Job Description

The Science Directorate of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is looking for enthusiastic undergraduates and recent graduates who want to undertake a 6-month paid Science Project Internship in collaboration with the Centre for Forest Protection.
The Centre for Forest Protection (CFP) is a joint venture led by Forest Research and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, that combines the strengths and expertise of each organisation. In addition to the state-of-the-art facilities, both organisations hold tree and plant collections of national importance.
The CFP's science programme supports the UK governments' forest and tree strategies and the successful delivery of tree planting programmes. Research outcomes will also directly contribute to the improved resilience of the UK's forests, woodlands and trees and help promote enhanced capacity and capability in forest and tree health research.
Hours of work
Full time
Number of vacancies
1
Contract Type
Fixed Term (FTA)
Contract start date
1 October 2025
Contract end date
31 March 2026
Salary
24,535 per annum (pro rata)
Directorate
Science
Location
Kew Gardens, Richmond, Hybrid
Closing Date
22/07/2025
Documents
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More details
We are looking for undergraduates with at least two years' university education or equivalent, or recent graduates in biosciences, bioinformatics or related subjects. There are three internship positions available, working on the following projects:
Combining genomics and tree rings to understand tree resilience to climate change (1 position)
How long will it take to produce resistant ash? Simulating potential increases in ash dieback resistance using a new ash recombination map. (2 positions)
Please see the project details and job profiles for more information. There are also three other projects with six month paid internships with the Centre for Forest Protection, refer to for more information.
Please include your education dates on the application form.
Interviews are due to take place w/c 4 August.
This role is based at Kew with the option of regular home working, subject to operational requirements.
Please note that applicants must already have the Right to Work in the UK as we will be unable to offer sponsorship for this position.
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).
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.