About the job

Job summary

This is an exciting opportunity to lead and influence strategy in RBG Kew’s research on landscape ecology at Wakehurst and partner sites. You will develop and lead a team able to measure, define and monitor biodiversity and ecosystem services, delivering innovative and relevant scientific outputs. You will be able to engage with citizen scientists and visitors to Wakehurst through their work and participate in Kew’s postgraduate teaching, including MScs in partnership with Royal Holloway, University of London and Queen Mary University of London and a wider range of PhD partnerships. You will also contribute scientific leadership to the Landscape Ecology Programme Initiative that was added to the strategy in 2023, and/or to initiatives on Nature-based solutions and Biodiversity Metrics.

Job description

We are looking for a research-active diversity scientist, ecologist or natural capital researcher with a strong and relevant track record as evidenced by publications in high impact journals and applications to secure grant income. You will work in a field relevant to landscape ecology. A research interest in spatial approaches, data science and/or biodiversity metrics will be an advantage. Multidisciplinarity will have played a role in your career development. You will possess or have demonstrated the potential to lead your own research team via a demonstrated ability to motivate, manage and mentor researchers, including research fellows, postdoctoral researchers, and PhD students. You will possess experience and ability in communicating effectively to a wide range of audiences. We particularly seek someone able to use their skillset to maximise Kew’s impact through research on its Wakehurst site and associated UK landscapes.

Person specification

Interviews are due to take place in the middle of September. An expected start date is December 2024.

Whilst primarily based at Wakehurst, there is 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 visit the provided weblink and submit your application.

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.