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 fungal and bacterial plant pathology projects as required and will contribute specifically to a collaborative BBSRC-funded project investigating biocontrol of blackleg disease in potato, caused by Pectobacterium atrosepticum. This project will investigate the efficacy of a bacteriocin product on the progression of blackleg disease or soft rot of tubers in storage. The postholder will be responsible for conducting glasshouse experiments to determine the effect of bacteriocins in controlling disease originating from P. atrosepticum-infected seed potatoes by monitoring disease progression. 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.
Main Duties of Postholder
* Maintain bacterial/fungal/oomycete cultures necessary for the project(s).
* Propagate plants and undertake plant infection assays.
* Lab/glasshouse/field disease assessment, sample collection and processing.
* Record keeping and data handling.
* Perform molecular cloning, protein purification and other molecular methods.
Essential
* Biological sciences degree
* Proven ability with microbiological techniques, such as culturing microorganisms under aseptic conditions.
* Experience of molecular biology techniques such as DNA extraction, PCR and molecular cloning.
* Effective written communication, maintaining records and data handling.
* Evidence of working effectively with a team.
* Self-motivation and time management.
Desirable
* Research experience working in lab environment
* Experience of working with purified proteins
* Handling plants in a laboratory / glasshouse / field setting
* Basic data analysis / statistics
* Microscopy techniques
* Experience of Illumina library preparation
Other Skills
* The ability to work unsupervised
* The ability to follow protocols and Standard Operating Procedures
Additional notes/Requirements
Current driving licence
Benefits Offered
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.
Additional Notes
Please note the minimum salary threshold for a Skilled Worker Visa is currently £38,700.00. If the advertised salary for this posts falls below this threshold, we regret to advise that we may not be able to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship to a non-UK citizen for this role. Applicants who do not meet the conditions to be sponsored as per the UK governments page (https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/when-you-can-be-paid-less) will need to demonstrate an alternative right to work.
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 Bronze Status Holder; Disability Confident Committed Employer and a Living Wage Employer.
The James Hutton Institute is Happy to Talk Flexible Working.
#J-18808-Ljbffr