Senior Research Leader (Mycorrhizal Ecology)

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 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 provide scientific leadership for Kew's portfolio of ME research (Mycorrhizal Ecology | Kew). 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.

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 £63,116 to £71,300 per year, depending on skills and experience [Band F7]

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
Senior Research Leader - Job Profile Document v1 March 2021
Section 1: Job Description
Job Title: Senior Research Leader (Mycorrhizal
Ecology)
Post No:
Band: F7 Job family: Science & Scientific Information
Directorate: Science Section/Dept: Research/Ecosystem Stewardship
No. of Direct Reports: two plus project team -
funding dependent and three research associates
No. of Indirect Reports: Project team members -
funding dependent
Reports to (Position): Priority Leader
Job Purpose:
To deliver RBG Kew's mission by:
Leading and managing a team to develop and deliver excellence in research within the remit of the Ecosystems &
Conservation Science Department, Research Division and Science Strategy 26-30.
Job Context:
Reporting to the HoD, this role involves managing a team of staff conducting challenging research within the remit of
the Scientific Priority. The post holder is a principal research investigator and leads a research team within the
Priority, generating research income and being responsible for the operational management of the research group.
They are also responsible for developing the team's research and funding skillset for career progression,
encouraging excellence. The postholder will encourage links and communication between departments and with key
stakeholders outside the organisation. The postholder contributes to the overall running of the Science Directorate to
a level commensurate with the grade of the post.
Accountabilities :
1. Lead a programme of research and develop research questions within a discrete area of a wider
research topic. Enable the programme/group/research area to generate sustainable income levels
(each Band E within your area to develop research income of minimum £100K per year). Carry out
collaborative projects with colleagues in partner institutions.
20%
2. Line-manage the research team, setting clear task objectives and developing productive working
relations. Provide academic supervision for Kew Research Fellows and research students.
10%
3. Manage and monitor research resources, budgets and accounts 5%
4. Contribute to establishing the strategic direction and setting standards for the work of the wider group 10%
5. Generate research income, promote the research area and write funding applications for specific
avenues of independent research (min 2 per year), with the intention of developing a minimum
income of £150K per year.
20%

Job Profile
Senior Research Leader - Job Profile Document v1 March 2021
6. Regularly write research articles (min 4 per year) for appropriate journals, book chapters and
reviews (each grade E within your area to write research articles for appropriate journals, min 3 per
year). Present papers at international conferences and other appropriate fora to disseminate
research findings. Promote the research group locally, nationally and internationally, and liaise with
sponsors, stakeholders, national agencies, and professional bodies.
15%
7. Carry out teaching activities or public engagement activities, and contribute to policy advice and
science communication in the Gardens.
20%
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; ensure compliance of
Team members with Kew's financial regulations and operating procedures
2. Manage income and expenditure in order to promote financial sustainability
3. Ensure that equipment/facilities under the dept/team´s control are properly maintained and serviced as required
Management of People
1. Manage team members (research staff and students)
2. Ensure that HR policies and procedures are implemented
3. Ensure that staff performance is managed appropriately and in a way that is consistent with the expectations
of a Kew Scientist
4. Engender a culture of excellence, innovation, co-operation and respect
5. Make effective use of all staffing resources and seek opportunities for collaboration and joint working with
others beyond the department and beyond the organisation
6. Ensure all staff have access to the necessary support to enable them to contribute fully and develop their
skills and experience
7. Mentor Kew Research Fellows

Job Profile
Senior Research Leader - Job Profile Document v1 March 2021
Position within the Team -
Section 2: Person Specification
Education and Experience
Essential
Hold a relevant PhD/DPhil, together with post-qualification research experience
Sufficient specialist knowledge to develop research programmes and methodologies
Strong publication record and a familiarity with the existing literature and research in the relevant field
Established international reputation and publication record
Experience of supervising staff
Experience of managing a research budget
Track record of successful funding applications
Desirable
Experience of providing academic supervision and of delivering teaching
HoD, Ecosystems
& Conservation
Science
Senior Research
Leader, ME (if
grade appointed to)
Postdoctoral
researchers, PhD
students.
HRA Management advice
Research Leader,
ME

Job Profile
Senior Research Leader - Job Profile Document v1 March 2021
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