Research Assistant

We are seeking a Research Assistant to provide lab and field support within a project aiming to implement mycorrhizal research within the soil monitoring efforts carried out by Natural England and Forest Research for the Natural Capital Ecosystem Assessment programme. This position will involve sampling and processing large numbers of time-sensitive root and soil samples. Attention to detail will be needed. The post holder will provide guidance to less experienced members of the research group, including technical staff and students and visitors.

• Employee Benefits - RBG Kew.pdf
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• JD_RA_NCEA_MBLMS.pdf
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We are looking for a highly motivated individual with an interest in biological and environmental sciences. The post holder will need flexibility to accommodate flexible working arrangements when processing time-sensitive samples.

Required: BSc, MSc or equivalent in an appropriate subject (i.e. biological sciences, environmental sciences). Experience in some or all of the following: DNA extraction, PCR, DNA sequencing and editing, high throughput sequencing, bioinformatics, statistics. Experience working with mycorrhizal fungi or other plant-fungal interactions is a plus.

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 £28,249 - £30,570 per annum pro-rata, depending on skills and experience.

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.

If you are interested in this position, please submit your application through the online portal, by clicking “Apply for this job”.

We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.

No agencies please.