Research Assistant

**Details**:
**Reference number**:

- 294438**Salary**:

- £26,534-
- A Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%**Job grade**:

- Administrative Officer- Pay Band 6A**Contract type**:

- Fixed Term**Length of employment**:

- 18 months**Business area**:

- FR - Forest Protection - Tree Health**Type of role**:

- Environment and Sustainability
- Science**Working pattern**:

- Flexible working, Full-time**Number of jobs available**:

- 2Contents

Location

About the job

**Benefits**:
Things you need to know

Location
- The role can 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

**Job summary**:
Want to work at the cutting edge of environmental science research? Passionate about making a difference and playing your part in tackling the climate and nature crises? Forest Research (FR) is a leading UK scientific research organisation that provides impactful scientific data, evidence and advice to policymakers and practitioners. Internationally recognised, we want to work with people who have the skills and passion to deliver impactful science which informs practical solutions across the sector.

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 natural environment. With locations across the UK, you will find us a flexible and inclusive employer who promotes agile working to help you manage your work life balance. If you want to be a part of a growing organisation that makes a difference, find out more at Homepage - Forest Research

An exciting opportunity has arisen for two Research Assistants to support projects related to tree pathology. This position will be part of the Tree Health Team at Forest Research and is a critical role underpinning the scientific activities undertaken by the team. The roles will provide general support for experimental research including preparation of laboratory materials, assisting with experimental work set-up, sample collection and analysis using a range of methods such as molecular, morphological and microscopy. These roles will support the continuing improvement of Health and Safety, and Quality Assurance in FR as the organisation works towards ISO accreditation, under the supervision of senior members of staff. The activities carried out at these facilities will be the forefront of science and evidence providing expertise to enable decisions on tree and forest policy and practices and providing the reassurance and advice that customers deserve and require.

**Job description**:
The Research Assistant role carries out a variety of research activities related to tree pathology projects in the Forest Research laboratories.
- Assist and support laboratory research projects in the main Forest Research tree health laboratories to ensure delivery of project milestones.
- Experimental work will include laboratory, _in vitro_ (e.g., growth chamber) and field studies to examine plant-pathogen interactions.
- Adhere to Standard Operating Procedures, and health and safety requirements, assisting with risk and COSHH assessments.
- Contributing to the wider activities of the Tree Health research group including the fulfilment of professional duties as required.

Specific tasks will include:

- Assist with set-up of experiments and sample collection in laboratory, _in vitro_ and field studies.
- Carry out molecular, morphological, and microscopy work to study plant-pathogen interactions.
- Help to maintain materials and resources needed for project research activities.
- Accurate documentation of experimental results.
- Communicating experimental results to supervisory or other tree health staff.
- Help to ensure laboratory spaces are maintained.
- Assisting with the documentation required for COSHH, risk assessments, and SOPs as required.
- Safe disposal of all risk materials in accordance with the quarantine licence to work on regulated pests.

**Person specification**:
**Essential Criteria**:

- Bachelor of Science Degree in plant biological sciences, forestry or microbiology or equivalent experience.
- Skills in good laboratory practice
- Previous experience of molecular biology methods such as DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, and sequencing
- Demonstrated practical experience in a plant biology research environment
- Excellent record keeping and attention to detail
- Ability to work to tight deadlines, prioritising tasks, using specialist knowledge to inform judgement
- Good standard of verbal and written communication
- Competent IT user with experience of MS Office packages

**Desirable Criteria**:

- Knowledge of plant pests and diseases
- Experience of working in the field or glasshouse environments
- Knowledge of basic techniques u