Spatial Research and Modelling Officer

In the UK and globally, the value of biodiversity is increasingly important in human lives and livelihoods. RBG Kew’s scientific mission as a world-leading biodiversity institute is to stop biodiversity loss and develop nature-based solutions to societal challenges (NbS, of which restoration is a component) through its Science Strategy and Manifesto for Change. We undertake research on the development and delivery of NbS primarily through our Ecosystems and Conservation Science Department and our Millennium Seed Bank. Both entities are strongly engaged with the development of Kew REACH (Restoration, Enhancement, Adaptation and Creation of Habitats), a joint venture between the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (RBG Kew) and Greensphere Capital’s Gaia Sciences Innovation (GSI) Platform.

Kew REACH’s mission is to be the world’s pre-eminent, science-led, high-trust, habitat consulting firm, powered by RBG Kew’s unparalleled scientific reputation, integrity, and expertise. Kew REACH will provide trusted scientific credentials, transparency, data, and accountability at scale in a market where these qualities are lacking, open to misinterpretation and even exploitation by industry and governments leading, in turn, to poor investment decisions, reputational risk and lack of meaningful action to protect the planet. It will also aim to maximise Kew’s impact from its work on NbS, with its research informing the science-led approach.

Kew REACH draws on Kew’s expertise to advise on and help implement a wide range of outcomes to clients in urban, agricultural, forestry and conservation landscapes including provision of assessment, high-resolution measurement, capability building, enhancement and restoration planning, implementation, resilience modelling and evaluation. The role advertised here will contribute to the missions of RBG, Kew and Kew REACH through undertaking research and consultancy on the science and practice of restoration, spatial analysis and modelling-based research respectively.

We seek an individual qualified to PhD level, or with PhD equivalent experience, in a relevant discipline, with strong data management and analysis skills. You will possess experience and ability in communicating effectively to a wide range of internal and external audiences, and be able to thrive in consultancy and client-oriented settings through flexibility, knowledge and agility. We particularly seek those able to use their skillsets to maximise Kew’s impact in NbS sensu lato.

We are looking for a researcher with relevant publications that has analysis and coding skills with the experience and knowledge to succeed in both the lab and field, for the latter especially with experience or understanding of relevant field survey methods. They should be able to demonstrate how their work would enable or deliver monitoring and evaluation of NbS.

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 £39,243 - £42,153 per annum [Band D]. 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, other wellbeing support such as cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership, a competitive pension, an 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.