About the job

Job summary

We are seeking a researcher to join a project that will characterize the genomic, metagenomic and chemical diversity of rice from pre-industrial agricultural ecosystems. This project will utilize state-of-art methodology for archaeogenomics, pioneer analyses of nutrients in historical samples, and employ new methods for accurate microbiome characterization. The research associate will lead the genome and microbiome analyses in this project, working both on historical (herbarium) and contemporary samples of rice, with the focus on root and rhizosphere. Additionally, the researcher will be able to join field work in Southeast Asia and oversee field experiments and is expected to tutor internal and external collaborators.

Details about responsibilities and expected personal specifications for this job are listed in the job profile document below. In your application, please provide examples of your relevant skills, abilities, knowledge and experience (including publications) that address the criteria in the Person Specification.

Job description

We are seeking candidates holding a PhD/D.Phil degree or equivalent in a relevant research field (e.g. plant biology, environmental sciences, genomics, microbiology, agricultural sciences) and with bioinformatics/computational biology experience, particularly, in comparative genomics and/or metagenomics. 

Person specification

Our ideal candidate will be a team player who can work on their own initiative and is enthusiastic about tutoring others. Experience working in Southeast Asia is desirable but not necessary. This position is open to international candidates and we particularly encourage applications from ethnic and gender minority candidates.

This role is based at Kew with the option of regular home working, subject to operational requirements.

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.