Post-doctoral Researcher: Conservation and Restoration of Ten Threatened Plant Species in Scotland

Fixed term contract (until 31 March 2026)

Based at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Over the last 15 years RBGE has increased considerably its commitment to working with Scottish native plants, and this programme has become an exemplar of Science and Horticulture working together at RBGE to deliver benefits for Scotland and its people. Utilising these skills RBGE is working on protecting priority species in Scotland, for example by monitoring wild populations, growing plants in biosecure ex-situ collections, and then undertaking conservation translocations where appropriate.

This role will work closely with a Conservation Horticulturist to help to strengthen our existing Scottish Native Plants Programme by building and maintaining resilient ex-situ populations of ten keystone plant species in Scotland: the Arran whitebeam complex, Wych elm, Crab apple, Whorled Solomon’s seal, Alpine blue sowthistle, Small cow-wheat, Oblong woodsia, and Marsh saxifrage. This will include organising and undertaking fieldwork to collect plant material (as seed, rootstock, or cuttings) from wild populations in Scotland and abroad. Genetic data (existing or newly generated) will be used to ensure that plant material kept in ex-situ collections is genetically diverse and represents a high proportion of wild genotypes. Finally, multi-species and multi-site translocations for these ten species will be carried out within carefully defined landscape mosaics.

This post is supported by the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund, managed by NatureScot and will work together to help deliver the project goals over a three-year period. Project partners include Landowners, conservation organisations, and community groups.

The post is based at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh but due to field trips remote working will be a component of the work. We may also be able to accommodate part-time working.

We are looking for candidates with a relevant background in plant restoration / conservation translocations and strong field work skills. An understanding of how conservation is organised and land ownership managed in Scotland is essential, as is the ability to perform field work and identify the target species in the field. The ideal candidate will also have excellent knowledge of plant collections, plant and / or soil ecology, and species assemblages. Strong oral and written communication skills, and a PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant subject area are also essential. Previous experience working in Scotland and on plant restoration is highly desirable. Knowledge of conservation genetics and experience in public / community engagement would be an asset.

To apply please email recruitment@rbge.org.uk with:

• your CV
• a covering letter outlining the skills, knowledge and experience you’d bring to the post
• a completed equal opportunities questionnaire which can be found on our website

Closing date: 22nd February 2023

Interview date: 28th February - 2nd March

Anticipated start date: 3rd April 2023

Recruitment Information: A Job Description and Person Specification can be found on our website. Informal enquires can be made to Dr Aline Finger (afinger@rbge.org.uk)

Further information on RBGE can be found at www.rbge.org.uk

If you have not heard from us within 2 weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application has not been shortlisted. No recruitment agencies please

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