Plant Pathology Technician

at  The James Hutton Institute

ESSENTIAL

• Biological sciences degree
• Proven ability with microbiological techniques, such as culturing microorganisms under aseptic conditions.
• Experience of molecular biology techniques such as DNA extraction, PCR and molecular cloning.
• Effective written communication, maintaining records and data handling.
• Evidence of working effectively with a team.
• Self-motivation and time management.

OTHER SKILLS

• The ability to work unsupervised
• The ability to follow protocols and Standard Operating Procedures

ADDITIONAL NOTES/REQUIREMENTS

Current driving licence

MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB

We are seeking a motivated individual to provide technical support to the Plant Pathology group within the department of Cell & Molecular Sciences located at the Invergowrie Campus. The post-holder will work across a range of fungal and bacterial plant pathology projects as required and will contribute specifically to a collaborative BBSRC-funded project investigating biocontrol of blackleg disease in potato, caused by Pectobacterium atrosepticum. This project will investigate the efficacy of a bacteriocin product on the progression of blackleg disease or soft rot of tubers in storage. The postholder will be responsible for conducting glasshouse experiments to determine the effect of bacteriocins in controlling disease originating from P. atrosepticum-infected seed potatoes by monitoring disease progression. As part of our wider plant pathology group, the role will involve laboratory, glasshouse and field work across a variety of pathosystems, providing valuable input and support. This post requires full-time in-person attendance on site and occasional off-site working at other locations for sampling purposes is a possibility.

MAIN DUTIES OF POSTHOLDER

• Maintain bacterial/fungal/oomycete cultures necessary for the project(s).
• Propagate plants and undertake plant infection assays.
• Lab/glasshouse/field disease assessment, sample collection and processing.
• Record keeping and data handling.
• Perform molecular cloning, protein purification and other molecular methods.