About the job

Job summary

Kew has committed, through its Manifesto for Change 2021-2030, to deliver science-based knowledge and solutions to protect biodiversity and use natural resources sustainably. Within the context of Kew’s People and Culture strategy, we recognise that Kew’s staff are the most valuable asset in delivering this manifesto and we want to support our research, technical and science support staff in developing the skills they need.

This is a new role, based in the Education and Training team within the science directorate, where you will champion researcher and technical development of Kew’s 450 research-focused staff.

Job description

We’re looking for someone with significant experience of working in researcher development, who is able to lead the development of a new strategy and delivery plan for Kew Science.  Working across the science directorate and wider Kew, you’ll build an understanding of the needs and opportunities for researcher development, and work to bring the strategy to life through the development of a consistent approach to training and development.

To do this you’ll need to have a good understanding of the nationally-recognised schemes to help map and quality assure researcher development, and then devise innovative and impactful development opportunities. Working adeptly both internally and externally, you’ll need to quickly build relationships with a range of stakeholders, championing the needs of all Kew’s research-based staff.

Person specification

While experience of working in a biodiversity-focused research institution is not a requirement, it is essential you’ll be able to understand and work to develop the skills and experience required across Kew’s Science Directorate to support the delivery of Kew’s Science Strategy 2021-2025 and beyond.

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.