Seed Analyst Edinburgh, Scotland
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About the job
Job summary
Would you like to play a key role in the provision of seed analysis for the Scottish Government, seed trade and farmers.
If so, we are looking for an individual with excellent attention to detail and strong analytical skills to join our Team.
The Official Seed Testing Station (OSTS), SASA, is responsible for testing of all certified seed in Scotland through supervision of Licensed Seed Testing Stations and provision of a testing service to Government and the seed trade. Testing is also conducted for advisory purposes allowing industry and growers to make informed decisions on their seed stocks. Supporting this testing is a research and development programme investigating emerging industry concerns in the form of field and laboratory experiments, development of test methods and health surveys of cereal seed in Scotland.
The OSTS comprises 15 staff a mix of Senior Scientists (Seed Testing Manager/Quality Manager, Seed Pathologist and GMO Manager), Seed Molecular Biologist, Purity & Germination Laboratory Manager, Senior Seed Analysts, Seed Analysts and a Laboratory/Administrative Assistant.
You will work closely with all Analysts and report to the Senior Seed Analyst for the area you are working in or the Seed Testing Manager.
Training is required in different crop divisions and statutory tetrazolium testing to pass UK Certificate of Proficiency in Seed Testing examinations as required by Scottish Seeds Regulations. Training in loose smut (Ustilago nuda) and vigour testing to work towards gaining competencies. Continuous learning for seed identification to identify new seeds and continue to refresh in species already learned.
You will be expected to undertake this training and pass an exam on completion.
Job description
- Carry out analytical testing for purity, moisture, germination, thousand seed weight, vigour and for cereals, grasses and pulses included in the Scottish Seeds Regulations.
- Carry out seed pathology tests.
- Ensure evaluation of test material ensuring that International Rules for Seed Testing are applied, and work meets the quality requirement of ISO 17025, ISTA Accreditation and current Scottish and GB legislation.
- Work and train within the QA environment to ensure the validity of results produced.
- Seed sample registration and reporting of results
- support seed testing research and development programme.
- Work in other areas of SASA, as required.
- General Laboratory duties.
Person specification
- Experience of working in a biology-based laboratory, preferably plant sciences.
- A proven team player who is able to work well with others but also carry out individual tasks as required.
- Good attention to detail ensuring accuracy when carrying out tasks.
- Good organisational skills and ability to use own initiative to prioritise workload.
Benefits
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
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Selection process details
Please apply using the link provided
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
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Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland with settled or pre-settled status or who apply for either status by the deadline of the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
- relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals working in the Civil Service
- relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals who have built up the right to work in the Civil Service
- certain family members of the relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
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