Head of Biodiversity Information

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (RBG Kew) is a world-famous scientific organisation, internationally respected for its outstanding collections as well as its expertise in plant and fungal diversity, conservation and sustainable development in the UK and around the world. It has two main botanic garden sites which attract >2.5m visitors a year and which are home to the most diverse living collection of any botanical garden in the world: Kew Gardens in south-west London, a top London visitor attraction and UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Wakehurst in West Sussex, our wild botanic garden which is home to the Millennium Seed Bank. We also have a permanent research office in Madagascar, one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots.

RBG Kew’s mission is to understand and protect plants and fungi for the well-being of people and the future of all life on Earth. Our aspiration is to end the extinction crisis and to help create a world where nature is protected, valued by all and managed sustainably.

For more than 260 years, science has been at the heart of Kew’s purpose. With over 800 staff, students and honorary researchers, Kew Science has an extensive research programme that spans the study of genes through to ecosystems – from the analysis of genomes to the discovery and identification of new species and the impact of climate change on the wild relatives of crops. Our collections, our people, and our partnerships in over 100 countries enable us to make an invaluable and highly relevant contribution to some of the biggest issues facing the global population.

RBG Kew is now seeking to appoint a new Head of Biodiversity Information. The postholder will oversee the systems and procedures managing Kew’s scientific information assets, such as Kew’s authoritative taxonomic and nomenclatural resources and the data describing our collections. They will explore new technologies to improve the content and reach of Kew’s scientific products and services, and support researchers across Kew to effectively utilise biodiversity information. They will promote the use of Kew’s data and information assets nationally and internationally and help to develop and promote the use of new digital technologies across Kew Science.

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (RBG Kew) is a world-famous scientific organisation, internationally respected for its outstanding collections as well as its expertise in plant and fungal diversity, conservation and sustainable development in the UK and around the world. It has two main botanic garden sites which attract >2.5m visitors a year and which are home to the most diverse living collection of any botanical garden in the world: Kew Gardens in south-west London, a top London visitor attraction and UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Wakehurst in West Sussex, our wild botanic garden which is home to the Millennium Seed Bank. We also have a permanent research office in Madagascar, one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots.

RBG Kew’s mission is to understand and protect plants and fungi for the well-being of people and the future of all life on Earth. Our aspiration is to end the extinction crisis and to help create a world where nature is protected, valued by all and managed sustainably.

For more than 260 years, science has been at the heart of Kew’s purpose. With over 800 staff, students and honorary researchers, Kew Science has an extensive research programme that spans the study of genes through to ecosystems – from the analysis of genomes to the discovery and identification of new species and the impact of climate change on the wild relatives of crops. Our collections, our people, and our partnerships in over 100 countries enable us to make an invaluable and highly relevant contribution to some of the biggest issues facing the global population.

RBG Kew is now seeking to appoint a new Head of Biodiversity Information. The postholder will oversee the systems and procedures managing Kew’s scientific information assets, such as Kew’s authoritative taxonomic and nomenclatural resources and the data describing our collections. They will explore new technologies to improve the content and reach of Kew’s scientific products and services, and support researchers across Kew to effectively utilise biodiversity information. They will promote the use of Kew’s data and information assets nationally and internationally and help to develop and promote the use of new digital technologies across Kew Science.

Head of Biodiversity Information

More details

The postholder will bring experience of leading, inspiring, and motivating a multidisciplinary team and working with complex scientific information. They will demonstrate a broad awareness of the technical landscape, such as artificial intelligence, and show experience in the development and long-term ownership of scientific resources/products. They will share RBG Kew's commitment to fostering an inclusive and nurturing culture in which all colleagues have the opportunity to thrive and progress their careers.

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

Join us on our journey as protectors of the world’s plants and fungi.

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.

Appointment Process and How to Apply

We have engaged Perrett Laver to support the recruitment to this post.​

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Lucy Roper at: lucy.roper@perrettlaver.com

Completed applications should be uploaded here quoting reference 8404 by the deadline of 11:59pm BST on Monday 25th May 2026. ​

Interviews will be held in person on Friday 10th July 2026.

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