Scientist Jobs in UK – Forestry Commission – Forest Research Hiring!
Role: Scientist – Molecular Biology
Company: Forestry Commission – Forest Research
Apply before 11:55 pm on Sunday 19th November 2023
Job Summary
Want to work at the cutting edge of environmental science research? Are you passionate about making a difference and playing your part in tackling the climate and nature crises? Scientist Jobs in UK, Forest Research (FR) is a leading UK scientific research organization that provides impactful scientific data, evidence, and advice to policymakers and practitioners. Internationally recognized, we want to work with people who have the skills and passion to deliver impactful science that 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 sharing their work with others to bring positive change to our natural environment. With locations across the UK, you will find us a flexible and inclusive employer that promotes agile working to help you manage your work-life balance. If you want to be a part of a growing organization that makes a difference, find out more at [Homepage – Forest Research](https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/)
The Tree Health Research Group’s Role:
- Rapid diagnosis of tree health problems and response to invasive pests and disease outbreaks.
- Researching pests and pathogens threatening British trees to inform government policy, management, and future-proofing trees for resilience in changing climates.
Job Description:
The successful candidate will be required to deliver different molecular research projects related to pathology and tree health. The key work areas will be:
1. Developing DNA extraction and other eDNA methods
2. Developing metabarcoding and metagenomic methods
3. Molecular identification of bacteria, fungi, and oomycetes
4. Undertaking microbiome data analyses and interpretation including the use of bioinformatic pipelines for microbiome and transcriptome analyses
5. Interpreting results and reporting results to senior managers and participating in knowledge exchange as required
6. Contribute to the setting up of networks and collaborations with other experts as required
7. Assisting with the efficient running of the laboratory on a day-to-day basis
8. Writing and reviewing Standard Operating Procedures and contributing to health & safety in general, providing evidence of quality assurance
9. Contributing to the wider activities of the Tree Health research group including the fulfillment of professional duties and fundraising
Person Specification
Essential Criteria:
- Degree or equivalent experience in plant/forest pathology bacteriology/microbiology or molecular biology
- Demonstration of experience in molecular methods such as nucleic acid extraction, PCR, and use of sequence analysis tools such as Geneious
- Evidence of genomic (e.g. Metabarcoding or metagenomics) and bioinformatic experience and current use of key software packages for genome, eDNA, microbiome/transcriptome analyses
- Demonstration of knowledge exchange and/or contribution to scientific publications
- Has a good standard of verbal and written communication Competent IT user with experience with MS Office packages
- A track record of neat, accurate data collection and analysis, scientific publication/report writing, and presentation
- Excellent laboratory skills, quality assurance, strong, integrated teamwork, and the ability to help colleagues with molecular applications and bioinformatic analyses
Desirable Criteria:
- Evidence of experience with host-pathogen and insect-host-pathogen interactions
- Up-to-date knowledge of NGS sequencing
- Up-to-date knowledge and experience of phylogenetic and transcriptomic analyses and software packages
- Experience with statistical packages such as R
Behaviors:
We’ll assess you against these behaviors during the selection process:
- Changing and Improving
- Working Together
- Developing Self and Others
