Scientific Officer in Pesticide Usage and Vector Surveillance

Scientific Officer in Pesticide Usage and Vector Surveillance

Location: Newforge Lane
Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week
Pay Rate: £17.43 per hour

About the Role

We are seeking a Vector Insect Surveillance and Identification Officer (ScO) to join the Plant Health and Integrated Pest Management Branch at Newforge Lane.

The successful candidate will play an important role in supporting vector insect surveillance by identifying insects collected in field traps and returned to the laboratory. The role involves laboratory-based examination, morphological identification and appropriate storage of specimens.

Main Duties

• Identify vector insects collected from surveillance traps in the field.
• Examine insect specimens in the laboratory using microscopes.
• Carry out morphological identification of insects using appropriate identification techniques and reference materials.
• Record identification results accurately.
• Prepare and maintain insect specimens for storage.
• Handle and process field-collected insect samples in accordance with laboratory procedures.
• Support the wider Plant Health and Integrated Pest Management team with surveillance and identification activities.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure specimens and associated data are correctly labelled and stored.

Essential Experience and Qualifications

Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

• 2 A Levels or equivalent or higher, including at least one science subject; and
• 2 years' demonstrable experience working with microscopes and undertaking insect morphological identification.

OR

• 5 GCSEs, including Science, Mathematics and English Language, at Grades A*-C or equivalent or higher; and
• 3 years' demonstrable experience working with microscopes and undertaking insect morphological identification.

Apply Now!
Take the next step in your career and join a rewarding role with our client. Apply today or contact Robyn Barry at [email protected]

To be shortlisted for this role all applicants MUST meet the essential criteria. Please note that these roles may be filled quickly but your CV will be kept on file for future similar roles. As there are so many applications, unsuccessful candidates may not be contacted.

Successful candidates may need to apply for an Access NI Certificate with Staffline regardless if you already have a valid certificate. It will be a cost of between £16 - £32 depending on clearance level.