About the job

Job summary

We are seeking applications from experienced and enthusiastic post-doc researchers in conservation genetics, to join the Millennium Seed Bank Partnership (MSBP) team in the Enhanced Partnerships Department of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. The successful candidate will work closely with MSB staff and international partners to support the conservation and restoration of the world’s biodiversity, by delivering research and training in the genetics underpinning the sourcing and use of seeds in forest restoration.

The purpose of this position is to deliver RBG Kew’s mission by undertaking research to develop our understanding of the conservation genetics underpinning the sourcing and use of seeds in forest restoration; at the same time providing specific research, training and technical support in genetics to RBG Kew staff and partners.   

Job description

The postholder will carry out and supervise student projects to deliver planned research in collaboration with MSB partners in Asia and Africa. Research topics will include mapping the geographic patterns of genetic diversity of selected tree species for use in reforestation in Asia and Africa and assessing the genetic diversity of seed from mature planted forest plots to determine their suitability as seed sources or ‘orchards’.  They will also develop their own research interests in conservation genetics to inform seed supply for conservation and habitat restoration, contribute to proposals for further research and provide training and technical support in genetics to MSBP staff and partners. 

Person specification

While the MSBP team is based at Wakehurst, the postholder will be geographically based at Kew, working alongside the Kew-based Conservation Genetics team, with visits to Wakehurst as required. Subject to operational requirements, there may be an option for regular home-working.

The successful candidate will need to travel overseas to carry out research and meet with project partners and should be able to communicate effectively to an international audience. This is a full-time position until end of December 2026, with a potential for extension subject to availability of project funding.   

Please note interviews are due to take place on 25th June 2024.

For this position, there may be a requirement to travel overseas to carry out research and meet with project partners.

Please upload a copy of your research CV to support your application. This should include your publication and funding record, as well as any other relevant information to demonstrate your track record as a research scientist e.g. scientific honours and panel / committee memberships, PhD supervision etc.

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 interviewing 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.