Contract Type Fixed Term (FTA) 21 months

Are you interested in working with modern cloud-based technologies to develop new scientific software? The applications you develop will work towards making Kew the world authoritative source for plant and fungal information. You will be leading on developing user-friendly data-driven web interfaces and APIs.

This is a challenging but rewarding role and we are seeking a motivated and knowledgeable individual to build resources with global reach and impact. You will be an enthusiastic team player with a degree in IT or Computer Science or equivalent experience. You will also have experience of developing complex software according to stakeholder needs. This position offers the opportunity to support science and deliver a step change in plant and fungal knowledge. You’ll have an agile mind, positive approach to problem-solving, with an enthusiasm for science.

Much of the development work will be centred on the Tropical Important Plant Areas Explorer (TIPAs; https:/ / tipas.kew.org/ ) and the Tree of Life Explorer (https:/ / treeoflife.kew.org/ ). Both portals are an important output for our scientific research, and they are both aiming to have an impact in ecosystem conservation and to boost the research about phylogenetic relationships.

You will take a lead technical role in a dedicated software development team using agile methodologies, part of the multidisciplinary Department of Digital Revolution, which comprises experts from across a range of fields including computer science, evolution, genomics, bioinformatics, spatial analysis, data architecture and web development.

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.

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.

We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.

No agencies please.

Closing Date  29/ 06/ 2022