Zoology Diagnostician (2023-7388)

Would you like the opportunity to grow and develop your skills with a variety of learning and development opportunities?

If so, SASA are looking for a Zoology Diagnostician to join its Virology and Zoology (V&Z) branch, offering you the opportunity to work in an interesting, varied and at times fast-paced work in a high profile area.

The V&Z carries out diagnostic testing on a range of samples to meet the Scottish Government’s commitments in relation to Plant Health legislation and Seed Potato Classification.  V&Z provides an efficient, cost effective and up to date service to customers through its skilled/specialist staff, modern equipment, and facilities.

The key outcomes of this role are to contribute to the rural economy and the environment by testing material for the presence of quarantine and regulated non quarantine organisms in agricultural and horticultural crops.

You will be based primarily in the Zoology Laboratory and will provide specialist diagnostic skills to support the work in the areas of Entomology and Nematology, but flexibility throughout the branch as staff are expected to move between work areas in response to seasonal demand.

During the summer months, the primary role of the Zoology Diagnostician is to carry out processing and identification of aphids in samples collected from four suction traps situated across Scotland. You will use specialist taxonomic skills to carry out morphological identifications of a wide range of aphid species and other insects. You will be required to check the accuracy of data before uploading it onto a bespoke database and to prepare reports/files for transmission to collaborative organisations and for publication on the SASA website. 

During the winter months you will provide assistance in the Nematology area, joining a small team engaged in the preparation and processing of soil samples for PCR testing. You will manage sample information on a bespoke computer database as part of the sample registration and recording process. You will also be involved in a variety of diagnostic work relating to other statutory and commercial tests using both traditional taxonomic and molecular methods.

The V&Z branch consists of, Head of Branch (Senior Entomologist), Senior Virologist, Nematologist, and three Laboratory Managers, each managing a discrete area of work. There are a team of ten laboratory staff who all work flexibly to meet the changing priorities of the section. This means that although you will be assigned one reporting officer, you will often be working to another manager for several months at a time. 

Due to the nature of this role, you will need to be flexible and be willing to work in any area of the branch as and when required.  You may be expected to develop specialist skills within these other branch activities such as virus testing of potato samples by bioassay, ELISA or PCR in support of seed potato classification. Once competent in the main areas of duties, you may also have the opportunity to develop further specialist diagnostic skills in one or more of the areas of plant health entomology, plant health nematology or bee health.

• Receipt and processing of insect samples collected by the aphid suction traps, including morphological identification to species of all aphids caught.
• Carry out daily collection of insect samples from the SASA suction trap and assist with the routine care and maintenance of the four Scottish suction traps.
• Assist with the laboratory processing of statutory samples submitted for PCN testing.
• Carry out morphological identification and numeration of PCN in samples generated from potato variety resistance trials.
• You will perform appropriate tasks including sample receipt, extraction of samples, diagnostic tests and reporting of results on a variety of samples relating to invertebrate pests, nematode pests, and honey bee health, using both traditional taxonomic and molecular methods.
• You will keep accurate records of all work undertaken and ensure that duties are carried out in compliance with the requirements of the ISO 9001 and local quality management system standards and health & safety procedures.
• You will have a flexible approach to work and will contribute to other areas of work undertaken by the Virology and Zoology Branch when required. This will include the area of virus testing by bioassay, ELISA or PCR.

1. Proven experience of taxonomy using microscopy, preferably in the disciplines of Entomology or Nematology.
2. Experience of carrying out routine, repetitive work, preferably within a laboratory setting.
3. An understanding of molecular diagnostic methods.
4. Good basic I.T. skills including experience of working with databases.

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%

Job contact :

• Name : Mairi Carnegie
• Email : mairi.carnegie@sasa.gov.scot

Recruitment team

• Email : scottishgovernmentrecruitment@gov.scot