Scientist - Pathology

Want to work at the cutting edge of environmental science? Passionate about making a difference and playing your part in tackling the climate and nature crisis? Forest Research is all about giving top quality evidence and advice to policymakers and practitioners to make a positive impact on the ground. Internationally recognised, we need people who have the skills and passion to work on excellent science and provide practical solutions for nature.
We’re small enough that your voice is heard, yet large enough, as part of the Forestry Commission, that we have everything on hand to get the job done, as well as a variety of career pathways. Our staff are dedicated to their work and sharing it with others to bring positive change for our planet. And you will find us a flexible and inclusive employer, so you can have a work life balance that is tailor-made to your circumstances. So, whether it’s climate or carbon, pests or pathogens, behaviour or biodiversity that interests you, you can be assured of a warm welcome to the team. To find out more, visit forestresearch.gov.uk.
The Tree Health research group’s role is to sustain the forestry and tree sector in Britain through three main activities:
+ Provision of rapid diagnosis of tree health problems and advice via FR’s Tree Health Diagnostic and Advisory Service (THDAS)
+ Undertaking relevant and topical research on the pest and pathogen threats that affect British trees to inform appropriate management and future proofing
+ Conducting analyses and evaluations of specific tree health issues to underpin government policy
+ Members of the group who carry out work on forest pathology typically undertake field and laboratory-based investigations and research into a range of tree pathogens including bacterial, fungal and Phytophthora, To provide general support for experimental research and diagnosis including preparation of laboratory materials. Assisting with experimental work set-up, sample collection and analysis using a range of methods such as molecular, morphological and microscopy. This role will support the continuing improvement of Health and Safety, and Quality Assurance in FR as the organisation works towards ISO accreditation. These activities will be at the forefront of science and evidence providing expertise to enable decisions on tree and forest policy and practices, providing the reassurance and advice that customers deserve and require.
Key Work Areas:
The Pathology role carries out a variety of research activities related to tree pathology projects in the Forest Research laboratories
• Process samples from enquiries, interceptions and surveys using classical morphological and molecular diagnostic techniques
• Undertake field and laboratory-based investigations and research into a range of tree pathogens including bacterial, fungal and Phytophthora species
• Undertake basic bio-informatic processing of sequence reads, BLAST analysis and producing phylogenetic trees of species and taxa
• Contribute to the development and application of methodologies for detecting pathogens and investigating their biology including interactions with their hosts
• Experimental work will include laboratory, in vitro (e.g., sample processing, growth chamber) and field work to examine plant-pathogen interactions
• Contribute to the wider activities of the Tree Health research group including the fulfilment of professional duties as required
• Undertake interpretation of biological data and collaborating in the writing of scientific and technical publications as well as research proposals
• Communicate to stakeholders at a variety of events, explaining pathogen threats, good biosecurity practice and the diagnostic services that THDAS offers
• Participate in knowledge exchange by presenting results to audiences with varying levels of technical expertise
• Write and review Standard Operating Procedures, COSHH and Risk assessments and contributing to the laboratory accreditation processes for ISO17025
• Assist in the continued smooth operation of the laboratory facilities at Alice Holt, If we receive a large volume of applications, then we will sift on Experience/Technical Expertise and the Lead Behaviour, Working Together. However, candidates will be expected to answer questions on all behaviours listed at the interview stage.
Candidates who are judged to be a near miss at interview may be considered for other positions in Forest Research which may be at a lower grade but have a potential skills match.
Diverse perspectives and experiences are critical to our success and we welcome applications from all people from all backgrounds with the experience and skills needed to perform this role.
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
o UK nationals
o nationals of the Republic of Ireland
o nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
o nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
o nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
o individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
o Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).
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• Degree in plant biological sciences, microbiology or biochemistry
• Skills in good laboratory practice with demonstrated experience identifying microorganisms
• Skills in general plant pathology methods, including microscopy and the isolation / culture of organisms from plants
• Good standard of verbal and written communication
• Competent IT user with experience of MS Office packages
• Ability to work to deadlines, prioritising tasks, using specialist knowledge to inform judgement
We require the applicant to have a full current driving licence that enables them to drive in the UK. We will consider any proposals that would allow applicants to do the job by other means
Desirable Criteria:
• A broad understanding of plant pathology issues, particularly as they relate to emerging diseases of temperate woodlands, including Plant Health regulatory frameworks
• Experience in laboratory management, budget planning and monitoring of laboratory supplies
• Expertise in the accreditation of molecular diagnostic protocols and inter-laboratory proficiency testing
• Experience of working in containment facilities
• Ability to recognise British tree species

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
o Working Together
o Changing and Improving
o Delivering at Pace
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
o Working Together, Alongside your salary of £29,863, Forestry Commission - Forest Research contributes £8,651 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
Your career
o Excellent professional development opportunities which are tailored to your role, with paid professional membership subscriptions, mentoring, and Civil Service Learning available to all
o access to world class laboratory facilities, as well as state of the art buildings within forest or science park settings
Your work/life balance
o flexible working options such as: up to two days flexi leave per month, blended working, part-time working, paid special leave, career breaks, and unpaid leave. Parents and carers will be supported to enable you to manage work and family responsibilities
o A generous annual leave allowance of 25 days on entry increasing by 1 day each year to a maximum of 30 days (pro-rata for part-timers). Plus 2.5 days of additional leave and 8 days’ paid bank/public holidays
Your wellbeing
o A culture which promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment
o A range of wellbeing benefits including Employee Assistance Programme 24/7
o We want you to feel part of something bigger and we encourage a community feel in our workplaces, with everything from cookery competitions to Pilates and fell running, plus topical talks at Wellbeing Wednesdays and Feelgood Fridays
o Paid volunteering leave of 3 days per year so you can give back to your community and charitable causes by sharing your skills and time
Your benefits
o a highly competitive Civil Service Pension of 28.97% your salary
o an employee benefits scheme offering discounts on groceries, gym memberships, holidays, days out, online retailers and high street shops
o Cycle to Work scheme and Interest free loans
o Free parking is offered on-site, alongside electric car charging ports
o With maternity, adoption, and/or shared parental leave there’s the flexibility to have up to 26 weeks full pay, followed by 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid leave. Paternity leave of up to two weeks is available with full pay.
Any move to Forest Research from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.