Curator Botanist (Asia)

This is an excellent opportunity to join the Herbarium Curation team within the Scientific Collections Department as a Curator Botanist (Asia). The successful candidate will curate the Herbarium collections to a high standard, which includes processing new acquisitions, processing specimens before mounting, incorporating specimens, performing or overseeing sampling of specimens and working with Kew's Integrated Collections Management System. In addition to this, the role includes facilitating access for our many visitors to the collections from around the world, identifying specimens collected from Asia and undertaking individual collection-based research and/or research collaboration in line with Kew’s Science Strategy.

The postholder will be a key member of the Biological Collections team based in the Herbarium building, working with the other members of the broader Science Directorate and visitors to the Herbarium Building. The role will be based at our Kew Gardens site near Richmond in West London and is full-time and onsite (with flexibility to work from home one day a week when appropriate).

Educated to degree level, with a proven background in a similar role and experience of working with natural history collections, the ideal candidate will have practical experience of herbarium curation and a good understanding of herbarium collections and curation procedures.

They will be a team player, able to manage multiple priorities across the Asia Curation team while working independently and organising their own curation tasks effectively. The role requires someone who can adapt to changing processes and priorities, and who is confident in identifying and resolving practical curation issues. The successful candidate will also have good communication skills, in order to work effectively with Curators, Researchers and colleagues across the wider organisation.

They will be familiar with databases, spreadsheets and other collections management tools and have an interest in the practical care and preparation of herbarium collections, including working with bulky fruit and seed (carpological) collections and digital collections as well as improving the accessibility and long-term care of Kew's collections.

Interviews are due to take place w/c 28 September.

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

About Us

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. 

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.