Senior Project Manager

The Senior Project Manager will deliver RBG Kew’s mission by project managing a major programme 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 Senior Project Manager will have overall responsibility for project management of the ‘Fungarium Sequencing Project’. They will be responsible for and lead on resource planning, financial management, communications & engagement, space planning, reporting and governance. This will include day-to-day management of project staff and regular reporting on outputs to ensure this ambitious project stays on track and meets objectives.

We are seeking experienced candidates with a track record of successfully delivering large-scale and complex projects in a scientific environment and that involve multiple workstreams, interdependencies and stakeholders. Experience of working in a research/technology organisation, successfully managing and tracking project budgets, and of line and matrix management are essential. You will have a degree, or a relevant equivalent qualification, in a science discipline and a professional qualification in project management (e.g. PRINCE2, MSP, MBA)

This is a fixed-term position within the Science Directorate ending 31^st March 2027.

This role is based at Kew with some travel to the Wakehurst site and other UK travel required. There is the option for hybrid working, subject to operational requirements, with a minimum 2 days per week on site at Kew. 

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.