About the job

Job summary

We are seeking a highly motivated scientist to join the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, as a Research Leader.  Kew has recently published a new Science Strategy (https://www.kew.org/science/our-science/publications-and-reports/science-reports/kew-science-strategy) and we are now seeking to recruit two outstanding Research Leaders to help deliver our mission to understand and protect​ plants and fungi for the​ well-being of people and​ the future of all life on Earth​. 

Job description

Our Research Leaders lead research teams of their own providing day- to-day supervision for post-docs, PhD and MSc students, and Future Leader Fellows. They are responsible for their own grant-funded research within a wider research programme overseen by a Senior Research Leader. They contribute to the delivery of Kew’s Science Strategy, and to the overall running of the Science Directorate. Applicants will have a research plan aligned with at least one of Kew’s Scientific Priorities (Ecosystem Stewardship, Trait Diversity and Function, the Digital Revolution, and Accelerating Taxonomy), and will be enthusiastic in helping to deliver our major initiatives of that Priority.

Person specification

We are looking for someone with innovative ideas seeking to develop their career as an independent researcher, leader and mentor. You will be an outstanding and inspiring scientist with a relevant PhD and post-qualification experience in your chosen field of science, with an interest in teaching and outreach. We welcome applicants with a collaborative outlook, an interest in the research potential of Kew’s unparalleled collections, and an interest beyond their own expertise in Kew’s overall mission.

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

As well as completing a full application form, 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.