Laboratory Research Assistant in London

Laboratory Research Assistant in London

London Full-Time 34216 - 34216 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support groundbreaking research in molecular lab techniques and contribute to DNA sequencing projects.
  • Company: Join the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, a leader in botanical research and conservation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and wellness support.
  • Other info: Access to beautiful gardens and free entry to national museums included.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on global fungal research while working in a vibrant scientific community.
  • Qualifications: Experience in molecular lab work and a degree in a science discipline required.

The predicted salary is between 34216 - 34216 £ per year.

The Labs Research Assistant will deliver RBG Kew’s mission by providing R&D support in the molecular lab as part of a major programme to sequence 20,000 fungi and lichen specimens held by RBG Kew’s fungarium and the Natural History Museum (NHM). Over a 4-year period, the project will adopt a mixed approach of whole genome sequencing and barcoding techniques. Containing more than 1.25 million specimens including 50,000 type specimens of worldwide origin, Kew’s fungarium is home to the largest and most complete fungal collection in the world.

Responsibilities

  • The Labs Research Assistant will be responsible for carrying out specialist lab techniques as well as contributing to lab training and output dissemination.
  • The Research Assistant will provide support in R&D work and will contribute with molecular data from fungal collections to support DNA sequencing within the Fungarium Sequencing project.

Qualifications

  • We are seeking candidates with experience in molecular lab work, in particular genomics and museomics techniques (e.g., library prep).
  • Proficiency in statistics and knowledge of UK Health and Safety regulations are essential.
  • Experience working with Fungi, lab R&D, aDNA techniques, and bioinformatics will be a plus.
  • Candidates should have a degree, or a relevant equivalent qualification, in a science discipline.

Application Requirements

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.

Salary and Benefits

The salary for this position is £34,216 per annum (Band C). Our benefits package includes opportunities for continuous learning, a generous annual leave entitlement, flexible working, an Employee Assistance Programme, 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”. No agencies please.

Laboratory Research Assistant in London employer: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, perfect for those passionate about digital product development. With a focus on employee growth and a competitive benefits package, you will have the opportunity to lead a talented team in creating impactful digital services that enhance user experience while contributing to Kew's ambitious Digital Strategy. Located in a world-renowned botanical garden, this role offers a unique environment where your work can truly make a difference.

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Contact Details:

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Laboratory Research Assistant in London

Explore University Career Fairs

University career fairs are gold mines, especially for biology roles. We should hit up these events, connect with potential employers like Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and get the inside scoop on full-time opportunities. Plus, it's a fab way to showcase our passion for the field!

Join Biology Communities

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Attend Industry Conferences

Plan to attend biology-related conferences or workshops. These events are perfect for making connections, learning about the latest research, and even finding out which companies, like Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, are expanding and hiring full-time positions. Don't forget to bring your business cards!

Show Off Your Research Skills

When you land that interview, be ready to flaunt your research experience and practical skills. Discuss any lab work, projects, or internships that demonstrate your expertise in biology. We want to make sure the interviewers see exactly why we're a great fit for the role at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

We think you need these skills to ace Laboratory Research Assistant in London

Molecular Lab Techniques
Genomics
Museomics Techniques
Library Preparation
Statistics
UK Health and Safety Regulations
Fungal Research

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Lab Skills:In the biology field, it's super important to highlight any relevant lab skills. Make sure to include techniques you’ve mastered, like PCR or chromatography, right in your CV. This helps us see your hands-on experience and how you can contribute at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Tailor Your Cover Letter with Passion:When writing your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for biology shine through! Share specific examples of projects or research that fuel your passion. It’s the perfect way to convey your motivation and fit for the role of Laboratory Research Assistant at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any certifications related to biology—like Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) or even specific software for data analysis—be sure to mention those. They can really set you apart from other applicants and show us you’re dedicated to your professional development.

Highlight Team Projects and Communication Skills:Biology often involves collaboration, so don’t shy away from mentioning any team projects you've worked on in your CV. Emphasise how you communicated findings or contributed in group settings. This gives us insight into how you’d fit into our team at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge

Get ready to dive deep into the scientific concepts related to your field! For a biology role, you'll likely face questions about experimental design, data analysis techniques, and possibly even lab protocols. Make sure you're clear on your coursework and any practical experiences you've had.

Show Off Your Lab Skills

Hands-on experience can make or break an interview in biology. Be prepared to discuss your previous lab work, including techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, or microscopy. Bring a portfolio of your lab reports or relevant projects to really impress the hiring team at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Communicate Your Passion for Biology

As this is a full-time position, employers at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew are looking for someone who is not just qualified, but truly enthusiastic about biology. Be ready to share specific moments or projects that ignited your interest in the field. A personal story can really set you apart!

Prepare for Behavioural Questions

Don’t underestimate the power of behavioural questions! Expect to discuss situations from your studies or internships where you showed teamwork, problem-solving, or conflict resolution. This is your chance to show that you're not only a great biologist but also a great colleague!