Biological Chemist

Job Description

Fixed Term (FTA) 2 yearsAre you an ambitious scientist looking for your next exciting challenge Do you want to take then next career step in biological chemistry with a vibrant and active research laboratory in a beautiful corner of South West LondonThe Biological Chemistry and In Vitro research group at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, led by Professor Phil Stevenson is currently engaged in a variety of research activities that study how plants can be used for biorational pest management in smallholder farming systems with a particular focus on Africa. We have an opportunity to recruit a 2 year postdoctoral research associate to work on a new Innovate-UK funded private sector/academic collaborative project: Pyrethrum in Bloom through the Agritech-Catalyst. This international project will work in partnership with BioExtractions (Wales) Ltd and the Natural Resources Institute (NRI) in the UK and with Jatflora Ltd, Grow Tech Nurseries Ltd and Egerton University in Kenya. The project will support an innovation driven pyrethrum revival to enhance livelihoods of smallholders in East Africa.Kew is the worlds leading botanic gardens, at the forefront of plant and fungal science, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major visitor attraction.We want a world where plants and fungi are understood, valued and conserved - because our lives depend on them.We use the power of our science and the rich diversity of our gardens and collections to provide knowledge, inspiration and understanding of why plants and fungi matter to everyone.Based at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in London, your work will focus on the development of plant based excipients, synergists and stabilisers from Croton megalocarpus and various other African plant species to replace the synthetic components currently used in the botanical insecticide Pyrethrum (from Tanacetum cinerariifolium) to produce an entirely plant based and organic product to improve food production in Africa. Plant materials will be extracted using a Hielscher UP400ST instrument that is capable of ultrasonic cavitation. Chemical analysis will be done using in house equipment including Waters HPLC, Thermo Fusion Orbitrap High Resolution Mass Spectrometer, a Thermo Velos Pro Dual-Pressure Linear Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer, a Bruker Avance 400MHz NMR alongside various other facilities including GC-MS that support all aspects of phytochemical work and natural products chemistry. Subsequent relevant stability and bioactivity studies will be done in collaboration with the partners.This post will suit a natural product chemist, biochemist, pesticide chemist or analytical chemist with an interest in entomology and pest management. Ideally you will have experience in extraction of plant materials, bioassay-guided fractionation, formulations, the operation of and interpretation of spectrometry data from NMR, LC-MS, GC-MS and other techniques. Experience in undertaking biological activity testing of plant chemicals would be an advantage. While aiming to help develop commercially viable products through our enterprise partners we anticipate the research will produce important scientific data that will be published in high impact journals.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 visit our website for more information and to apply.Closing Date: 05/10/2020We 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.