Research Leader - Living Labs - Wakehurst

Hours of work

Full time

Contract Type

Permanent

Salary

£46,556 - £53,882 per annum, depending on skills and experience [Band E]

Directorate

Science

Location

Wakehurst, West Sussex, Hybrid

Closing Date

30/08/2026

Join the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, as a Research Leader in Living Labs based at Kew Wakehurst, you will help shape the future of biodiversity science. Working within the Spatial Analysis and Data Science Team, you will contribute to the delivery of Kew's ambitious new Science Strategy (2026–2030), 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 innovative research that improves our understanding of biodiversity and ecosystems, generating evidence that influences conservation practice, land management and environmental policy in the UK and beyond.

You will provide scientific and strategic leadership for Kew's growing portfolio of ecosystem research, centred around the development of the new Living Laboratories initiative and building on the foundations of the Nature Unlocked programme at Wakehurst. Focused on UK ecosystem research, the programme draws on living labs and long-term environmental monitoring to improve understanding and management of biodiversity and ecosystems. This post also forms part of the Senior Leadership Team at Kew Wakehurst and is key to ensuring active collaboration between science and other directorates. Bringing together field observations, sensor networks, Earth observation and geospatial data, you will lead interdisciplinary research that delivers practical solutions for biodiversity conservation, assessment and monitoring of ecosystem services. You will also help develop and steward research infrastructure and environmental data assets. Alongside developing and securing funding for an exciting programme of research, you will build partnerships across government, academia and the private, land management and conservation sectors, while leading and inspiring a multidisciplinary team of researchers and students.

We are looking for someone with innovative ideas who is seeking to 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 bring expertise in spatial ecology, ecosystem science or modelling, supporting evidence-based conservation and nature-based solutions. You will have an interest in teaching, outreach and impact, with the ability to lead and motivate research teams, develop impactful research programmes and build partnerships that translate scientific knowledge into meaningful outcomes for UK biodiversity and land management.

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 Wakehurst 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.

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 £46,556 - £53,882 per annum, depending on skills and experience [Band E]

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.

No agencies please.