Research Leader (Mycorrhizal Ecology)

Join the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, as a 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 to delivery of the initiatives and impact goals that form Kew's ambitious new Science Strategy 2026-2030 (https://www.kew.org/science/our-science/publications-and-reports/science-reports/kew-science-strategy). 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 contribute to scientific leadership for Kew's portfolio of ME research (Mycorrhizal Ecology | Kew). ME was the fastest growing team in the Science Directorate during the 2021-25 Science Strategy. Your strategic vision will play a part in developing the team's research on how mycorrhizal fungi underpin ecosystem function, services 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 need for ecosystem assessment and monitoring that the mycorrhizal ecology team will contribute to through research that delivers solutions for biodiversity protection and ecosystem restoration. 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.

More details

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.

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.

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 £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.

If you are interested in this position, please submit your application through the online portal, by clicking "Apply for this job".

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.

No agencies please.

Job profile (attached PDF)

Job Profile
Research Leader - Mycorrhizal Ecology - Job Profile Document v1 June 2021
Section 1: Job Description
Job Title: Research Leader - M ycorrhizal Ecology 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/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, ME
Postdoctoral
researchers, PhD
students, Lab
Manager etc.
HRA Management
advice
Senior Research
Leader, ME (if
grade appointed
to)

Job Profile
Research Leader - Mycorrhizal Ecology - Job Profile Document v1 June 2021
Section 2: Person Specification
Education and Experience
Essential
Hold a relevant PhD/DPhil, together with significant post-qualification research experience
Sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop research and methodologies
Outstanding publication record and strong familiarity with the existing literature and research in the relevant field
Experience of making successful applications to competitive funding calls
Desirable
Experience of managing a research budget
Experience of managing staff
Experience of providing academic supervision and of delivering teaching
Job Specific Competencies -
Essential
Detailed knowledge of problems, literature and appropriate methodologies in specialist field
Ability to lead and motivate a team of research staff
Ability to independently plan and manage a research project, including a research budget
Ability to raise research funds through making grant applications
Desirable
None