Undergraduate Sandwich Intern: Conservation of exceptional species

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew • Richmond, VA

266d • $24,535

About The Position

The intern will work with the Seed and Stress Biology team to support the development of The Kew Cryobank, a key deliverable of Initiative 2.3 of Kew's Science Strategy. This will use cryopreservation approaches for the long-term conservation of 'exceptional species' that cannot be conserved in conventional seed banks. Through characterising stress tolerance and physiological traits and developing of cryopreservation approaches for the conservation of UK exceptional species, the intern's research will contribute to two projects: (1) Stress resilience and cryopreservation of trees in UK woodlands and (2) Improving germination and storage of desiccation sensitive seeds of Zostera marina (collaboration with project seagrass.

Requirements

• Must be on a degree course related to biological sciences with a plant science component.
• Demonstrated interest in biodiversity and conservation.
• Experience of practical lab-based studies.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of The Kew Cryobank.
• Characterise stress tolerance and physiological traits of exceptional species.
• Develop cryopreservation approaches for conservation.
• Contribute to projects on stress resilience of trees and germination of Zostera marina.

Benefits

• Opportunities for continuous learning.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Flexible working to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Wellbeing support such as cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership.
• Competitive pension.
• Employee discount scheme.
• Free entry into a wide range of national museums and galleries.
• Access to Kew and Wakehurst gardens.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree