Description Are you looking for a role where you can utilise your diagnostic and analytical skills to contribute to the protection of the Scottish rural economy and the environment? The Plant Pathology Unit, along with the UK Potato Quarantine Unit, Bacteriology Unit and the PSTVd and other Viroids Laboratory, make up the Plant Health Sciences Branch which is part of SASA’s Plant Health and Rural Engagement group. We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Plant Pathologist to join the team and help us support Scotland’s arable and horticultural sectors and the Scottish Environment by providing scientific advice and diagnostic services, supporting the Plant Health Inspectorate and delivering policies on behalf of Scottish ministers. The Senior Plant Pathologist is responsible for delivering an official diagnostic service on behalf of Scotland for regulated fungal plant pathogens and supports UK Plant Protection Service activities. Responsibilities Provide scientific advice to Scotland’s Plant Health Inspection Services, Plant Health Policy and the Chief Plant Health Officer for Scotland on Plant Health risk, surveillance, and outbreak management. Support Scottish Forestry and Nature Scot operations on plant health matters. Engage with national/international mycologists, other UK delivery partners and a wide range of stakeholder organisations. Responsible for Plant Health Licensing in Scotland, providing risk assessment and inspection of facilities to permit researchers to work with quarantine pests under scientific license. Lead and develop a small team of plant pathologists to ensure business delivery. Provide critical research and evaluate new diagnostic methods for fungal plant diseases and act as the QA Technical Manager, maintaining and developing the QA system within the unit. Qualifications 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 / Professional Skills: Communicating science and engineering for government - Understands and promotes the significance of advice and evidence in policy making and / or service delivery and helps develop systems that promote its use. Developing science and engineering capability - Deep specialist in their field and part of external networks, suggests and makes effective use of opportunities to promote the profession, seeking areas where it can contribute to delivery. Technical oversight and management - Helps identify learning and development opportunities for members of their team, enabling continuous improvement. Experience: Extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of regulated fungal plant pathogens and related policies and ability to demonstrate a range of methods for detection and identification. A successful track record of building strong and effective networks and partnerships with UK and international stakeholders. You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours, here: Behaviour levels - Success profiles: candidate guide - gov.scot How to apply Apply online before 29 June 2025, providing a CV and Supporting Statement of no more than 1000 words which provides evidence of how you meet the skills and experience listed in the Success Profile above. If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and presentation. Sifting will take place w/c 21 July 2025 and Assessments are scheduled for w/c 11 August 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.