About the job

Job summary

Are you interested in working with modern technology stack to develop new scientific software? The applications you develop will work towards making Kew the world authoritative source for plant and fungal information. You will be leading on developing our new Data Portal, a “one stop shop” for our data to be disseminated to the public. 

Job description

Much of the development work will be centred on supporting the current Java based Data Portal, with an input into future migration strategies for the tools to improve WCAG accessibility. The Data Portal is a single point of access for the scientific collections at Kew: information about the digitised collection objects, images, taxonomy, geography, genomic sequences and taxonomy. The Data Portal will allow the researchers to have an overview of our integrated data to make a bigger impact in their research.

You will take a lead technical role in a dedicated software development team using agile methodologies, part of the multidisciplinary Digital Revolution department, which comprises experts from across a range of fields including computer science, evolution, genomics, bioinformatics, spatial analysis, data architecture and web development.

Person specification

This is a challenging but rewarding role and we are seeking a motivated and knowledgeable individual to lead on building resources with global reach and impact. You will be an enthusiastic team player with a degree in IT or Computer Science or equivalent experience. You will also have experience of developing complex software according to stakeholder needs. This position offers the opportunity to support science and deliver a step change in plant and fungal knowledge. You'll have an agile mind, positive approach to problem-solving, with an enthusiasm for science.

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 access to our own beautiful gardens at Kew and Wakehurst.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

To apply for this role, please submit your application through the Kew Gardens website.

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.