Description Job Description Are you excited by the opportunity to contribute to growing and protecting Scotland’s rural economy and environment? We are looking for a Molecular Entomologist with good molecular diagnostic skills, to join our Diagnostics, Wildlife & Molecular Biology Branch to help deliver externally funded research projects and support plant health delivery. SASA is a Division of the Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate. We are a community of 180 scientists, inspectors, policy professionals and support staff with responsibility for supporting both ministers and external stakeholders across arable agriculture, horticulture, food, the environment and the wider rural economy This post sits within the research team and will lead our contribution to externally funded, multi-partner projects with a focus on molecular entomology. They will also develop underpinning science that supports the delivery of plant health objectives. In addition, there will be laboratory management duties to ensure the smooth day to day running of the branch. Responsibilities Molecular entomology for externally funded projects - Conduct research for and play an active role in plant health related projects which currently include the Euphresco network “Frass-based detection of wood boring pests (QFRASS)” and “The use of insect trap collection fluids for the surveillance of quarantine fungi in forests (FUN2TRAP)”. Additional support to other plant health research projects conducted at SASA will also be expected. Molecular Biology Unit management - Shared responsibilities of laboratory management for the wider Molecular Biology Unit, from ordering of consumables, contributing to equipment maintenance needs and also providing training and supervision of visitors carrying out research projects at SASA. Research and development of molecular tests and technologies - Contribute to the development and validation of new molecular tests supporting SASA’s wider plant health delivery including be health. Qualifications Qualifications A degree in an appropriate subject or a minimum of three years relevant work experience Success Profile Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on. Technical Skills: Communicating science and engineering for government : Communicates advice and evidence in a clear, unbiased and understandable manner to non-specialists by considering audience needs and background Can explain clearly to senior officials the implications of their results and make recommendations based on these. Technical oversight and management : Understands the limitation of own knowledge, knowing when to gather advice, escalate issues and seek learning and development opportunities. Experience A solid understanding of molecular diagnostics or sequencing applied to detection, identification and an understanding of insect pests and effectively apply their knowledge to improving plant health. Strong laboratory skills which include the development and optimisation of molecular techniques, including nucleic acid extraction, PCR and Real-Time PCR and / or entomological experience. Experience of conducting research projects. Behaviours Changing and Improving – Level 2 You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours here Success Profiles How to apply Apply online before midnight 6 May 2025, providing a CV and Supporting Statement of no more than 1000 words which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above. If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an Interview and Job Simulation. Assessments are scheduled for w/c 26 May 2025 however this may be subject to change. About us The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles. Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland. We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer. As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules. Working pattern Our standard hours are 35 hours per week, we offer a range of flexible and hybrid working options depending on the needs of the role. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us. Equality statement We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation. Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them. Further information Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.