Description Do you have good analytical skills and would like the opportunity to play a key role in managing the Wildlife Incident and Investigation Scheme for Scotland (WIIS). As the Senior Analytical Chemist for the WIIS team you will manage a small team of Analysts, conducting analytical investigations into the impact of legitimate and criminal exposure of non-target animals to pesticides, biocides, and veterinary medicines. The Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme (WIIS) investigates incidents of suspected pesticide poisoning of wildlife, beneficial insects, companion animals and livestock. The scheme also investigates incidents involving suspect baits, incidents where it is thought that pesticides have been inappropriately used and incidents where pesticide spillages pose a risk to wildlife or companion animals. You will have oversight of the analysis and analytical methods used to identify pesticides, biocides and veterinary medicines and lead on the provision of technical advice and on the reporting of analytical results to both internal and external organisations. SASA’s Chemistry laboratory is ISO 17025 accredited which enables us to demonstrate that we operate competently and generate valid results, thereby promoting confidence in our work. Responsibilities Manage the daily operation of the Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme (Scotland) surveillance programme involving liaison with a range of government and non-governmental departments. Manage a small team of analysts, ensuring reporting deadlines are met. As principal contact for WIIS Scotland, respond to ‘on-demand’ requests for advice, data and initiation of (SG) field investigations. Report analytical results within a set timeframe and contribute to wildlife crime investigations acting as an expert witness when required. Responsible for provision of related commercial General Analytical Services. Act as the Area Quality Manager for the section ensuring all processes and procedures are in-line with the ISO 17025 quality standard required for statutory and contractual work. Qualifications Qualifications A scientific degree in a relevant subject such as chemistry, toxicology or a closely related discipline. 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: Building and applying knowledge - A high level of knowledge and skills relevant to the post. Deep specialist in area, ensuring progress through engaging with others in the scientific community. Communicating science and engineering for government - Understands and promotes the significance of advice and evidence in service delivery and helps develop systems that promote its use. Developing science and engineering capability - Promotes professionalism and exemplifies best practice in the delivery of work. Ensures that projects are well managed and fully documented. Experience: You must have experience and the expertise of managing and directing the workload of yourself and others focusing on scientific delivery, building relationships, reviewing scientific evidence to draw robust conclusions and writing reports. Proven technical competency in trace organic residue analysis utilising chromatography, mass spectrometry and allied techniques with experience of working in an accredited laboratory environment especially in accordance with standards specified in ISO 17025. Behaviours: Changing and improving – Level 3 Managing a quality service - Level 3 You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours, here: Behaviour levels - Success profiles: candidate guide - gov.scot How to apply Apply online before 8 June 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 Presentation. Assessments are scheduled for w/c 23 June 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. You will be expected to attend the office 3 days a week. 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.