The Fungal Genomics PDRA will deliver RBG Kew’s mission by providing genomic analysis support to a major programme (the Fungarium Sequencing Project – FSP) that aims at sequencing 7,000 specimens of fungi and lichens distributed across RBG Kew’s fungarium, the Natural History Museum’s (NHM) lichen collection, and RBG Edinburgh collection. Containing more than 1.25 million specimens, including 50,000 type specimens of worldwide origin, Kew’s fungarium is home to the largest and most complete fungal collection in the world. This molecular digitisation project will bring about a paradigm shift in the way fungi are identified and digitized with direct applications in agricultural, environmental, medicinal, and biochemical research.
The PDRA will examine two separate areas of fungal evolution. Firstly, they will work to identity genetic changes that can explain broad trends in adaption of fungi to specific lifestyles and ecological niches. Examples include environmental stress tolerance and changing nutritional lifestyles. Secondly, the genomics PDRA will work to identify fungal secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters that contain putative self-resistance genes. Self-resistance genes can provide a useful indication of the protein receptor and secondary metabolite interacts with. The post holder will perform phylogenomic analyses and investigate the evolution of biosynthetic gene clusters and self-resistance genes, and work with chemists to link the results to chemical data obtained from fungal specimens. They will use the results to understand broad trends in the evolution of bioactive fungal secondary metabolites and reveal the mechanism of action of novel secondary metabolites.
Contract Type
Fixed Term (FTA)
Contract start date
16 November 2026
Contract end date
31 March 2028
Salary
£39,243 - £42,154 per annum, depending on skills and experience [Band D]
Location
Kew Gardens, Richmond, Hybrid
Documents
- Employee benefits - RBG Kew 2026.pdf
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- Job Profile .pdf
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We are seeking candidates with a strong track record in bioinformatics and genomics. The candidate will analyse genomic data from 7,000 fungal genomes provided by the Fungarium Sequencing Project, in addition to already available fungal genomes, and identify patterns in the evolution of biosynthetic gene clusters and other genome features. The candidate will contribute to the processing, assembly, and release of newly generated genomes, and should be willing to learn how to express putative self-resistance genes in yeast and to assay active metabolites to confirm self-resistance phenotypes. You will have a PhD degree, or a relevant equivalent qualification, in a science discipline related to the required skills. Knowledge of fungi is desirable.
This is an 18-month, fixed-term position within the Science Directorate, with potential for extension.
Interviews are due to take place on 5 October.
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.
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 £39,243 - £42,154 per annum, depending on skills and experience [Band D]
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.
If you are interested in this position, please submit your application through the online portal, by clicking “Apply for this job”.
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.
