Science Project Intern

Habenaria jaegeri is a narrowly endemic orchid species, with only a handful of individuals remaining in its natural habitat. Ongoing and intensifying mining activities pose a critical threat to the species’ survival, placing it at imminent risk of extinction. As H. jaegeri faces severe population decline and ongoing habitat loss, this role will contribute to an urgent, science‑based recovery effort focused on ex situ propagation and reintroduction. This project aims to develop a scalable and reproducible methodology for producing high‑quality seedlings and, ultimately, tubers for conservation translocation back into the wild in Guinea.

Habenaria jaegeri is a narrowly endemic orchid species, with only a handful of individuals remaining in its natural habitat. Ongoing and intensifying mining activities pose a critical threat to the species’ survival, placing it at imminent risk of extinction. As H. jaegeri faces severe population decline and ongoing habitat loss, this role will contribute to an urgent, science‑based recovery effort focused on ex situ propagation and reintroduction. This project aims to develop a scalable and reproducible methodology for producing high‑quality seedlings and, ultimately, tubers for conservation translocation back into the wild in Guinea.

Science Project Intern

More details

The objectives include the production of resilient tubers from in vitro–raised seedlings, with tuber formation occurring during culture, followed by induction of dormancy and successful resprouting over a six‑month period. An in vitro stress‑tolerance trial, simulating drought conditions, will be undertaken to understand tuber responses to water limitation and to produce planting material that can be stored, transported, and established in the native habitat without loss of viability or vigour. This approach aims to generate robust, field‑ready planting material suitable for use by local operatives who may have limited experience in handling and establishing delicate in vitro–derived plants under wild conditions.

The ideal candidate will be an undergraduate with at least two years of university education or a graduate who has completed their degree in the last two years. They should have a degree in biology or biochemistry and hands-on experience in aseptic culture techniques is preferred.

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 within the Intern band.

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.