Job summary
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
The Tree Health research group�s role is to sustain the forestry and tree sector in Britain through three main activities:
1. Provision of rapid diagnosis of tree health problems and advice via FR�s Tree Health Diagnostic and Advisory Service (THDAS)
2. Undertaking relevant and topical research on the pest and pathogen threats that affect British trees to inform appropriate management and future proofing
3. Conducting analyses and evaluations of specific tree health issues to underpin government policy
4. 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
Job description
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 (, 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
Person specification
Essential Criteria:
� � �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
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
5. Working Together
6. Changing and Improving
7. Delivering at Pace
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
8. Working Together
Benefits
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.
Your career
9. Excellent�professional development opportunities�which are tailored to your role, with paid�professional membership�subscriptions, mentoring, and Civil Service Learning available to all
10. access to world class�laboratory facilities, as well as state of the art buildings within forest or science park settings
Your work/life balance
11. 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
12. 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 days of additional leave and 8 days� paid bank/public holidays
Your wellbeing
13. A culture which promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment
14. A range of wellbeing benefits including Employee Assistance Programme 24/7
15. 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
16. 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
17. a highly competitive�Civil Service Pension of your salary
18. an employee benefits scheme offering discounts on groceries, gym memberships, holidays, days out, online retailers and high street shops
19. Cycle to Work scheme and Interest free loans
20. Free parking is offered on-site, alongside electric car charging ports
21. 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.