Research Assistant Conservation Genetics

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The Research Assistant will contribute to two different projects:

• Biodiversity metrics for conservation management in the British Virgin Islands” and the “Native Seeds for Restoration: diversity and resilience in the UK”. Cutting-edge scientific methods will quantify native biodiversity in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) by collecting all BVI’s angiosperm species. Three biodiversity metrics (phylogenetic diversity, species richness and species threat assessments) will be estimated to direct biodiversity conservation action and management, ecological restoration, and research planning to respond to current biodiversity loss and climate change. Capacity building for local stakeholders will provide new skills to estimate and integrate biodiversity metrics into decision making and planning habitat restoration in key areas.

• “Native Seeds for Restoration: diversity and resilience in the UK”. This project will support the effective selection and use of native seed in the restoration of climate-resilient, genetically diverse plant populations in the UK. The project will adopt a multi-disciplinary approach, focusing on research strengths in conservation genetics and germination ecology, the exceptional breadth and diversity of the MSB’s UK seed collections and our ever-closer engagement and collaboration with key stakeholders in UK conservation policy and management practice.

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 per annum pro-rata.

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.