Undergraduate Sandwich Intern: Plant tissue curation
Undergraduate Sandwich Intern: Plant tissue curation
Full Title: Undergraduate Sandwich Intern: Advancing plant tissue curation for genomic analysis
This project aims to improve collection techniques to better preserve material for genomic analysis by widening the options available in the field and contributing to ongoing research in this area. You will work on assessing methods including desiccation in silica gel and ethanol preservation for plant tissues addressing key questions in their effectiveness.
More details
This project will contribute to ongoing work assessing the ethanol and methanol treatment of freshly collected plant material (from the diverse Living Collection held at Kew), which requires working with partners in horticulture. As part of this curation testing project, we would also examine the stability of samples stored for over 25 years, comparing extractions from this material with the original extractions to assess the long-term stability of silica-dried plant tissue. For this, you would work with the plant DNA and Tissue Bank at Kew (c. 49,000 genomic DNA and c. 25,000 tissue samples), which represents c. 35,000 species and is one of the most diverse collections.
Applicants must be studying a degree in biology, have basic experience consistent with working towards a biology degree and have experience and/or an interest in plant tissue curation and preservation. Must be able to carefully handle delicate material and have an interest in laboratory practice and biological collections. Outputs from this project would include papers and posters: A best practice Natural Sciences Collections Association paper for the Global Genome Biodiversity Network document library and a paper at any conferences attended.
Please state your education dates in your application.
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 £24,535 per annum (pro rata) [Intern Grade]
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.