Postdoctoral Research Associate

This is an exciting opportunity to join a new, multidisciplinary research project composed of a consortium of experts within the UK and Germany, that will screen, leverage and boost through seed priming, the natural drought tolerance of UK native tree seeds and seedlings. This job is part of an Advanced Research + Invention Agency-funded project.

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will primarily focus on developing and optimising seed priming protocols and conducting biochemical assays on seedlings to identify biomarkers of drought tolerance, working in the Millennium Seed Bank laboratories and glasshouses at Kew Wakehurst, our wild botanic garden in West Sussex.

Hours of work Full time

Contract Type Fixed Term (FTA)

Contract end date 30 September 2027

Salary £39,243 - £42,153 per annum, depending on skills and experience [Band D]

Directorate Science

Location Wakehurst, West Sussex, Hybrid

Closing Date 27/09/2026

Documents

Employee benefits - RBG Kew 2026.pdf

(PDF, 459.97kb)

Job Profile .pdf

(PDF, 134.61kb)

We are seeking a candidate with a strong track record in plant and/or seed science, who is motivated to conduct research on the drought tolerance of UK native tree seeds and seedlings. The candidate will bring expertise in seed priming and/or plant biochemistry, with relevant experience to design and conduct wet laboratory-based research and to work as part of a team. You will have a PhD degree, or a relevant equivalent qualification, in a plant science discipline.

This is a fixed-term position to 30 September 2027 with potential for extension to 31 August 2028.

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, PhD supervision etc.

Interviews are due to take place w/c 5 October.

This role is based at Wakehurst 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 for this position is £39,243 - £42,153 per annum, depending on skills and experience [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 "".

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.