Job Description

Research Leader - Plant Tree of Life

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We are seeking a passionate and experienced plant phylogenomics researcher to join Kew's Tree of Life team as a Research Leader. The post sits within the Accelerated Taxonomy Priority and will focus specifically on building and applying the Tree of Life to enhance our understanding of plant diversity and evolution. The post-holder will play a key role in the Plant and Fungal Trees of Life project (PAFTOL), which, over the past decade, has made significant advances in the field of angiosperm phylogenomics. The post-holder will work with PAFTOL leadership to define the future path for the project and to co-lead the delivery of new goals, working alongside a large team of project staff and collaborators from both inside and outside Kew. The post-holder will also build their own programme of grant-funded research, attracting students and postdocs to form their own research group. The development of expertise and international leadership in the systematics of a particular plant group is also strongly encouraged, in the spirit of Kew's long history of supporting and promoting systematic specialism. In this vein, the post-holder will be a vigorous advocate for (and user of) botanical collections, especially Kew's herbarium, bridging the gap between traditional applications and transformative uses now possible thanks to the advent of high-throughput sequence.



The successful candidate will become an integral part of the science community at Kew, collaborating widely across Kew Science and contributing to the delivery of Kew's Science Strategy, as well as the overall running of the Science Directorate.



Hours of work
Full time
Contract Type
Permanent
Salary
45,200 - 52,312 per annum, depending on skills and experience [Band E].
Directorate
Science
Location
Kew Gardens, Richmond, Hybrid
Closing Date
18/05/2025
Documents
16396 Employee benefits-RBG Kew 2024 v6[90].pdf
(PDF, 279.26kb)
Job Profile.pdf
(PDF, 121.73kb)
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More details

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The successful candidate will be an outstanding and established specialist in plant phylogenomics, with high-level expertise ranging from laboratory techniques to bioinformatic pipelines and phylogenetic tree inference. They will hold a PhD and significant postdoctoral experience, and will have a strong track record of contributing effectively to project teams to deliver collaborative goals. They will have an excellent publication record in plant phylogenomics, as well as hands-on experience of generating genomic data and analysing it. High proficiency in coding (e.g. Bash, Python, R) is essential. They will also have excellent botanical skills and a demonstrated specialism in a specific plant lineage. Strong interpersonal skills are also important, along with a track record of collaborating widely and sharing expertise, both in formal settings and one-to-one. Experience of mentoring and supervising staff and students is essential for the role. We welcome applicants with an inclusive and collaborative outlook, passion for the research potential of Kew's unparalleled collections, and an interest beyond their own expertise in Kew's overall mission.

Please upload a copy of your research CV to support your application. This should include your publication and funding record, as well as any other relevant information to demonstrate your track record as a research scientist e.g. scientific honours and panel / committee memberships, PhD supervision etc.

Interviews will be on 13 June.



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 at 45,200 - 52,312 per annum, depending on skills and experience [Band E].



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.