Science Project Intern

Kew; London Borough of Richmond upon Thames; Remote; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Learning opportunities

Annual leave

Flexible working

Employee assistance

Wellbeing support

Pension

Discounts

Museum entry

Gardens access

Job summary

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is seeking an intern to review literature on plant and fungal compounds for health applications. The role involves selecting plants for chemical analysis and performing biological assays at Kew, with collaboration from partners.

You will learn isolation and characterisation of compounds using GC-MS and other lab techniques, under supervision from senior staff. Suitable for undergraduates in year two or recent graduates with biodiversity interest.

Qualifications

• Applicants must have an interest in plants/fungi and an understanding of basic biochemical methods as well as a demonstrated interest in biodiversity, its sustainable use and conservation.
• Experience of practical lab-based studies or computational techniques in data evaluation, with induction training.
• Senior staff will guide and support day-to-day work.

Responsibilities

• Review literature on plants and fungi for chemical analysis.
• Select plants for chemical analysis and test in biological assays.
• Isolate compounds from mixtures and characterise them using available equipment.
• Collaborate with a commercial partner and other collaborators.
• Gain experience in criteria used to select compounds for commercial development.

Skills

Laboratory skills

Biochemical techniques

Biodiversity interest

Education

Undergraduate student (second year)

Recent graduate (≤2 years)

Tools

GC-MS

Gas chromatography

Laboratory equipment

Job description

Many plants and fungi are known to contain compounds that have potential use in hair, skin and scalp health as well as for the treatment of diseases and general well-being. This project involves reviewing literature on the known uses of plants and fungi as well as their selection for chemical analysis.

The selected plants will be tested in an array of biological assays at RBG Kew and with collaborators. Those showing activity will then be subject to chemical analysis. This involves isolating compounds from complex mixtures and then characterising them using the equipment available at RBG Kew.

This project is undertaken in collaboration with a commercial partner, and the intern will gain experience in the criteria used to select compounds for commercial development. The project makes use of the unique collections available at RBG Kew as well as our network of international collaborators. Our over-all aim is to increase our knowledge about the chemical diversity of plants and their potential use by people. One of the research projects involves the identification of volatile compounds in plant essential oils using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and comparing the chemical profiles between different cultivars.

Applicants must have an interest in plants/fungi and have an understanding of basic biochemical methods as well as a demonstrated interest in biodiversity, its sustainable use and conservation.

You should have experience of practical lab-based studies or computational techniques in data evaluation, though you will be trained in routine lab procedures during induction training. Senior staff of the research team will be available to guide and support day-to-day work.

• Undergraduates who have completed the second year of their studies
• Recent graduates within 2 years of graduation

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£26,554 per annum [intern band]

• opportunities for continuous learning
• a generous annual leave entitlement
• flexible working to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance
• an Employee Assistance Programme
• other wellbeing support such as cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership
• a competitive pension
• an employee discount scheme
• free entry into a wide range of national museums and galleries
• 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.