Executive Director of Science

The Executive Director of Science leads the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew’s scientific enterprise and reports directly to the Director. The role is responsible for driving Kew’s scientific strategy, maintaining its position as a global leader in plant and fungal science, and maximising impactful outcomes for biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.

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• Develop and implement Kew’s scientific strategy.
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• Maintain Kew’s position as a global leader in plant and fungal science.
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• Maximise impactful outcomes for biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.
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• Internationally recognised academic research profile in a field relevant to Kew.
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• Proven success in strategic and operational leadership of a complex scientific directorate or research institute.
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• Track record in securing significant external funding.
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• Experience working with government, arm’s length bodies or research councils.
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• Highly effective communication and influencing skills.
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• Evidence of partnership working across complex stakeholder environments and with national and global partners.
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• Opportunities for continuous learning.
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• Generous annual leave entitlement.
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• Flexible working to support work‑life balance.
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• Employee Assistance Programme.
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• Wellbeing support including cycle‑to‑work scheme and discounted gym membership.
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• Competitive pension.
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• Employee discount scheme and free entry into national museums and galleries.
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• Free access to Kew and Wakehurst gardens.
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We work to ensure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible to everyone. This includes making adjustments for people who have a disability or long‑term condition.