Research Assistant

Apply for Research Assistant at Royal Botanic Gardens Kew in Kew Gardens, ENG, GB.

This Full time on site position offers great opportunities for career growth.

The Mycorrhizal Ecology Team within the Ecosystem and Conservation Science Department is seeking an experienced Research Assistant to provide lab, data and organisational support for the sample processing of soil and roots sent to RBG Kew as part of the Defra-funded Natural Capital Ecosystem Assessment (NCEA) project. This position involves coordination and contribution to processing vast amounts of time-sensitive root and soil samples.

The post holder will also provide organisational support to members of the research group, including technical staff, students and visitors.

Contract Type Fixed Term (FTA)
Contract start date 18 November 2026
Contract end date 31 March 2027
Salary £34,216 - £36,954 per annum, depending on skills and experience [Band C]
Directorate Science
Location Kew Gardens, Richmond
Closing Date 13/09/2026

• Employee benefits - RBG Kew  (PDF, 459.97kb)
• Job Profile .pdf (PDF, 174.86kb)

Required:

MSc or equivalent in an appropriate subject (i.e. biological sciences, environmental sciences).

Experience in some or all of the following: microscopy, DNA extraction, PCR, DNA sequencing (Sanger and/or Pac Bio), mycorrhizal root staining, mycorrhizal identification, ergosterol extractions, image labelling for AI use.

Existing laboratory experience directly relatable to that conducted within the Mycorrhizal Ecology Team is a plus, as is existing experience in helping to coordinate lab tasks and training for a large lab group. Experience with SQL and python languages for databases in post-gres is a further additional plus.

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 £34,216 - £36,954 per annum, depending on skills and experience [Band C]

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.

At Kew, our strength lies in the diversity of our people and the insights they bring. When you join us, you will find an organisation that values your perspective and lived experience. You will receive support to achieve your full potential and access opportunities to develop and progress. Our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion is ongoing, shaped by the people who work here and the communities we serve.

As a disability confident employer, we are breaking down barriers to be an inclusive workplace for everyone. Whoever you are, and however you experience the world, there is a place for you to grow and belong at Kew.