Senior Research Leader (Asia)
Senior Research Leader (Asia)
We are looking for an experienced and motivated plant taxonomist to lead the Asia team part of the Kew Science Accelerated Taxonomy Priority.
We are looking for a team player who can help achieve the initiatives set out in the Kew Science Strategy including: (1) Documenting Biodiversity in priority taxonomic groups and geographic areas, (2) building and applying the Tree of Life to enhance our understanding of plant diversity and evolution, (3) Innovating Species Identification through novel tools and technologies such as high-throughput sequencing and AI; and (4) identifying and protecting Tropical Important Plant Areas in Asia. This is an exciting opportunity to work with and support colleagues at RBG Kew and our partners in tropical Asia.
The postholder will report to the Priority Leader for Accelerated Taxonomy. They will be accountable for the taxonomic outputs achieved by and the excellent leadership and management of their research team and budget. The successful candidate will become an integral part of the science community at Kew and will fully participate in the broader operations of the Science Directorate, Priority, and Team.
More details
The ideal candidate for this position should have a PhD degree in botany. They should possess a strong knowledge of plant taxonomy with a focus on tropical Asia. Excellent management and communication skills are paramount, including the ability to write and present scientific outputs, as well as engage with the public and potential funders. Moreover, the candidate should demonstrate proficiency in raising research funds through successful grant applications, highlighting their ability to secure resources to support their scientific endeavours. The successful candidate will be expected to assist in teaching on Kew's MSc in Plant & Fungal Taxonomy, Diversity and Conservation. Experience in teaching plant identification skills is desirable.
Applicants should have a deep knowledge of the plant diversity in tropical Asia and expertise in species-rich plant groups are particularly welcome. Knowledge of the SE Asian flora and its biogeography, and associated plant identification skills which have resulted in published monographs, flora accounts and new species to science are desirable, as are skills in state-of-the-art methods such as phylogenomics. Linked to our other Kew Science Priorities, an interest in conservation and collaborative research on traits, ideally of socio-economic interest, are an advantage. Speaking and writing in another language of relevance in tropical Asia are desirable (e.g. Indonesian/Malaysian). Experience in working with partners in tropical Asia based on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion principles is expected.
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 will be £56,445 - £66,356 per annum, depending on skills and experience.
It is anticipated that interviews for this role will be held in the week commencing Monday 15th January 2023.
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.
Application instructions:
If you are interested in this position, please submit your application through the online portal, by clicking “Apply for this job”.
As part of completing the online application form, you are asked to provide evidence for the required education, experience and competencies of the role. In addition, a publication record and a grant track record should be provided as attachments. Please do not upload a CV as these will not be considered.
You are also asked to write a 2-page vision statement for the Asia team in the Accelerated Taxonomy Priority to be submitted with the application. This vision should align to the Kew Science Strategy and Kew’s Manifesto for Change, and focus on areas such as research, training the next generation and partnerships.
We are dedicated to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to interviewing disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.
No agencies please.