Sampling Assistant

The Sampling Assistant will deliver RBG Kew's mission by providing support in sampling fungal collections, part of a major programme that aims to sequence 20,000 fungi and lichen specimens held by RBG Kew's fungarium and the Natural History Museum (NHM). Over a 4-year period, the project will adopt a mixed approach of whole genome sequencing and barcoding techniques. Containing more than 1.25 million specimens including 50,000 type specimens of worldwide origin, Kew's fungarium is home to the largest and most complete fungal collection in the world, with many specimens being only available at Kew., The Sampling Assistant will carry out specialist fungarium sampling. They will also be responsible for liaising with mycologists and the taxonomy team to aid with the sampling strategy. The Sampling Assistant will contribute to production pipelines with sampling of fungarium specimens, databasing, curation, and training of students and visiting scientists. The Sampling Assistant will participate in training programs and give support to the preparation of project outputs, including SOPs, reports and/or electronic products.

We are seeking candidates with knowledge in fungi and museomics techniques. Experience with databases and curation are essential. Experience with fungal taxonomy is desirable. You will have a degree, or a relevant equivalent qualification, in a science discipline.

This role is based at Kew with the option of regular home working, subject to operational requirements.

Please state in your application form if you have a preference on contract length. We have available: 11 x 1 year posts, 1 x 2 year post.

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 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 will be £26,100 - £27,322 per annum (pro rata), depending on skills and experience.

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.