Senior Research Leader, Conservation Science

Join the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew as a Senior Research Leader in Conservation Science and help shape the future of our global conservation impact as the world’s most biodiverse botanic garden. Working within the Ecosystems and Conservation Science Department, you will contribute to the delivery of Kew's ambitious new Science Strategy (2026–2030, https://www.kew.org/science/our-science/publications-and-reports/science-reports/kew-science-strategy), advancing our mission to understand and protect plants and fungi for the well-being of people and the future of all life on Earth.  This is a unique opportunity to lead and develop your own innovative research programme, generating evidence that makes biodiversity and ecosystem protection more effective and shapes conservation practice, land management and policy in the UK and beyond.

You will possess the skills and knowledge to provide scientific and strategic leadership for Kew's conservation science and an excellent track record as a researcher in biodiversity conservation, drawing on ecology, genomics and/or other relevant disciplines. We particularly seek a researcher with expertise in the application of data-driven approaches to conservation science. For example, by using genomic, environmental, or collections data, your research may address the interface between biodiversity and humanity or model ecosystem functions and processes, providing insights into land management, conservation, and restoration strategies, and develop approaches for monitoring and evaluating their effectiveness.  It may generate technological innovations that enable more effective biodiversity protection or enhance nature-based solutions. You will contribute to delivering our science strategy using your research and leadership skillset. Alongside developing and securing funding for an exciting programme of research, you will build partnerships across government, academia and the conservation sector, while leading and inspiring a multidisciplinary team of researchers and students.

We are looking for someone with innovative ideas who is seeking to further develop their career as an independent researcher, leader and mentor. You will be an outstanding and inspiring scientist with a relevant PhD and significant post-qualification research experience, with a strong track record of research excellence, securing funding and collaborating across disciplines. You will have an interest in and experience of teaching, outreach and impact, and  proven ability to lead and motivate research teams, develop impactful research programmes and build partnerships that translate scientific knowledge into improved outcomes for biodiversity, protection and enhancement of ecosystem services, human livelihoods and wellbeing.

Depending on the track record, experience and excellence of the successful candidate, we will recruit one roleholder at either Senior Research Leader or Research Leader level in Conservation Science. We will not recruit to both. 

Interviews are due to take place week commencing 14 January 2027

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.

This role is based at Kew 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.

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