Research Leader – Comparative Fungal Biology: The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

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.

Reporting to the Senior Research Leader in Comparative Fungal Biology, you will be an outstanding and inspiring scientist with a relevant PhD and post-qualification experience in fungal biology and evolution, comparative genomics, metagenomics, and/or phylogenomics. You will be responsible for leading your own research group, providing day-to-day supervision for post-docs, PhD students, Future Leader Fellows, and integrating the team’s activities broadly throughout Kew Science.

We are looking for someone with innovative ideas seeking to develop their career as an independent researcher, leader and mentor, with interest for teaching and outreach. We want you to have a collaborative outlook to support and enhance Kew’s mycological research, working with all relevant stakeholders across Kew Science, and to engage with the broader strategic landscape of Kew as a whole.

Please upload a research plan with your application form.

The salary will be £38,200 per annum.

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

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 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.

We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.