, and work-life consultants available to help and support individuals in tackling all types of problems.
- Annual Leave – Generous entitlement up to 40.5 days a year, with carry over possible and guaranteed time-off for Christmas.
- Pension – Employer Contribution of 15% in a Personal Pension Plan and employee contribution flexibility.
- Self-managed hours and Flexible Working – option to manage and spread your working time in line with organisational needs to create a healthy work life balance
Our Commitment to Equality and Diversity
We will not consider the use of 3rd party recruitment agencies for the sourcing of candidates for this position.
The James Hutton Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
The James Hutton Institute is a: Stonewall Diversity Champion; Athena SWAN Silver Status Holder; Disability Confident Committed Employer and a Living Wage Employer.
The James Hutton Institute is Happy to Talk Flexible Working.
The Company
The James Hutton Institute combines strengths in crops, soils and land use and environmental research, and makes a major contribution to the understanding of key global issues, such as food, energy and environmental security, and developing and promoting effective technological and management solutions to these.
James Hutton (1726 – 1797) was a leading figure of the Scottish Enlightenment, an eighteenth century golden age of intellectual and scientific achievements centred on Edinburgh. He is internationally regarded as the founder of modern geology and one of the first scientists to describe the Earth as a living system. His thinking on natural selection influenced Charles Darwin in developing his theory of evolution.
Our Values
We respect and value our people and the people we engage with
We want to make a difference
We strive to be excellent in everything we do
We lead by example
We foster creativity and innovation #J-18808-Ljbffr
Plant Pathology Technician employer: The James Hutton Institute
Contact Detail:
The James Hutton Institute Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Plant Pathology Technician
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest techniques in molecular biology, particularly DNA extraction and PCR. Being able to discuss these methods confidently during an interview will show your expertise and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Gain hands-on experience with microbiological techniques, especially culturing microorganisms under aseptic conditions. If you can demonstrate practical skills in a lab setting, it will significantly boost your chances of landing the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the field of plant pathology. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to meet potential colleagues and learn more about current research trends, which can give you an edge in interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with data collection and analysis. Being able to articulate how you've handled data in previous roles will demonstrate your capability to contribute effectively to the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Plant Pathology Technician
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in biological sciences, particularly any research or lab work related to plant pathology. Emphasise your skills in microbiological techniques and molecular biology, as these are essential for the role.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your motivation for applying and how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the Plant Pathology Technician position. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to work with environmental samples and your familiarity with sequencing techniques.
Showcase Teamwork Skills: Since the role requires effective collaboration within a team, provide examples in your application of how you've successfully worked in teams in previous roles or projects. Highlight your self-motivation and time management skills as well.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in scientific work.
How to prepare for a job interview at The James Hutton Institute
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Make sure to highlight your experience with microbiological techniques and molecular biology methods during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you applied these skills, especially in relation to DNA extraction, PCR, and sequencing.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork
Since the role involves working within a team, share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous roles. Emphasise your ability to contribute positively to group dynamics and support your colleagues.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in laboratory settings. Be ready to explain how you would handle specific scenarios related to plant pathology, such as dealing with unexpected results or troubleshooting experiments.
✨Express Your Passion for Plant Pathology
Convey your enthusiasm for the field of plant pathology and your motivation to contribute to the research at the James Hutton Institute. Discuss any relevant experiences or interests that demonstrate your commitment to understanding and addressing plant diseases.
