Post Doctoral Research Fellow for Pesticidal Chemistry
Post Doctoral Research Fellow for Pesticidal Chemistry
We are looking for an ambitious scientist with experience in analytical and natural products chemistry to join the Biological Chemistry group at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. This two-year, Innovate UK-funded project will investigate whether combining natural pyrethrins with Croton megalocarpus seed oil can improve the control of cabbage stem flea beetle in oilseed rape crops and overcome resistance to existing pesticides.
Working with Kew scientists and industry partners, including Pharmaglobal Ltd, you will investigate the chemical properties and insecticidal activity of these natural compounds, optimise their combinations and evaluate their effectiveness. You will also contribute to developing a potential commercial pesticide product, using Kew's facilities for natural products chemistry and collaborating with industry specialists.
More details
You will have experience in plant material extraction, guided fractionation, chemical analysis and insecticidal assays, alongside experience operating and interpreting data from techniques such as NMR, LC-MS and GC-MS. Experience testing the biological activity of plant chemicals would be an advantage. This role would suit a natural products chemist, analytical chemist, biochemist or pesticide chemist with an interest in entomology and pest management.
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.
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 £42,153 - £43,419 per annum, depending on skills and experience [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”.
At Kew, our strength lies in the diversity of our people and the insights they bring. When you join us, you will find an organisation that values your perspective and lived experience. You will receive support to achieve your full potential and access opportunities to develop and progress. Our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion is ongoing, shaped by the people who work here and the communities we serve. As a disability confident employer, we are breaking down barriers to be an inclusive workplace for everyone.
Whoever you are, and however you experience the world, there is a place for you to grow and belong at Kew.
No agencies please.