About the job

Job summary

Biodiversity is in crisis. In response, RBG Kew’s scientific mission as a world-leading biodiversity institute is to stop biodiversity loss and develop nature-based solutions to societal challenges. It is clear that the future protection and restoration of biodiversity and the natural capital that it provides will be extensively supported and driven by markets and private sector investment. In response, Kew seeks to establish a research group within the Ecosystem Stewardship priority that will focus on the needs of developing nature and carbon markets lead by a Senior Research Leader. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in enabling Kew to use its biodiversity science expertise, collections and data to deliver maximum impact in the field. The role holder will help to recruit, then lead and manage their team that will develop science-led methods and approaches that will enable effective, evidence-led market operation.  Working with internal and external stakeholders they will become internationally influential in the role of research within the developing arena of biodiversity markets, their influence on species, ecosystems and land management, and of Kew’s niche within it.

Job description

RBG Kew is currently co-developing a spinout nature investment business that will facilitate clients investing in nature and biodiversity using robust and scientifically rigorous methods. The spinout’s intended areas of intervention will be the essence of Ecosystem Stewardship: conserving biodiversity by protecting intact habitats and working to support biodiversity and natural capital through restoration and effective habitat management methods The business and therefore the holder of this role will have significant impact on the protection and sustainable use of biodiversity in support of Kew’s mission. It is intended that the role-holder will play a scientific leadership role in enabling the success of the spinout especially in its setup and start-up phases.

Person specification

We are looking for a research-active diversity scientist, ecologist or natural capital researcher with a strong track record as evidenced by publications in high impact journals and grant income. You will work in a field relevant to landscape ecology, restoration or biodiversity conservation. A research interest in data science and/or biodiversity metrics will be an advantage. Multidisciplinarity will have played a role in your career development. You will have developed and lead your own research team via a demonstrated ability to motivate, manage and mentor a team of researchers, including research fellows, postdoctoral researchers, and PhD students. You will possess experience of consultancy and skills in working within a business environment, with the ability to communicate effectively to a wide range of audiences. We particularly seek someone with a breadth of interest in the translational opportunities offered by research on Kew’s UK sites, collections and expertise.

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.