Head of Chemistry, Molecular Biology and Wildlife

Scottish Government; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

An esteemed public sector organization is seeking a Head of Chemistry, Molecular Biology and Wildlife to lead diagnostics improvements and contribute to plant health research. The role requires extensive knowledge of molecular biology and prior experience in grant application. Strong leadership skills and the ability to provide scientific advice are essential. The position offers flexible working options in the City of Edinburgh.

Benefits

Supportive and inclusive working environment

Range of employee benefits

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of molecular biology and plant pathology.
• Proven track record of successful research grant application.
• Experience leading implementation of improvements in molecular diagnostics.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Chemistry and Diagnostics, Wildlife and Molecular Biology branches.
• Develop and manage research consortia and industry funded programmes.
• Provide scientific representation and advice in relation to plant health.

Skills

Technical oversight and management

Leadership

Decision making

Project management

Education

Degree in molecular biology, plant science, plant pathology, or agricultural science

Job description

Overview

Are you looking for an interesting and challenging role where you can contribute to the Scottish Government's plant health research whilst leading on diagnostic improvements to pest and pathogen surveillance?

An opportunity has arisen to join the Scottish Government Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA) Division as part of our senior leadership team in the role of Head of Chemistry, Molecular Biology and Wildlife. We are part of the Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate and are a community of 180 scientists, inspectors, policy professionals and support staff with responsibility for supporting both ministers and external stakeholders across arable agriculture, horticulture, food, the environment and the wider rural economy.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the senior leadership and decision making of SASA with overall responsibility for leadership and delivery of the Chemistry and Diagnostics, Wildlife and Molecular Biology branches (24 staff) which deliver a range of diagnostic services within SASA to support statutory delivery, and to other organisations on a statutory, advisory and commercial basis.
• Develop and manage research consortia conducting externally funded projects supporting SASA's core strategic work programmes.
• Drive methodological diagnostic improvement and efficiencies within SASA.
• Develop and manage industry funded research programmes, contributing to a more sustainable and technologically advanced agricultural sector.
• Coordinate Scottish Government engagement in pan-European plant health research programmes through the Euphresco Network.
• Provide authoritative scientific representation and advice in relation to your specialism.

Qualifications

• A degree and/or a post-graduate qualification in a directly relevant field to the role (molecular biology/plant science/plant pathology/agricultural science).

Professional / Technical Skills

• Technical oversight and management - Technical delivery/project management (Leader)

You can find out more about the skills required Here

Experience

• Extensive knowledge of molecular biology and plant pathology.
• Proven track record of successful research grant application.
• Experience of leading implementation of improvements in the operational delivery of molecular diagnostics.

Behaviours

• Leadership - Level 4
• Changing and improving - Level 4
• Making effective decisions - Level 4

You can find out more about Success Profiles here: Success profiles: candidate guide - gov.scot

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.

Assessments are scheduled for w/c 1 December 2025 however this may be subject to change.

In the event of a high volume of applications, candidates will have their applications initially assessed against the Experience criteria above. Candidates who pass this initial sift will have their applications fully assessed against all criteria. At interview/assessment if there is a tied score, performance in the Leadership behaviour criteria will be applied to determine merit order.

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, 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 offer.

As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules.

Working 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. From October 2025, the Scottish Government will require staff in hybrid-compatible roles to work in-person 40% of the time, either in an office or other agreed work location. For this post the expectation is a minimum of 40% attendance at SASA HQ. 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).

You can find out more about BPSS on the UK Government website, or read about the different levels of security checks in our Candidate Guide.

Equality statement

We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation. Applications are encouraged from all regardless or ethnicity, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, religion, age, neurotype, disability status, caring responsibilities or socio-economic background. Questions will be shared with all candidates in advance of the interview.

Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.

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.