Senior Research Technical Specialist (seed banking)

Working across the Millennium Seed Bank’s science teams, the post holder will coordinate the experimental, analytical and partnership activities required to bring forward promising seed banking innovations, supporting both high-tech and low-cost approaches relevant to RBG Kew and its Millennium Seed Bank partners around the world. As a new Fixed Term role within our MSBP Next Level Training Project, you will undertake and analyse the effectiveness of relevant laboratory and research procedures, document and disseminate new or improved seed conservation methods (NISCMs) and provide specialist training to staff, students, visitors and external partners in accordance with good laboratory practice.

Working across the Millennium Seed Bank’s science teams, the post holder will coordinate the experimental, analytical and partnership activities required to bring forward promising seed banking innovations, supporting both high-tech and low-cost approaches relevant to RBG Kew and its Millennium Seed Bank partners around the world. As a new Fixed Term role within our MSBP Next Level Training Project, you will undertake and analyse the effectiveness of relevant laboratory and research procedures, document and disseminate new or improved seed conservation methods (NISCMs) and provide specialist training to staff, students, visitors and external partners in accordance with good laboratory practice.

Senior Research Technical Specialist (seed banking)

More details

Educated to at least level 4 (e.g. HNC), our ideal candidate will bring knowledge and skills gained through relevant technical or scientific roles to coordinate the experimental and analytical work that is central to this post. You will have experience of a range of scientific procedures applicable to seed banking, and good working knowledge of best practice including H&S and environmental sustainability. You will also have clear spoken and written communication, and strong interpersonal skills in order to proactively coordinate work across science teams and provide supervision to interns and training to staff, students and visitors.

Desirable for this role would be experience of developing or delivering training, and knowledge of facilities and equipment management, including in an international and/or lower cost context.

Interviews are due to be held on 7 May.

This role is hybrid working based at Wakehurst with regular home working, subject to operational requirements.

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 per annum [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.