Mycorrhizal Research Assistant - Data & Sample Coordination

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 34,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Continuous learning

Generous annual leave

Flexible working

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to work scheme

Discount gym membership

Pension

Job summary

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is seeking an experienced Research Assistant to provide lab, data and organisational support for processing soil and root samples for the Defra-funded NCEA project.

The role involves coordinating time-sensitive sample processing, supporting staff and visitors, and inputting data into existing datasets. A MSc or equivalent in biological or environmental sciences is required, with experience in microscopy, DNA methods and lab coordination.

Qualifications

• MSc or equivalent in biological or environmental sciences.
• Experience in microscopy, DNA extraction, PCR and sequencing.
• Familiarity with mycorrhizal root staining/identification and ergosterol extractions.
• Experience coordinating lab tasks and training a large group.
• Experience with SQL and Python for databases is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide lab, data and organisational support for soil/root sample processing.
• Coordinate weekly goals and supervise peers in sample processing.
• Input data into existing datasets and assist researchers and students.
• Support visiting researchers and manage time-sensitive workflows.

Skills

Microscopy

DNA extraction

PCR

DNA sequencing

Mycorrhizal staining

Mycorrhizal identification

Ergosterol extractions

Image labelling

SQL

Python

Education

MSc in biological sciences

Tools

PostgreSQL

Job description

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is seeking an experienced Research Assistant to provide lab, data and organisational support for processing soil and root samples for the Defra-funded NCEA project.

The role involves coordinating time-sensitive sample processing, supporting staff and visitors, and inputting data into existing datasets. A MSc or equivalent in biological or environmental sciences is required, with experience in microscopy, DNA methods and lab coordination.