Postdoctoral Research Associate - Ecology of the Mycorrhizal Holobiont

The Mycorrhizal Ecology group at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in London, in collaboration with the Leverhulme Centre for the Holobiont, Imperial College London, seeks applicants for a 2.75 year Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) on the Ecology of the Mycorrhizal Holobiont. We broadly define the holobiont as an organism and its co-occurring organisms that can influence its functioning, growth and/or reproduction within its natural environment(s). The Mycorrhizal Ecology research team offers a highly active research environment to work within, with a dynamic group of scientists for collaboration. The group focuses on mapping, monitoring and analysing the diversity and ecology of mycorrhizal fungi, especially for ecosystem science and policy.

The Mycorrhizal Ecology group at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in London, in collaboration with the Leverhulme Centre for the Holobiont, Imperial College London, seeks applicants for a 2.75 year Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) on the Ecology of the Mycorrhizal Holobiont. We broadly define the holobiont as an organism and its co-occurring organisms that can influence its functioning, growth and/or reproduction within its natural environment(s). The Mycorrhizal Ecology research team offers a highly active research environment to work within, with a dynamic group of scientists for collaboration. The group focuses on mapping, monitoring and analysing the diversity and ecology of mycorrhizal fungi, especially for ecosystem science and policy.

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Ecology of the Mycorrhizal Holobiont

More details

The successful candidate will have flexibility to generate a comprehensive research project that supports their own interests, while being based on already available samples and data within the Mycorrhizal Ecology research team, and which addresses topics surrounding the holobiont and the group’s general research areas. The successful candidate will lead activities in lab- and/or field-work, related to quantifying, identifying and analysing ecological aspects of mycorrhizal fungi. While field work could include soil and root sampling for mycorrhizal fungi, the post holder will more substantially be involved in lab work, which might include microscopy (e.g., ectomycorrhizal traits), molecular (e.g., DNA extraction, amplification, sequencing, bioinformatics) and/or root staining and AI for colonisation. The postholder will also curate and analyse data, generated by themselves as well as the lab more generally, and summarise results in presentations and manuscripts for publication.

Interests in plant and fungal ecology, the holobiont, and in ecological topics from the scale of global change to the root-level of plant-fungi interactions will be an asset for this position. Applicants should have a completed PhD, or equivalent experience including a BSc and/or MSc, in a mycological, ecological and/or environmental science field. We encourage applicants with experience in fungal (especially in mycorrhizal fungi) and/or plant ecology to apply. Experience in lab techniques that are applicable to mycorrhizal fungi (e.g., molecular identification, root-staining and biomass estimates), in bioinformatics and/or statistical analyses is also helpful. The position will be based at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, within a highly active research environment.

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.

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 £39,243 - £42,154 per annum, depending on skills and experience [Band D]

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”.

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

No agencies please.