This post presents an exciting opportunity to conduct research on fungal taxonomy and fungal informatics through the innovative development of key databases of fungal names such as Index Fungorum and Species Fungorum. This will require a deep understanding of fungal taxonomy and proficiency in DNA barcoding of fungi and molecular evolutionary analysis.
The role will entail close collaboration with colleagues from the Kew Mycology network and the developers of the International Plant Names Index. Furthermore, the post holder will maintain regular interactions with two other repositories of fungal names, namely MycoBank at the Westerdijk Institute of Fungal Biodiversity and the Fungal Names at the Key laboratory on Mycology, Institute of Microbiology in the Chinese Academy of Science in Beijing, as well as with the Taxonomy section at the NCBI.
Additionally, the post holder will cooperate with the curator team of the Kew Fungarium in the taxonomic assignment of specimens. Along with the core task, the role will include independent research on fungal taxonomy and identification.
Reporting to the Senior Research Leader, the post holder will be a member of a specified research team with responsibility for conducting and publishing collections-based research within the Fungal Systematics & Diversity team in Accelerated Taxonomy and cooperate with colleagues from the Digital Revolution.
They will be accountable for their research project and research budget while providing support and guidance to other team members. The successful candidate will become an integral part of the science community at Kew and will fully participate in the broader operations of the Science Directorate, Priority, and Team.
The ideal candidate for this position should have a Ph.D. degree in botany or microbiology, or other relevant areas of science. They should possess a strong knowledge of fungal taxonomy, DNA barcoding, and molecular evolution. Additionally, the candidate should have previous work and research experience in data curation and management, ideally dealing with complex taxonomic data (fungal informatics).
It is essential for the individual to have sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to effectively contribute to established collection and data resource programs. Excellent communication skills are paramount, including the ability to write and present reports, as well as engage with the public and potential funders. Moreover, the candidate should demonstrate proficiency in raising research funds through successful grant applications, highlighting their ability to secure resources to support their scientific endeavours.
This role is based at Kew with the option of 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 will be £36,338 per annum.
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.
If you are interested in this position, please submit your application through the online portal, by clicking “Apply for this job”.
We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to interviewing all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.
Hours of work: Full time
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £36,338 per annum
Directorate: Science
Location: Kew Gardens, Richmond, Hybrid
Closing Date: 22/10/2023
Documents
- Employee Benefits – RBG Kew.pdf
(PDF, 1924.01kb) - JD – Fungal Taxonmist JD.pdf
(PDF, 103.03kb)