About the job

Job summary

The Taxonomist will deliver RBG Kew’s mission by providing fungal taxonomic expertise to a major programme that aims to sequence 20,000 fungi and lichen specimens held by RBG Kew’s fungarium and the Natural History Museum (NHM). Over a 4-year period, the project will adopt a mixed approach of whole genome sequencing and barcoding techniques. Containing more than 1.25 million specimens including 50,000 type specimens of worldwide origin, Kew’s fungarium is home to the largest and most complete fungal collection in the world, with many specimens being only available at Kew.

Job description

The Taxonomist post will be responsible for the design and implementation of the Fungarium sampling strategy, providing general taxonomic expertise, species identification aid, and training of staff, students, and visitors. The Taxonomist will conduct taxonomic and systematic research of groups of interest. Assist in data analyses and interpretation and contribute to publishing and dissemination of project outputs, including papers, books, reports, and electronic products.

Person specification

We are seeking candidates with a track record in fungal taxonomy and proficiency in DNA barcoding and phylogenetics techniques for taxonomic purposes. Data management and excellent communication skills, including the ability to write publications and present results, are essential. Experience in curation and molecular lab and -omics techniques are desirable. Knowledge in UK Health and Safety regulations, as well as any analytical methods will be considered as a plus.  You will have a degree, or a relevant equivalent qualification, in a fungal science discipline.

This role is a site-based role at Kew with some travel to NHM, with occasional work from home, subject to operational requirements. 

Interviews are expected to take place during the week commencing 3rd June 2024.  

Please state in your application form if you have a preference on contract length. We have available: 1 x 4 year post, 2 x 1 year post. 

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.