Job Description
Are you a nematode taxonomist who would like to manage a team to support the production of healthy potatoes in Scotland?
This permanent post is based at SASA within the Virology & Zoology (V&Z) branch which carries out diagnostic testing on a range of samples to meet the Scottish Government’s commitments in relation to Seed Potato Classification and Plant Health Regulations.
The Nematology laboratory is the single official testing centre for potato cyst nematodes (PCN) in Scotland and is responsible for processing and testing up to 18000 soil samples each year from land that is intended for growing seed potatoes, along with a range of diagnostic tests in support of plant health and trade. The Nematology manager is responsible for delivery of these tests; co-ordinating laboratory activities, using taxonomy expertise to identify plant parasitic nematodes (PPN), and ensuring training and resources are available to meet SG demands.
Responsibilities
Line management of 5 staff (A3-B1); managing a wider team (5 – 10 staff) over the nematology period (September-May).
Responsible for SPCS statutory Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN) soil testing. Manage staff, facilities, equipment and resources; co-ordinating with other managers and RPID to ensure timely delivery of up to 18,000 samples tested each season. Take the lead on visual identification of PCN to species and provide training and development for the team.
Co-ordinate UK national list PCN resistance trial at SASA; including maintenance of the Scottish reference stock populations of PCN, preparation for SASA and NIAB trial, material, viability testing, peat bed trials, extraction, and cyst counts.
Provide nematology testing and visual identification of PPN for plant health inspections and trade - including potato consignments, field beans, nursery stocks - primarily for the identification of PCN, Ditylenchus and Aphelencoides Ensure that staff training, equipment, methods, and resources are available to support Scottish plant health requirements and provide advice to policy/inspectorate as required.
Provide support to AQM and Quality Assurance managers to maintain Nematology standards, reviewing SOPs and ensuring Nematology team awareness of quality issues. Take a lead role in participation of relevant proficiency tests as required. Support SASA/V&Z H&S officers by maintaining nematology RA’s, COSHH and other safety procedures.
Qualifications
The successful candidate will hold a graduate level qualification in a relevant subject or have at least three years’ relevant experience. Other relevant qualifications or experience equivalent to this may also be acceptable.
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:
Technical oversight and management – Technical delivery/project management
Experience:
• Demonstrated taxonomic expertise in plant parasitic nematodes (PPN), including the ability to identify and speciate Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN) and identify a range of PPN to genus (including Ditylenchus and Aphelenchoides spp) using internationally recognised protocols.
• A sound understanding of plant health nematology and/or seed potato production.
Behaviours:
Delivering at pace – Level 3
Developing self and others – level 3
How to apply
Apply online, 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.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
Please see our
candidate guidance for more information on acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in recruitment.
If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and presentation.
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, observing the
Civil Service Code and 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 offerWorking pattern
Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role, including Flexi-leave. This is not a hybrid compatible role, and the successful candidate should expect to work on-site (at SASA, Roddinglaw Road, Edinburgh) each working day. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.
Security checks
Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions).
Internal candidates may need to gain higher security clearance than they currently hold if successful in their application.
Equality statement
We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.
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.
Apply before 23:59 on 6th July 2026. This post is open to internal candidates and Common Citizenship Organisations only. External candidates and staff from UK Other Government Departments are not eligible to apply for this vacancy.
