Research Assistant (PAFTOL Project)

This is an exciting time to join Kew Science and the Plants and Fungal Trees of Life (PAFTOL) project, one of Kew Science’s flagship initiative. PAFTOL’s current phase (“Enhancing the Plant Tree of Life”) aims to extend its established global Tree of Life agenda and to develop new research focused on the transformation of taxonomy through genomic sequencing of botanical collections.

As Research Assistant, you will be an active member of the project’s multi-disciplinary team led by the Head of the Tree of Life Team, playing a critical role in the delivery of data production in PAFTOL. Under the supervision of the Research Coordinator, you will be primarily responsible for the molecular biology laboratory work, including sample preparation, DNA extraction and DNA quality assessment, as well as library preparation, hybridisation and preparation of samples for high-throughput sequencing, operating complex laboratory equipment. You will also support the Research Coordinator in sourcing samples, especially from Kew’s scientific collections. In addition, you will contribute to training project staff, students and visitors, and support day-to-day running of the molecular laboratory.

This is an exciting time to join Kew Science and the Plants and Fungal Trees of Life (PAFTOL) project, one of Kew Science’s flagship initiative. PAFTOL’s current phase (“Enhancing the Plant Tree of Life”) aims to extend its established global Tree of Life agenda and to develop new research focused on the transformation of taxonomy through genomic sequencing of botanical collections.

As Research Assistant, you will be an active member of the project’s multi-disciplinary team led by the Head of the Tree of Life Team, playing a critical role in the delivery of data production in PAFTOL. Under the supervision of the Research Coordinator, you will be primarily responsible for the molecular biology laboratory work, including sample preparation, DNA extraction and DNA quality assessment, as well as library preparation, hybridisation and preparation of samples for high-throughput sequencing, operating complex laboratory equipment. You will also support the Research Coordinator in sourcing samples, especially from Kew’s scientific collections. In addition, you will contribute to training project staff, students and visitors, and support day-to-day running of the molecular laboratory.

Research Assistant (PAFTOL Project)

More details

You will have at least a BSc in a relevant discipline, and demonstrable skills and experience in relevant laboratory work, especially in high throughput sequencing and target sequence capture. This includes DNA extraction, DNA library preparation and hybridisation techniques. You will have a high attention to detail and the ability to work independently. You will be a proven team player, with the appetite to help deliver project outcomes and to train and support researchers and students as required.

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 £34,216 - £36,091 per annum [Band C]

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.