About the job

Job summary

We are seeking a highly motivated scientist to join the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, as a Research Leader in Quantitative Mycorrhizal Ecology.  Kew’s mycorrhizal ecology research group has been expanding rapidly, to meet increasing demand from a range of stakeholders and funders in this area, through major research and UK-based monitoring programmes (e.g. , ).  We are now seeking to recruit an outstanding Research Leader to analyse large datasets generated across multiple projects.  This is a full-time, permanent research position based at Kew Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site in London.

The Research Leader will support the research team and team leader, providing day-to-day supervision for post-docs, PhD, MSc and BSc students, research fellows, visitors and/or volunteers who are working within a broader research programme overseen by a Senior Research Leader in Mycorrhizal Ecology.  Additionally, the Research Leader will actively contribute to the implementation of Kew’s Science Strategy and play a role in managing the Science Directorate.

Job description

Applicants for this role should have research goals aligned with Kew’s Ecosystem Stewardship Scientific Priority and the Mycorrhizal Ecology team.  They will be enthusiastic in aiding the delivery for the priority initiatives of the Mycorrhizal Ecology team.  The successful candidate will be experienced in analysis of large-scale datasets using bioinformatics (e.g. metabarcoding, metatranscriptomics, or metagenomics) and statistical analysis (e.g. community ecology, modelling).  They also collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to model mycorrhizal interactions, predict their effects on ecosystem functioning, synthesize research findings into reports, and contribute to peer-reviewed scientific articles.  This position also requires the ability to secure research funding through grant applications and project proposals in the areas outlined above.

Person specification

We are looking for someone with innovative ideas seeking to develop their career as an independent researcher, leader and mentor.  The successful applicant will be an outstanding and inspiring scientist with a relevant PhD and post-doctoral experience in Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field, with a focus on mycorrhizal research.  We welcome applicants with a collaborative outlook, an interest in in teaching and outreach, and a curiosity beyond their own expertise in Kew’s overall mission.

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 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.