About the position
This project aims to improve collection techniques to better preserve material for genomic analysis by widening the options available in the field and contributing to ongoing research in this area. You will work on assessing methods including desiccation in silica gel and ethanol preservation for plant tissues addressing key questions in their effectiveness. This project will contribute to ongoing work assessing the ethanol and methanol treatment of freshly collected plant material (from the diverse Living Collection held at Kew), which requires working with partners in horticulture. As part of this curation testing project, we would also examine the stability of samples stored for over 25 years, comparing extractions from this material with the original extractions to assess the long-term stability of silica-dried plant tissue. For this, you would work with the plant DNA and Tissue Bank at Kew (c. 49,000 genomic DNA and c. 25,000 tissue samples), which represents c. 35,000 species and is one of the most diverse collections.
Responsibilities
- Assess methods for desiccation in silica gel and ethanol preservation for plant tissues.
- Work with partners in horticulture to evaluate preservation techniques.
- Examine the stability of samples stored for over 25 years.
- Compare extractions from long-term stored material with original extractions.
- Contribute to the production of papers and posters for conferences.
- Prepare a best practice paper for the Global Genome Biodiversity Network document library.
Requirements
- Must be studying a degree in biology.
- Basic experience consistent with working towards a biology degree.
- Experience and/or interest in plant tissue curation and preservation.
- Ability to carefully handle delicate material.
- Interest in laboratory practice and biological collections.
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.
