Zoology Diagnostician - The Scottish Government

The post will be based in the Zoology Laboratory, providing technical laboratory support in the areas of Nematology (60%) and Entomology (40%), although you will be expected to be flexible and be willing to work in any area of the branch as required.

SASA’s Nematology laboratory is the statutory Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN) testing centre for Scotland. From approximately October through to April you will work as part of a team involved in a high-throughput, multi-stage process, preparing approx. 18,000 soil samples for analysis.

You will also be involved in Nematology work relating to other statutory and commercial tests; preparing a variety of sample types for extraction, carrying out sample analysis for pest nematode species using traditional taxonomic (microscopy) methods, and accurately recording and reporting your results.

During the Entomology season you will be involved in the aphid monitoring programme; processing samples and using specialist taxonomic skills to identify a wide range of aphid species.

You may also be required to take responsibility for sample receipt, processing, analysis and reporting results on other samples in support of plant or honey bee health. This would involve using either microscopy or molecular testing methods (PCR).

You will use a variety of different IT packages (e.g. MS Excel, bespoke databases) to accurately track samples and record results.

Shared responsibility for maintaining a clean and tidy laboratory environment.

Maintain accurate records of all work undertaken and ensure that duties are carried out in compliance with the requirements of the Quality Management system ISO 9001:2015 and health & safety procedures.

The Candidate: