Science Project Internship: Pilot Fund Intern
Job description
Science Project Internship: Pilot Fund Intern
Based at Wakehurst, home of the Millennium Seed Bank, this student internship will support a new project, Primed for Life, investigating the role of seed priming in improving germination and seedling vigour for seed-based restoration and recovery outcomes.
With actions relating to ecosystem restoration increasing, the supply of seed from native and threatened species is a bottleneck in this process. Ensuring that seed germination and establishment is maximised is, therefore, paramount. Seed priming enhances the germination and vigour of seed using controlled hydration techniques.
- Employee Benefits - RBG Kew.pdf
(PDF, 1924.01kb) - Job Profile.pdf
(PDF, 163kb) - Project details.pdf
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More details
We are looking for a self-motivated, enthusiastic intern to join our vibrant and dynamic team. You will have the opportunity to draw together existing knowledge on seed priming relating to wild species, select the most promising methods for trial on our collections, undertake laboratory-based experiments to test these methods, and develop academic paper writing and public engagement skills. In addition to working with staff at Kew you will also collaborate with researchers and practitioners outside Kew to help develop a network of those interested in wild plant seed priming.
Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank holds the world’s largest collection of high-quality seed material of wild plant species and makes these collections available for use. If we can get seed priming techniques to work for these collections the potential improvements in restoration outcomes are massive.
As an undergraduate or MSc student with at least two years’ university education or equivalent in biosciences, the ideal candidate will have an enquiring mind and a desire to move science and practice forward. While training will be provided as needed, some experience and aptitude for independent laboratory work and data evaluation would be preferable. The ideal candidate will be a team player with excellent communication skills.
This role is based at Wakehurst 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 £19,582 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 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 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.
