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Join the renowned Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew as a Postdoctoral Research Associate and contribute to valuable mycorrhizal ecology research.
Overview
Salary
£39243 - £42154
Location
Kew Gardens, Richmond, UK
Expires
Expires at anytime
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is an esteemed and globally recognised plant science institute that not only strives to protect plants and fungi for the betterment of all life but also serves as a major visitor destination. It is an organisation known for its contribution to scientific research, diversified plant and fungi collections, extensive partners' network, and splendid gardens.
Opened in cooperation with the Leverhulme Centre for the Holobiont at Imperial College London, the available Postdoctoral Research Associate role invites a proficient candidate to devise a comprehensive research project centred around the Mycorrhizal Ecology team's data and samples. This will include managing lab and field work, soil and root sampling, molecular analysis, and data curation, all within a dynamic research environment that promotes collaboration.
The role requires a PhD in a mycological, ecological, or environmental science field or equivalent experience. Expertise in fungal plant ecology and related laboratory techniques, particularly for mycorrhizal fungi, is required. Knowledge of bioinformatics and statistical analyses will be beneficial.
Avail an attractive salary, continuous learning opportunities, flexible work options, comprehensive leave policy, and an Employee Assistance Programme. Other benefits include a competitive pension, discount schemes, complimentary entry into national museums and galleries, and access to wonderful Kew and Wakehurst gardens.
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate for the Mycorrhizal Ecology group. This position is in collaboration with the Leverhulme Centre for the Holobiont at Imperial College London. The role is a fixed-term appointment for 2.75 years starting provisionally on 1 June 2026.
The organisation: The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is a leading plant science institute and a major visitor attraction that aims to understand and protect plants and fungi for the well-being of people and the future of all life on Earth. Our mission is supported by our leading scientific research, unrivalled collections of plants and fungi, global network of partners, and our inspirational gardens at Kew and Wakehurst.
The role: The successful candidate will generate a comprehensive research project based on already available samples and data within the Mycorrhizal Ecology research team. This project will address topics surrounding the holobiont and the group’s general research areas. The role involves leading lab- and field-work activities, including soil and root sampling, microscopy, molecular analysis, and data curation. The position offers a dynamic and highly active research environment with opportunities for collaboration.
Job requirements: Applicants should have a completed PhD or equivalent experience in a mycological, ecological, or environmental science field. Experience in fungal (especially mycorrhizal fungi) and plant ecology, as well as lab techniques applicable to mycorrhizal fungi, is essential. Skills in bioinformatics and statistical analyses are also beneficial.
Benefits: The position offers a competitive salary, opportunities for continuous learning, a generous annual leave entitlement, flexible working options, an Employee Assistance Programme, and other wellbeing support. Additional benefits include a competitive pension, employee discount scheme, and free entry into a wide range of national museums and galleries, as well as access to our beautiful gardens at Kew and Wakehurst.
