Kew Research Fellow (Ecosystem Stewardship)
Kew Research Fellow (Ecosystem Stewardship)
We are seeking applications from promising early-career scientists with interesting, innovative, and viable research ideas for the Kew Research Fellowship in Plant and Fungal Science.
The Kew Research Fellowship in Plant and Fungal Science provides a unique opportunity for early-career researchers to develop their scientific portfolio and skills in a vibrant research environment, working with colleagues in Kew Science to make substantial contributions to challenges facing humanity.
Kew offers five Kew Research Fellowships each year, aligned across our Research Priorities.
This Fellowship is within the Ecosystem Stewardship Priority of the Kew Science Strategy. The successful candidate will be based at Kew or Wakehurst depending on the discipline.
Our flagship Kew Research Fellowship programme (also sometimes called the Future Leader Fellowship) enables the brightest and most innovative early career scientists to develop research projects in their field of expertise while gaining the necessary leadership and professional skills for the next stage of their careers.
The successful applicants will form an integral part of our vibrant, dynamic and cross-disciplinary scientific environment and will gain direct access to the world’s most extensive plant and fungal collections along with state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.
Line managed by a senior researcher, the candidate will be benefit from opportunities for development that include – but are not limited to – training workshops on topics from grant writing to research impact, a mentorship programme, bi-annual mentoring meetings with the Director of Science, and other chances for researcher-led training. They will also be able to apply for secondment and research funding internally and are encouraged to use this funding to travel for their research.
The Fellowship aims to provide early career researchers with an internationally outstanding level of training and professional development, empowering them to become established as independent research leaders in their discipline by the end of the Fellowship. This Fellowship is offered as a four-year research post based at either Kew Gardens or Wakehurst.
More details
The post represents an exciting opportunity for a talented and motivated early career researcher to contribute to the delivery of the Ecosystem Stewardship Priority of the RBG Kew Science strategy. They will do so by undertaking innovative, data-driven research that progresses one or more of the Priority’s three initiatives: Ecosystem Assessment, Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and Biodiversity Metrics. We are particularly keen to receive applications from early career researchers whose track record involves development of biodiversity-related metrics or indicators, especially where they have been innovative, geared to solution delivery and/or the needs of nature or carbon markets.
The priority is conducting research into evidence-led protection of biodiversity and ecosystem services, while seeking and evaluating nature-based solutions to urgent and pressing societal challenges at national, regional and global scales in the UK and other biodiversity-rich locations using both RBG, Kew’s varied collections of plants and fungi and in situ biodiversity.
The post holder’s proposed contribution should fit with and take forward the over-arching aim of at least one of the Priority’s Initiatives. For Ecosystem Assessment, the target is to develop innovative tools enabling protection and prioritisation of ecosystems, species and natural resources, In Nature-based Solutions, we are generating evidence on how biodiversity can help solve societal challenges, and implementing solutions, Under the Biodiversity Metrics initiative the team is developing and applying innovative ways of quantifying and monitoring biodiversity to enhance its protection.
As well as accessing Kew’s fantastic collections, academic culture and national and international research networks, you will work directly with and be part of a team lead by a senior researcher. Your work will link to on one or more of those team’s research foci: a) conservation genetics and molecular ecology, b) mycorrhizal ecology, c) spatial phylogenetics, e) conservation assessment and analysis, f) genetics and seed biology associated with NbS and g) spatial analysis, data science and modelling, likely in one or more of Kew’s geographical foci. You will bring valuable new ideas and approaches to the team, initiatives and priority whilst gaining from the guidance of a mentor and coach with experience of the key components of a research career.
We are seeking a highly motivated scientist to undertake research aligned with the Ecosystem Stewardship priority of our ambitious strategy for Kew Science and Kew’s Manifesto for Change.
Person Specification Requirements
You will bring experience gained during a PhD or equivalent experience, and perhaps postdoctoral roles, in an aspect of biodiversity science or other discipline relevant to Ecosystem Stewardship. You will have the potential or proven ability to plan, undertake, analyse, and communicate your research to a diverse range of stakeholders in order to achieve impact.
To include as attachments on your online application form:
- 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.
- A research plan. The research plan does not have a set format but should not exceed three sides of A4. The research plan should provide an outline of what your plans would be for the four-year Fellowship, which will then be developed into a full research plan in collaboration with your line manager if successful.
Interviews are likely to take place between 12 May and 6 June.
This role is based at Kew with the option of regular home working, subject to operational requirements.
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (RBG Kew) is a leading plant science institute, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and major visitor attraction. Our mission is to understand and protect plants and fungi for the well-being of people and the future of all life on Earth.
We are working to end the unprecedented extinction crisis and to help create a world where nature is protected, valued by all and managed sustainably. We will achieve these goals by drawing on our leading scientific research, unrivalled collections of plants and fungi, global network of partners, inspirational gardens at Kew and Wakehurst, and our 260 years of history.
Join us on our journey as protectors of the world’s plants and fungi.
The salary for this position is £41,020 per annum (pro rata) [Band D]
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.
If you are interested in this position, please submit your application through the online portal, by clicking “Apply for this job”.
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.