Science Project Intern - Enhanced Partnerships

The Science Directorate at the Royal Botanic Garden, Kew is looking for two enthusiastic interns to undertake a 12-month paid Science Project Internship. This is an exciting opportunity to join us in exploring the vast potential use in skin and scalp health as well as for the treatment of diseases and general wellbeing. The 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. The aim is to increase our knowledge about the chemical diversity of plants and their potential use by people. This year-long internship begins in September 2024.

You must currently be an undergraduate in Biosciences, Botany, Biochemistry and/or Chemistry with at least two years' university education or equivalent and have A Levels in Biology and/or Chemistry. Must have a demonstrated interest in biodiversity, its sustainable use and conservation, plants/fungi and have an understanding of basic biochemical methods. The intern will have experience of practical lab-based studies or computational techniques in data evaluation. Training will be given where required within the RBG Kew Science intern programme.

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 will be £21,499 per annum (+ £725 book allowance).

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.