Research Leader; Americas

Role Overview

We are seeking a passionate and experienced plant taxonomist to join Kew’s Americas team as a Research Leader. This role sits within the Taxonomy and Systematics Department and will focus on developing and delivering a coherent programme of taxonomic and systematic research across Latin America and the Caribbean. While Bolivia is currently the core focus of the team, we also maintain active projects in Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Mexico.

Kew’s Science Strategy is driven by ten core initiatives. This role aligns specifically with two of them: ‘Transforming Taxonomy’ and ‘Documenting Biodiversity for Conservation Action.’ We expect the successful candidate’s research to actively advance one or both of these critical areas. We are keen to encourage candidates who can identify and address taxonomic and identification gaps in forest plot networks across the region.

We particularly welcome candidates who can bridge traditional and modern approaches—integrating herbarium collections, fieldwork, and phylogenomics with innovative tools such as AI—to build an ambitious, interdisciplinary research programme. This work will generate species descriptions, determinations, robust taxonomies, and high‑quality identification tools that strengthen the documentation of biodiversity in the candidate’s chosen groups.

The successful applicant will be an integral member of Kew’s scientific community, collaborating broadly across Kew Science, contributing to the delivery of Kew’s Science Strategy, and playing an active role in the overall running of the Science Directorate.

The successful candidate will be an established plant taxonomist with deep expertise across species description, classification, identification tools, herbarium specimen study, fieldwork and phylogenomics, and an openness to incorporating emerging approaches such as AI, spectroscopy and other innovative methods. They will hold a PhD with substantial postdoctoral experience and have a strong track record of effective contributions to collaborative research teams.

A robust publication record in plant taxonomy and systematics is essential, alongside practical experience working both in the herbarium and in the field.

The role requires advanced proficiency in documenting, interpreting and applying plant morphology and phylogenomics to the delimitation, identification and classification of species. In addition, the candidate will have a demonstrable specialist focus on a particular plant lineage.

Exceptional interpersonal skills are essential, supported by evidence of broad collaboration and the sharing of knowledge in both formal and informal contexts. Experience in mentoring and supervising staff and students is a requirement for this leadership position. A good working knowledge of Spanish or Portuguese is also desirable. We welcome candidates with an inclusive, collaborative mindset, a passion for the research potential of Kew’s unparalleled collections, and a strong commitment to contributing to Kew’s mission.

This role is based at Kew with the option of regular home working, subject to operational requirements.

The salary for this position is £46,556 - £53,882 per annum, depending on skills and experience [Band E].

Our benefits package includes opportunities for continuous learning, a generous annual leave entitlement, flexible working, an Employee Assistance Programme, a cycle‑to‑work scheme and discounted gym membership. 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, are also provided.