Cambridge University Botanic Garden is recruiting to a new position of Seed Bank Coordinator to support the operation, organisation and development of the Garden's seed bank and its associated activities. Home to an internationally important living collection of over 8,000 plant species, the Garden runs an expanding seed-banking programme that underpins horticulture, conservation, research and international seed exchange, including our Index Seminum.
You will coordinate the day-to-day organisation, storage, processing and movement of seed collections: from collection and cleaning, through viability testing, to long-term storage. You will manage the accessioning, documentation and database records that keep collections accurate and traceable, and play a hands-on role in the propagation pipeline, coordinating the flow of seed between the seed bank, horticultural propagation and the living collection, including material arising from expeditions and conservation programmes. You will also coordinate the distribution and exchange of seed for internal use, external researchers and the Index Seminum, ensuring compliance with phytosanitary, import and export requirements, and take day-to-day responsibility for health and safety within the seed bank facility. You will also coordinate volunteers working within the seed bank, and contribute to the future planning and development of the Garden's seed conservation procedures, systems and infrastructure.
We're looking for someone with experience of seed collections, seed conservation, propagation or plant collections, together with excellent organisational skills, meticulous attention to detail and the ability to manage collections data accurately. A professional horticultural qualification is essential. You will enjoy working both practically and administratively and be committed to supporting collections management to the highest standards.
If you are ready to play a key role in safeguarding and growing one of the UK's most important living collections, we'd love to hear from you.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance.
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.
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For any questions relating to this recruitment please contact [email protected]
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