Research Assistant: Centre for Middle Eastern Plants

Applications are invited for the above vacancy within the Centre for Middle Eastern Plants (CMEP), part of The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE).

RBGE is one of the world's leading research orientated Botanic Gardens (www.rbge.org.uk) and is located in a UNESCO World Heritage city famed for its scientific innovation and cultural interest. It’s Centre for Middle Eastern Plants (CMEP) uniquely specialises in the conservation and sustainable use of plants and habitats across the Middle East, working with partners to address contemporary environmental challenges based upon under-pinning knowledge about the region (www.cmep.org.uk).

CMEP is looking for someone to join our dynamic and busy team in a multi-disciplinary role, where you will be expected to contribute to a range of projects including:

• Conservation status, trends and threats to frankincense (Boswellia spp.)

Undertaking a variety of research questions relating to the conservation, status and threats to frankincense (Boswellia spp.) globally, working with a range of partners. The main activities will include acquiring and curating distribution and associated data and helping to develop protocols for storing and accessing that data for specific user-defined approaches.

• Plant diversity studies in the Arabian Peninsula

The post holder will support several projects focused on baseline biodiversity research and capacity development in the region, particularly within Saudi Arabia. This will involve sourcing and management of information from literature as well as field data, processing of images and development of materials to support online learning. There will be some requirement to help with fieldwork logistics as well as the opportunity to join fieldwork programmes. 

• CMEP taxonomy, conservation and sustainable use programme

In addition, CMEP has an ongoing and developing portfolio of strategic programmes across the Middle East that require research, support and implementation, with fieldwork sometimes required at relatively short notice. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to support these programmes including the option to supervise students if desirable.

This is an 18-month fixed term appointment.  Ideally the candidate would start on 14^th March 2022 or as soon as possible thereafter.

There is an opportunity to contribute to new and existing projects and develop longer-term funding routes depending on individual skills and interests related to CMEP strategic programmes.

Applicants should hold an MSc in plant science, conservation or a related discipline, and/or in data management with a strong interest in sustainable use of natural resources and plant or habitat conservation. Experience in handling distribution and other spatial data, images and survey methodology and biological recording are a distinct advantage. You should have a dynamic and collaborative approach, excellent time management skills and attention to detail.

A full job description and person specification which outlines the main duties in more detail, and the essential and desirable criteria for this post, can be downloaded from above. Informal enquires can be made to Dr Alan Forrest (AForrest@rbge.org.uk).

Applications should be made by CV and covering letter, outlining skills and experience relevant to the post, which should be sent along with a completed Equal Opportunities form to recruitment@rbge.org.uk no later than 13.00 GMT on Wednesday 23^rd February 2022. Interviews are scheduled for the first week of March 2022.

If you have not heard from us by Friday 25^th February 2022, please assume that your application has not been shortlisted. No recruitment agencies please.