About the job

Job summary

This is an exciting opportunity for a data analyst to join a research group in the Ecosystem Stewardship scientific priority at RBG Kew until 31st March 2025.  The project aims to implement mycorrhizal research within the soil monitoring efforts in the terrestrial Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment (tNCEA) programme.  We are generating baseline data on mycorrhizal fungi across different habitats in England to understand and link below and aboveground ecosystem functioning across different land uses, soil and vegetation types.  This will provide a first opportunity to study the role of mycorrhizas in carbon and nutrient stocks and cycling across the country, thus contributing a key, but so far neglected, variable and source of indicators for environmental assessment and monitoring.

Job description

We are seeking a data analyst to provide analytical support within the project and across partner institutions in the programme.  This position will involve databasing, managing, processing, and analysing large fungal and plant DNA data and incorporating georeferencing and environmental metadata.  The post holder will provide guidance and help to other members of the research group, including staff and students.

As part of the role, the data analyst is expected to curate a large database and develop tools, methods and models, to generate maps to elucidate the links between mycorrhizal diversity and above and belowground condition, with a focus on habitat, land use, carbon stocks, and to identify indicators of soil health.  They will also liaise with partners from the tNCEA programme for data integration and metadata standard usage.

Person specification

We are looking for a highly motivated individual with an interest in data analyses in biological and environmental sciences.

Required: PhD or equivalent in an appropriate subject or equivalent experience in relevant research field (e.g. macroecology, biostatistics, environmental sciences, agricultural sciences, climate change). Evidence of significant professional experience, detailed knowledge of the literature in biostatistics and mathematical modelling applied to biodiversity data. Demonstrable modelling experience in R with species distribution and/or climate data using specialised software and coding languages.

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 access to our own beautiful gardens at Kew and Wakehurst.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

If you are interested in applying for this role, please submit your application through the Kew Gardens website.

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.