About the job

Job summary

The Biochemistry Laboratory at RBG Kew provides researchers with the general laboratory facilities and advanced equipment required to analyse, isolate and characterise the small molecules (secondary metabolites) in plants and fungi. Due to expanding research programmes in useful plants and pollination ecology, the Laboratory is now seeking a highly organised Laboratory Technician to provide operational support within the lab.

The post holder, based within the Science Operations department, will have responsibility for keeping the laboratory running smoothly, including ordering chemicals and consumables, organising machine washing of glassware, freeze drying samples, curating chemical collections and maintaining basic items of equipment and standards of health & safety and tidiness. The Laboratory Technician will also support the Laboratory Manager in maintaining advanced analytical equipment for high- and low-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, providing a valuable opportunity to gain experience and training in these techniques from experienced researchers. There may also be opportunities to participate in research projects, interact with public and science visitors, and work within other Kew laboratories (Molecular, Imaging, In Vitro Biology) when support is needed.  

Job description

You should be educated to BSc degree-level or equivalent in a subject that provides knowledge and understanding of biochemical techniques and have some experience of relevant laboratory work. You must be highly organised to deal with multiple requests from different researchers, have the skills needed to maintain accurate record keeping and take pride in maintaining a clean, tidy and efficient laboratory. 

Person specification

Some knowledge of plant small molecules (secondary metabolites) and analytical equipment would be advantageous as would technical skills in repairing equipment and knowledge of UK Health & Safety regulations (e.g., COSHH). An ability to work with people and train staff and students is essential.

Benefits

Our fantastic benefits package includes opportunities for continuous learning, a generous annual leave entitlement, flexible working to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance, an Employee Assistance Programme and other wellbeing support such as cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership. We also offer a competitive pension, an employee discount scheme and free entry into a wide range of national museums and galleries, as well as access to our own beautiful gardens at Kew and Wakehurst.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

If you are interested in this position, please submit your application via the Kew Gardens website. 

We are dedicated to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to interview disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.

No agencies please.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

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). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.