Potato Pathologist

Overview:
Science & Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA), a Division of the Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate headed by the Chief Plant Health Officer for Scotland, is a community of 185 scientists, inspectors, policy professionals and support staff with responsibility for providing a range of services in support of arable agriculture, horticulture, food, the environment, and the wider rural economy.
SASA is the certifying authority for seed potatoes in Scotland and, working in conjunction with Rural Payments and Inspections Division (RPID), is responsible for the management and administration of the Seed Potato Classification Scheme. The Scottish seed potato industry is an important part of the rural economy, generating a direct income of over £80 million and SASA produce and maintain the starting material for all seed potato crops grown in Scotland.
The post holder will be responsible for the day to day running of the Potato Pathology laboratory and the diagnostic services provided. This will include pathogen isolation and identification using a range of techniques and reporting results to stakeholders. They will also be responsible for method development through optimisation and validation of existing and novel microbiological and molecular assays for use in routine testing. The post holder reports to the Potato Pathology Manager (B2).

**Responsibilities**:

- Be responsible for the routine testing and diagnosis of potato material for pathogens (primarily fungal), including management of the annual Pre Basic Tissue Culture production surveillance programme.
- Manage day-to-day running of the Potato Pathology laboratory, prioritising work objectives and ordering reagents and consumables.
- Plan and carry out the optimisation and validation of microbiological and molecular assays for use in routine testing.
- Act as deputy Quality Manager for Potato Pathology, ensuring accurate records are kept, assay controls perform as expected and assisting the Potato Pathology Manager with review of SOPs Standard Operating Procedures and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health and Risk Assessments.
- Support the delivery of training courses to Plant Health inspectors and external stakeholders in disease identification and inspection procedures.
- Engage with stakeholders to report results and ongoing research work associated with Pre-Basic Tissue Culture mini tuber production.

**Competencies**
Analysis and Use of Evidence

Self-awareness

Communication and Engagement

Improving Performance

Essential Criteria & Qualifications:
No specific qualifications required for this post.

**Essential Criteria**
1. Knowledge of plant pathogens, preferably those affecting potato, and practical experience using molecular and microbiological techniques for pathogen identification and maintenance.

2. Experience working within a quality management system.

3. Excellent organisational skills with the ability to balance competing demands and prioritise responsibilities whilst responding to tight deadlines.

4. Proven ability to communicate clearly within a team and ability to engage and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.

**Location**
This post is based at SASA HQ, Roddinglaw Road, Edinburgh.

This post is not being advertised as location neutral/flexible as work is mainly laboratory (and glasshouse) based (and some field work will be required.)

**Provisional Dates for Sift**
TBC

**Minimum Time in Post**
You will be expected to remain in post for a minimum of three years unless successful at gaining promotion to a higher Band or Grade.

**How to Apply**
For further information on this vacancy please download and review the “Person Specification” which you will find below.

**Person Specification Band B**

**Additional Information**

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