Science Project Intern - Predicting pest and disease risks to non-native trees
The Science Directorate of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is looking for enthusiastic undergraduates and recent graduates who want to undertake a 6-month paid Science Project Internship in collaboration with the Centre for Forest Protection.
The Centre for Forest Protection (CFP) is a joint venture led by Forest Research and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, that combines the strengths and expertise of each organisation. In addition to the state-of-the-art facilities, both organisations hold tree and plant collections of national importance.
The CFP’s science programme supports the UK governments' forest and tree strategies and the successful delivery of tree planting programmes. Research outcomes will also directly contribute to the improved resilience of the UK’s forests, woodlands and trees and help promote enhanced capacity and capability in forest and tree health research.
Contract Type
Fixed Term (FTA)
Contract start date
Provisionally 1 October 2026
Contract end date
6 months from start date
Salary
£25,579 per annum [Intern Band]
Location
Kew Gardens, Richmond, Hybrid
Documents
- Employee benefitsRBG Kew 2024.pdf
(PDF, 279.26kb)
- Job Profile .pdf
(PDF, 230.41kb)
- Project Details.docx.pdf
(PDF, 386.35kb)
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We are looking for undergraduates with at least two years’ university education or equivalent, or recent graduates in biosciences, bioinformatics or related subjects. There are three internship positions available, working on the following projects:
- Predicting pest and disease risks to non-native trees (1 position)
- Integrating genomics and dendrochronology to predict tree growth for resilient future forests (2 positions)
Please note there are two separate adverts for the above roles on our Kew Careers website.
Please note that applicants are eligible for only one Centre for Forest Protection internship; prior participants are not eligible to apply again.
In the "Why are you interested in this role?" section of the application, you should also explain how you expect this internship to enhance your development as a scientist, researcher, or professional.
Please see the project details and job profiles for more information. There are also three other projects with six month paid internships with the Centre for Forest Protection, refer to here for more information.
Interviews and assessments: 10th Aug week
Start date of internship must be on 1st October
Please note that applicants must already have the Right to Work in the UK as we will be unable to offer sponsorship for this position.
This role is based at Kew 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 £25,579 per annum [Intern Band]
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.
