Scientist – Pathology

Location

The role will be based in Alice Holt, Farnham, Surrey GU10 4LH. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas.

About the Job

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 www.forestresearch.gov.uk

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.

The work for this role, involves field and laboratory-based investigations of fungal diseases of forest trees.

The Dothistroma team conducts research on the management of diseases of commercial forest crops. Current projects include investigating management options for two established fungal pathogens (Dothistroma septosporum and Heterobasidion species) and surveillance for regulated non-quarantine and quarantine pathogens. The team has a strong link to the forestry  industry and also produces PG Suspension, the only commercially available bio-control agent currently used in British forestry.

Job Description

We are seeking to appoint a permanent Plant Pathology scientist based at Alice Holt. The candidate will be expected to carry out field work in remote locations and apply a range of molecular methods for diagnosis and research into key plant pathogens . The candidate is expected to have a keen interest in plant pathology from the field to the lab, and from research to field applications. The candidate must also be a proactive team player, who can work closely with colleagues and provide support as needed. . They should be able to build on existing data through guided experimental planning and execution, data collection, and analysis. They are expected to produce written reports, contribute to scientific publications, give verbal presentations to fellow scientists and reach out to non-specialist audiences. They will need experience of good laboratory practice and an understanding of COSHH regulations and Health and Safety at Work regulations.

Key Work Areas

•    Contributing to delivery of laboratory and field-based research on significant fungal forestry pathogens, monitoring fungal colonisation, tree growth, and efficacy of plant protection products
•    Recording and displaying data in an organised and effective manner
•    Contributing to national surveillance of forests and tree nurseries for significant pathogens
•    Working with a range of molecular methods for diagnostics and research, including PCR-based methods and next generation sequencing for monitoring and epidemiology
•    Analysing data  and interpreting results ensuring valid statistical rigour for publication
•    Presenting results to senior colleagues (written and verbal forms) and engaging with knowledge-exchange activities
•    Contributing to maintenance of internationally important culture collections
•    Manufacturing a forestry bio-control agent and liaising with stakeholders
•    Being an active member of the wider Tree Health team, contributing to laboratory maintenance, and adhering to health & safety requirements.

The post holder must be prepared to drive around the UK and stay overnight away from home for short periods a few times a year.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

•    Degree in Plant/Forest Pathology or Biological/Environmental Sciences
•    Experience of working with plant diseases
•    Molecular experience including DNA extraction, real time-PCR, next generation sequencing, molecular identification of isolates and phylogeny
•    Good verbal and written communication with experience in interpreting data, presenting research and study results
•    Experience of establishing and/or collecting data from field experiments
•    Evidence of good laboratory practice & adherence to H&S legislation
•    Competent IT user with experience of MS Office packages

•    A full UK Driving Licence is required for this post due to the remote location of the field sites.

Desirable Criteria

•    Experience of eDNA sampling devices and methods
•    Experience with eDNA lab techniques and analysis methods
•    Experience in plant pathology and fungal ecology experimental design 
•    Experience of using GIS software
•    Use of microscopy to examine field samples and fungal cultures
•    Experience of using aseptic techniques, isolation, and storage of cultures
•    Experience of understanding statistical analyses so that results can be incorporated in reports.

For full job details and how to apply.