Senior Research Leader (Spatial Monitoring and Evaluation)
Biodiversity is in crisis. At Kew, our mission is to reverse this trend by halting biodiversity loss and restoring nature where it has been degraded in order to protect the ecosystems that underpin human wellbeing. To do this, we need to drive innovation in how we gather, analyse, and apply data. That means developing and testing cutting-edge spatial and modelling approaches—grounded in strong statistical thinking and supported by remote sensing—to monitor ecosystems and assess the real-world impact of management actions. The role holder will use their expertise in these disciplines to deliver this at multiple scales, whilst building and leading a team developing and implementing research that will contribute to policy and practice enhancing landscape management, biodiversity and natural capital.
RBG Kew is linked to a nature investment business, KewREACH, that is enabling clients to invest in nature and biodiversity using robust and scientifically rigorous methods arising from Kew’s science. KewREACH’s intended areas of intervention will be restoration and effective habitat management, protecting biodiversity and intact habitats and working to support biodiversity and natural capital. It is intended that the role-holder will play a role in enabling the success of Kew’s relationship with KewREACH and increasing our capacity to engage during the next five year science strategy cycle.
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More details
We seek a spatial or data scientist with deep expertise in statistics, ecological modelling, and remote sensing. You will bring not only strong technical skills but also a proven track record, demonstrated through impactful publications and success in securing research funding. Your work will likely sit within landscape ecology, restoration, biodiversity metrics or biodiversity conservation. You will need to be able to collaborate, working across disciplines, and you have shown you can lead through managing your own research team, mentoring early-career researchers, and/or guiding postdocs and PhD students.
You will need to be able to translate research into real-world outcomes and be comfortable working across sectors, including with businesses and consultancy partners. Clear communications with peers, policymakers, or the public will be needed. We are especially interested in individuals who can grasp the opportunities inherent in Kew’s unique brand, UK sites, international collaborations, and globally significant collections, and who are ready to use them to deliver scientific and societal impact.
Interviews are due to take place at the end of October 2025.
This hybrid 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 £59,550 - £64,447 per annum, depending on skills and experience [Band F7]
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 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”.
We are dedicated to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to interviewing disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.
No agencies please.