Summary

Forest Research (FR) is the research agency of the Forestry Commission, a world leader in applied forest science and a trusted provider of expertise, data, products and services for governments and the tree, wood, forest and natural resource sectors. Please explore www.forestresearch.gov.uk for more information about our organisation. It has two main research stations: Alice Holt Lodge (AH) in south east England and Northern Research Station (NRS) near Edinburgh, and a smaller research presence in Wales (Aberystwyth). The remit of FR is across Great Britain.

Job description

The Tree Health research group’s role is to sustain the forestry and tree sector in Britain through: 

• Provision of rapid diagnosis of tree health problems 

• Undertaking research on pests and pathogens threatening British trees to inform government policy, management and future proofing 

In general, the work involves field and laboratory-based investigations on bacterial, fungal and oomycetes often with cross-linkages to entomological, soil and social sciences. 

The Oak Decline Research Group is involved in several major research projects on Oak Declines. We lead a UKRI funded project, BAC-STOP – Bacterial Plant Diseases Programme ( https://bacterialplantdiseases.uk/) in the Bacterial Plant Diseases Programme. 

We are seeking to appoint a Molecular Biologist/Plant Pathologist based at Alice Holt on a Fixed Term Appointment for 24 months. The role entails research on beetle transmission and vectoring of bacteria on oak trees. The job is focused on working with beetles, culturing bacteria associated with the beetles and using molecular identification of the cultures obtained. Additionally, the candidate would be expected to carry out microbiome studies with support and guidance from staff. The candidate must show integrated teamwork and the ability to assist colleagues. 

We are looking for a capable, enthusiastic person who can build on existing data through guided experiment planning and execution, data collection and analysis. Applicant will also be expected to write up results for reports and scientific publication and presentation, as well as assist with lab management and health & safety.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate’s key work areas will be: 

• Proving whether or not transmission and vectoring of bacteria associated with Acute Oak Decline (AOD) can / does take place through experimentation in the laboratory 

• Rearing beetles in captivity and recording data regarding this, and supplying other team members with beetles 

• Isolation, culture and storage of bacteria from beetles 

• Molecular detection and identification of bacteria isolated 

• Contribution to field trials by isolating bacteria, identifying them and recording data 

• Presenting results to senior colleagues (written and verbal forms) 

• Assist the team in delivering diagnostic services by isolation, PCR and RT-PCR diagnostics under the guidance of senior managers 

• Contributing to laboratory management health & safety in general 

Essential Criteria 

• Degree in plant/forest pathology, biological sciences, microbiology with basic molecular skills or equivalent experience 

• Evidence of good laboratory practice with demonstrable pathology laboratory experience of isolation and storage of cultures as well as DNA extraction and quantification, and use of existing real-time PCR assays 

• Good verbal and written communication, basic experience in presenting research and study results 

• Helpful, friendly demeanour and ability to work as part of a team 

• Competent IT user with experience of MS Office packages 

Desirable Criteria 

• Entomological experience including insect rearing and dissection 

• Up-to-date knowledge and experience of fundamental molecular software packages 

• Experience of understanding fundamental statistical analyses so that results can be incorporated in reports

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Working Together
• Making Effective Decisions
• Developing Self and Others

Benefits

• Access to learning and development tailored to your role 

• A working environment that supports a range of flexible working options 

• A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity 

• A Civil Service pension 

• 25 days annual leave per year rising to 30 days annual leave after 5 years service. Plus 10.5 days public and additional holidays.

Things you need to know

Security

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

Sift and Interviews - dates may be subject to change 

Sift will take place w/c 30th May 2022. 

Interviews are planned to take place week commenced 8th June 2022 

Applicants invited to interview will be required to prepare a short presentation. Topic will be advised on confirmation of interview. 

If a large volume of applications are received, then we will sift on Experience and the Lead Behaviour 'Working Together'. However, candidates will be expected to answer questions on all behaviours at the interview stage.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland with settled or pre-settled status or who apply for either status by the deadline of the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals working in the Civil Service
• relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals who have built up the right to work in the Civil Service
• certain family members of the relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals

Further information on nationality requirements

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code 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.

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.

Apply and further information

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact : 

• Name : HR Services
• Email : HRServices@forestresearch.gov.uk

Recruitment team : 

• Email : hr.services@forestresearch.gov.uk

Further information

Our recruitment process is underpinned by the principle of appointment on the basis of fair and open competition and appointment on merit, as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should in the first instance contact FR HR Services by email: hr.services@forestresearch.gov.uk you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission, which regulates all Civil Service recruitment.