The Vacancy
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 contribute to plant pathology research across the group and to a range of projects and this will require flexibility. The post encompasses laboratory, glasshouse and field work across a variety of pathosystems and we are particularly interested in receiving applications from candidates with strong data handling and bioinformatics skills.
Specific tasks in the first instance may include the investigation of potato blackleg disease epidemiology, caused by Pectobacterium atrosepticum, through conducting glasshouse and field assays and monitoring disease progression.
The postholder will also be responsible for the maintenance of potato tissue culture lines and pathogen cultures necessary for our projects. The role also requires sample management, DNA extractions and PCR tests. This post requires in-person attendance on site and occasional off-site working at other locations for sampling purposes is a possibility.
Main Duties of Postholder
* Lab/glasshouse/field disease assessment, sample collection and processing
* Record keeping, data and sequence analysis
* Carry out bioassays and PCRs.
* Propagate plants and undertake plant infection assays
* Maintain pathogen cultures necessary for projects
* Preparation of media and other consumables.
Person Specification
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 presentation
* Evidence of working effectively with a team
* Self-motivation and time management.
Desirable
* Bioinformatics and sequence analysis, programming or coding (e.g. Linux)
* Handling plants in a laboratory / glasshouse / field setting
* Data analysis / statistics
* Microscopy techniques
Other Skills
* The ability to work unsupervised
* The ability to follow protocols and Standard Operating Procedures Additional notes/Requirements
* Current driving licence
Our Commitment to Equality and Diversity
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 Silver Status Holder; Disability Confident Committed Employer and a Living Wage Employer.
The James Hutton Institute is Happy to Talk Flexible Working.