Scientific Advisor - B2

This opportunity is only open to applicants who are currently 'Priority Movers'. Applications from individuals not currently on the Priority Mover list will be rejected and not considered.   

The Scientific Advisor- Microbiological Risk Assessment works as part of team of scientists with responsibility for delivering risk assessment and technical advice in relation to microbiological food safety; supporting policy and other Food Standards Scotland (FSS) business areas in delivering robust, evidence based risk management decision making. The post is also responsible for commissioning and managing research to deliver the evidence required to perform risk assessment, and for supporting the development of technical guidance on microbiological food safety management. The team work with key government partners and a range of stakeholders, including science advisors at the Food Standards Agency and Scottish Government, industry representatives, and the wider scientific community.

This is a 12 month fixed term position to provide cover for the substantive post-holder who is moving to another area of the business on a temporary basis. The Scientific Advisor- Microbiological Risk Assessment is based in the Risk Assessment Branch in FSS. The Risk Assessment Branch comprises 6 scientists with expertise in microbiological, toxicological and chemical food safety; working as part of FSS's Science Division; a multi-disciplinary cohort of around 15 biology, chemistry and social science professionals. The post will work under the direction of the Senior Scientific Advisor, with responsibility for providing specialist scientific advice and risk assessment on the microbiological safety of food. They will also collaborate across the wider science division to provide general science support and help with the delivery of administrative functions, including budget management, business planning and stakeholder engagement activities. The post-holder will be required to work both reactively in response to food incidents and outbreaks, and proactively to deliver strategic risk assessments and scientific advice to inform policy development, technical guidance and advice. This role has no line management responsibilities.

Food Standard Scotland (FSS) was established by the Food (Scotland) Act 2015 as a non-ministerial office, part of the Scottish Administration, alongside, but separate from, the Scottish Government. Our primary concern is consumer protection – making sure that the food is safe to eat, ensuring consumers know what they are eating and improving nutrition. FSS has a wide and diverse remit which covers all aspects of the food chain which can impact on public health – aiming to protect consumers from food safety risks and promote healthy eating. Our mission is to be Scotland’s leading authority on food safety, standards and healthy eating; using data and evidence to provide assurance and advice that inspires consumer confidence and improves public health. 

Responsibilities:

• Provide specialist scientific advice and risk assessment on the microbiological safety of food. This will be both reactively in response to food incidents and outbreaks, and proactively as part of strategic risk assessments to inform the risk analysis process.
• Provide internal scientific expertise to support other teams within FSS for example Operational Delivery, Policy and Enforcement Delivery colleagues including scientific briefing, training materials and scientific support around external communications. 
• Help to produce and maintain in-house food safety focused guidance for industry. 
• Act as technical expert for FSS on microbiological safety; providing FSS input into the development of policy and guidance materials relating to microbiological safety and testing criteria by external parties such as other government departments, international organisations or industry bodies.
• Maintain an up-to-date understanding of the science landscape around foodborne disease as it relates to risk assessment, identifying data and knowledge gaps.
• Undertake structured reviews of relevant datasets, published literature, and intelligence obtained through engagement with the scientific community and the food industry to address FSS’s evidence needs on the microbiological safety of food.
• Design and commission external research identified as required to address knowledge gaps that cannot be delivered in-house. This will include presenting business cases on research needs and risks, estimating budgets, and managing contractors to ensure work is delivered on time and on budget.
• Build and maintain working relationships with individuals within FSS, in other government departments and external experts such as researchers and industry representatives to raise the profile of FSS and ensure Scottish interests are represented. 

Qualifications 

• A scientific degree in a relevant subject such as microbiology, molecular biology, food science or another related scientific field.

Experience 

• Postgraduate experience in a relevant position (such as in government, industry or academia) of collating, analysing, reporting and communicating scientific data in a relevant field (e.g. microbiology, molecular biology, food science, agriculture, epidemiology or other related area).

Working pattern

This role is a temporary position with an expected commitment of 12 months. 

How to Apply

Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive B2 employees.

Please submit a statement outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team (maximum 500 words).

Selection Process

All candidates will be invited to an informal discussion with the Hiring Manager.  

Informal discussion dates tbc.

Further Information

If you have specific questions about the role, please contact [email protected] 

Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.