Full time
Fixed Term (FTA) 3 years initially, with possible 2 years extension
Kew Gardens, Richmond
We are seeking to appoint a Research Leader within the World Forest ID at Kew Project, initially for three years, reporting to the Research Leader in Wood & Timber.
This is an exciting new opportunity to conduct research on wood samples collected through the innovative World Forest ID programme (
www.worldforestid.org) to deliver identification and provenance information.
This will require skills in the development, enhancement and use of a range of scientific techniques, initially including microscopy, computer vision/machine learning and DART-TOFMS via collaboration with Kew Science colleagues and other World Forest ID consortium members and stakeholders (e.g. US Forest Service international Programs, Forest Stewardship Council, BEIS (Dept for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, UK Authority on Timber), Defra, Agroisolab, Timber Trade Sector, UK Border Force). The primary external driver of your research and the collections will be to deliver evidence to confirm or refute claims on the origin and identity of wood and timber within supply chains.
Kew is the world’s leading botanic gardens, at the forefront of plant and fungal science, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major visitor attraction.
We want a world where plants and fungi are understood, valued and conserved – because our lives depend on them.
We use the power of our science and the rich diversity of our gardens and collections to provide knowledge, inspiration and understanding of why plants and fungi matter to everyone.
In this role you will help to manage the work of a curatorial role receiving new wood samples/specimens into the WFID at Kew collection, ensuring that they are properly identified and their precise origin (location) recorded on the worldforestid app (
www.worldforestidapp.org) and website (
www.worldforestid.org), These new collections will provide specimens for identification and provenance tests, and will be appropriately curated and made available for further analytical techniques yet to be developed. You will help provide management of the collection, its curation, and use of timber samples received at Kew under the World Forest ID programme.
The team will work with external providers of scientifically collected wood samples and vouchers, ensure that all permit requirements are met and that the quarantine of samples takes place (in collaboration with Kew’s Quarantine Unit in the Horticulture, Learning & Operations Directorate, HLO) as a precursor to research. The team will will help ensure that material received is correctly accessioned and that subsamples are provided when required by internal and external, certified labs. You will help to manage project budgets, develop collaborations across a wide range of stakeholders, seek out funding opportunities and prepare and submit scientific papers and research funding applications.
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 visit our website for more information and to apply.
Closing Date: 09/12/2020
We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.
