Senior Research Leader (Mycorrhizal Ecology) in Richmond

Join the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, as a (Senior) Research Leader in Mycorrhizal Ecology (ME) and help shape the future of biodiversity science.

Through a role that generates novel research on mycorrhizal function and diversity and steers ongoing projects, you will contribute to the delivery of the initiatives and impact goals that form Kew's ambitious new Science Strategy 2026–2030. This document is advancing our mission to understand and protect plants and fungi for the well-being of people and the future of all life on Earth using our research expertise, collections, people and extraordinary network of partners worldwide. Mycorrhizal research links particularly to four of its initiatives (Living Labs, Trees and Forests, Rapid Ecosystem Assessment and Restoring Biodiverse Landscapes) and offers a unique opportunity to initiate and lead innovative research that improves our understanding of biodiversity and ecosystem function and resilience, generating evidence that influences biodiversity protection practice, land management and environmental policy in the UK and beyond.

You will provide scientific leadership for Kew's portfolio of ME research. ME is the fastest growing team in the Science Directorate following the 2021-25 Science Strategy, with a key scientific relationship to the UK’s Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Your strategic vision will inform the team’s research on how mycorrhizal fungi underpin ecosystem function and resilience to environmental change by researching their diversity and distribution across terrestrial habitats and geographical scales, both nationally and internationally. There is an increasing global need for ecosystem assessment and monitoring that your team will contribute to through research that delivers solutions for biodiversity protection and ecosystem restoration. Alongside strengthening, developing and securing further funding for an exciting programme of research, you will build partnerships across government, academia and the conservation sector, while leading and inspiring a team of researchers and postgraduate students.

We are looking for a biodiversity scientist with innovative ideas who is seeking to further develop their career as an independent researcher, leader and mentor. You will be an outstanding and inspiring scientist with a relevant PhD and significant post-qualification research experience, with a strong track record of research excellence, securing funding and delivering scientific outputs in mycorrhizal ecology and impact through collaborating across disciplines. You will have an interest in teaching, outreach and impact, with the ability to lead and motivate large and diverse research teams, develop impactful research programmes and build partnerships that translate scientific knowledge into meaningful outcomes for protecting biodiversity and the ecosystem services that is supports.

Depending on the track record, experience and excellence of the successful candidate, we will recruit one roleholder at either Senior Research Leader or Research Leader in Mycorrhizal Ecology level. We will not recruit to both.

This is a hybrid role 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 £63,116 to £71,300 per year, depending on skills and experience [Band F7]

• opportunities for continuous learning
• a generous annual leave entitlement
• flexible working to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance
• Employee Assistance Programme
• other wellbeing support such as cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership
• competitive pension
• employee discount scheme
• free entry into a wide range of national museums and galleries
• access to our own beautiful gardens at Kew and Wakehurst

At Kew, our strength lies in the diversity of our people and the insights they bring. When you join us, you will find an organisation that values your perspective and lived experience. You will receive support to achieve your full potential and access opportunities to develop and progress. Our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion is ongoing, shaped by the people who work here and the communities we serve. As a disability confident employer, we are breaking down barriers to be an inclusive workplace for everyone.

Whoever you are, and however you experience the world, there is a place for you to grow and belong at Kew.

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