Research Leader, Conservation Science

The salary for this position is £47,953 - £55,499 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.

Join the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew as a Senior Research Leader in Conservation Science and help shape the future of our global conservation impact as the world's most biodiverse botanic garden. Working within the Ecosystems and Conservation Science Department, you will contribute to the delivery of Kew's ambitious new Science Strategy (2026-2030, https://www.kew.org/science/our-science/publications-and-reports/science-reports/kew-science-strategy), advancing our mission to understand and protect plants and fungi for the well-being of people and the future of all life on Earth. This is a unique opportunity to lead and develop your own innovative research programme, generating evidence that makes biodiversity and ecosystem protection more effective and shapes conservation practice, land management and policy in the UK and beyond.

Job Profile
Research Leader - Mycorrhizal Ecology - Job Profile Document v1 June 2021
Section 1: Job Description
Job Title: Research Leader - Conservation Science Post No:
Band: E Job family: Science and Scientific Information
Directorate: Science Section/Dept: Science / Research / Ecosystem
Stewardship
No. of Direct Reports: TBD, based on fundraising
success
No. of Indirect Reports: TBD
Reports to (Position): Priority Leader, Ecosystem Stewardship
Job Purpose:
To del iver RBG Kew's mission by:
Being an active researcher within a research team and delivering excellence in science; developing a research
group that address questions identified as P riorities in Kew's Science Strategy; working with other staff to deliver
the key objectives of these Priorities; and communicating Kew's science through a range of media.
Job Context:
Reporting to the HoD of Ecosystems & Conservation Science/a relevant Senior Research Leader, the post holder
leads a research team of their own providing day- to-day supervision for post-docs, PhD students, Future Leader
Fellows. The post holder is responsible for their own grant-funded research within the wider research programme
overseen by a Senior Research Leader. He/she contributes to the delivery of Kew's Science Strategy, and to the
overall running of the Science Directorate as commensurate within the grade of the post.
Accountabilities :
1. Develop research questions within a specific context, conduct individual research, analysing
detailed and complex qualitative and/or quantitative data from a variety of sources, and generate
original ideas by building on existing concepts. Develop, establish, and pursue appropriate
analytical protocols and techniques to support research. Includes academic supervision of
research students and collaborative projects with colleagues in partner institutions.
45%
2. Regularly write research articles for prestigious journals (min 3 per year), book chapters, and
reviews. Present papers at international conferences, and lead seminars to disseminate research
findings. Promote the research group locally, nationally, and internationally and liaise with
sponsors, stakeholders, national agencies, and professional bodies.
15%
3. Raise research funds for own research area through funding applications (min 2 per year) with the
intention of developing a minimum income of £100K per year. Share responsibility for shaping the
research group's plans and contribute to the writing of group -funding applications for new research
projects.
15%
4. Manage and monitor research resources, budgets and accounts. 5%
5. Agree clear task objectives, coach and manage other members of the group on specialist
methodologies or procedures. Focus on own development, including research and professional
training in areas of relevance for the position.
10%

Job Profile
Research Leader - Mycorrhizal Ecology - Job Profile Document v1 June 2021
6. Carry out consultancy, teaching or public engagement activities, and contribute to policy advice
and science communication in the Gardens.
10%
Management of Resources
All staff are responsible for management of their own time and resources.
Financial Responsibilities :
.
1. Take responsibility for devolved budgets and comply with Kew's financial regulations
2. Manage income and expenditure in order to promote financial sustainability
Management of People
1. Manage group of researchers/post-docs/PhD students
2. Mentor Future Leader Fellows
3. Promote a culture of excellence, innovation, co-operation, inclusion and respect
4. Seek opportunities for collaboration and joint working with others beyond the department and beyond the
organisation
Position within the Team -
HoD,
Ecosystems &
Conservation
Science
Research
Leader,
Conservation
Science
Postdoctoral
researchers, PhD
students, Lab
Manager etc.
Senior Research
Leader, Spatial
Phylogenetics

This role is based at Kew with the option of regular home working, subject to operational requirements.

You will possess the skills and knowledge to provide scientific and strategic leadership for Kew's conservation science and an excellent track record as a researcher in biodiversity conservation, drawing on ecology, genomics and/or other relevant disciplines. We particularly seek a researcher with expertise in the application of data science approaches to conservation science. For example, by using genomic, environmental, or collections data, your research may address the interface between biodiversity and humanity or model ecosystem functions and processes, providing insights into land management, conservation, and restoration strategies, and develop approaches for monitoring and evaluating their effectiveness. It may generate technological innovations that enable more effective biodiversity protection or enhance nature-based solutions. You will contribute to delivering our science strategy using your research and leadership skillset. Alongside developing and securing funding for an exciting programme of research, you will build partnerships across government, academia and the conservation sector, while leading and inspiring a multidisciplinary team of researchers and students.

We are looking for someone with innovative ideas who is seeking to 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 collaborating across disciplines. You will have an interest in teaching, outreach and impact, and proven or potential ability to lead and motivate research teams, develop impactful research programmes and build partnerships that translate scientific knowledge into improved outcomes for biodiversity, protection and enhancement of ecosystem services, human livelihoods and wellbeing.

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 level in Conservation Science. We will not recruit to both.