Postdoctoral Fellow (Population dynamics and rare plant conservation)
Missouri Botanical Garden, 2345 Tower Grove Ave., St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
Req #732
Monday, October 2, 2023
Summary: The Center for Conservation and Sustainable Development (CCSD) at the Missouri Botanical Garden seeks to hire a full-time postdoctoral fellow in plant conservation science. The postdoc will work with Dr. Matthew Albrecht’s Lab to advance the conservation of a federally endangered wildflower (Astragalus bibullatus; Pyne’s ground-plum) using demographic-based modeling and population restoration. The Albrecht lab has developed a well-curated, long-term (>10 years) demographic dataset for most remaining natural populations of Pyne’s ground-plum. The postdoc will use this dataset to: 1) statistically analyze vital rate responses to factors such as management activities, deer herbivory, and annual climatic variability; 2) construct and analyze integral or matrix population models to assess stochastic population growth rates and quasi-extinction risk; 3) use simulations to determine the level of threat reduction needed to meet species recovery criteria; and 4) prepare and submit manuscripts for publication. The postdoc will also have opportunities to work with datasets from an ongoing experimental population restoration program with Pyne’s ground-plum and other rare plant species. During this time, the postdoc will have an opportunity to participate in fieldwork, collaborate with biologists from governmental and non-governmental agencies, and interact with a dynamic MBG research team working in conservation genetics, restoration ecology, global change biology, ex situ conservation, and biodiversity science. This individual will conduct daily operations of assigned project or program without direct supervision. He/she will prepare scientific papers as leading author and also will interact with Garden staff and other collaborators to prepare collaborative scientific papers. The Postdoctoral Fellow will present lectures to professional organizations and broader audiences as appropriate. He/she may supervise graduate and undergraduate students, interns and volunteers.
The position will be based in St. Louis, where a vibrant community of ecologists, conservation practitioners, and plant scientists interact through partnerships among MBG, Washington University, the University of Missouri-St. Louis, Saint Louis University, plus other area institutions. The position will be seated in the CCSD, which explores and implements new, science-based approaches to the conservation and sustainable use of plant diversity. CCSD’s strategies for conservation are based on a sound, scientific understanding of the occurrence and distribution of plants. CCSD applies the knowledge of plant diversity accumulated by Missouri Botanical Garden researchers over many years, making that knowledge usable for conservation planning and decision-making. Operating under the auspices of the Garden and as part of its division of Science and Conservation, CCSD builds upon the Garden’s institutional expertise, scientific programs, influence and resources.
Candidates should have completed a Ph.D. in Conservation Biology, Ecology, Botany, Environmental Science, or a related field before the start date. The ideal candidate will have prior experience using integral or matrix population models to assess deterministic and stochastic population growth rates using the R software environment. Candidates that have experience in demographic modeling and species recovery are particularly encouraged to apply.
Review of applications will begin November 15, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled. Ideal start date is early 2024 (Jan-April), but start date is negotiable. The term for this grant-funded position will be up to 2 years, with renewal in the 2nd year contingent on satisfactory performance. Salary will be commensurate with experience, and this position includes a comprehensive benefits package.
Candidates should submit the following in a single pdf file: 1) CV, 2) cover letter, and 3) contact information for three referees.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Takes a leadership role in conducting data analysis on demographic vital rates and then uses integral or matrix population models to assess deterministic and stochastic population growth for natural and reintroduced populations of an endangered plant species.
• Conducts independent research and writes results for publication in peer reviewed journals.
• Works and consults with members of the CCSD team on data analysis, communicates findings to collaborators working at other agencies and organizations.
• Participates in fieldwork to demographically monitor natural and reintroduced populations of Pyne’s ground plum across multiple sites in central Tennessee, and other rare species as necessary.
• May provide leadership, direction and training to graduate and undergraduate students, interns and volunteers. May supervise junior staff and provide guidance for their career development.
• Attracts new scientific collaborators and develops partnerships with organizations, establishing cooperative agreements for strengthening the program, as appropriate.
• Helps mentor graduate and undergraduate students, interns, and volunteers.
• Participates in lab meetings, journal clubs, and MBG’s weekly seminar series.
• Participates in scientific meetings and delivers lectures to professional organizations and to the general public as requested.
• Reviews scientific papers and grant proposals as requested.
• Works within MBG established guidelines in preparing and monitoring grant proposal budgets.
• Ensures that all applicable safety standards are followed; informs employees/students/volunteers of safety guidelines, methods to reduce hazards. Reports all accidents, injuries and near-miss accidents immediately.
• Behaves and communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork and cooperation, within our division and throughout the Garden, with co-workers, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and employees.
Supervisory Responsibilities: This position has no staff supervisory responsibilities; the position may lead and direct undergraduate students, interns or volunteers.
Core Competencies
• Communication: Combines listening skills, verbal and written communication skills and visitor relation skills.
• Collaboration: Incorporates teamwork, mutual respect, active engagement, cooperation and visitor focus.
• Accountability: Initiative to take ownership of responsibilities, the ability to prioritize and the working knowledge and skills to take action.
• Problem Solving: Blends problem solving skills, judgement and decision making skills along with creativity and resourcefulness.
• Stewardship: Merges the practical application of the Garden values and support for a positive organizational climate.
Qualifications/Experience:
• Strong background including a minimum of (6) months prior experience or coursework in one or more of the following fields: conservation biology, ecology, restoration, population biology, or related fields.
• Previous experience using integral or matrix population models in the R statistical software environment.
• Previous experience conducting statistical analyses with plant demographic data.
• Interest in plant conservation and species recovery.
• Prior experience writing scientific papers, grant proposals and reports.
• Some understanding of financial budget development/management and forecasting process to be able to manage grant’s budget
• Willingness and flexibility to conduct field work
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills: professionalism; ability to speak clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations, to listen and get clarification, and to respond well to questions; is tactful and treats others with respect.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively at all levels; ability to work with diverse teams, including international colleagues.
• Ability to travel locally/domestically as needed.
• Scheduling flexibility is required to work evenings, weekends, or holidays as needed.
• The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.
Education:
• Ph.D. in conservation biology, ecology, population biology, restoration, or related discipline required.
Language Skills: Ability to communicate effectively in English (oral/written); skills with other languages highly desirable.
Mathematical Skills:
• Advanced college math aptitude - requires the ability to perform algebra/calculus equations, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; calculate percentages and decimals, etc.
• Ability to work with statistics.
• Ability to analyze budgets.
Reasoning Ability:
• Requires ability to conduct independent research and to actively participate in team work; apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to problem resolution; represent the interests and projects a positive image of the Missouri Botanical Garden.
Computer Skills:
• Statistical analysis skills in the R software environment are particularly desirable.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office Word and Excel programs required; strong working knowledge of Outlook features required and PowerPoint preferred.
• Solid Internet research skills.
• Ability to use e-mail to communicate with MBG staff in order to answer questions and service their needs.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
• Must possess valid driver’s license prior to employment.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a passport for international travel.
• Must be able to obtain visas, vaccinations and immunizations for all countries where travel is required.
Physical Demands:
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to utilize computer keyboard (typing) and sit for extended periods of the work day.
• Operates copier, printer, fax, and computer.
• Ability to walk about facility frequently throughout work day, and sit for extended periods of the work day (may sit up to 75% of work day).
• Ability to travel independently for long periods on airplanes, trains and other conveyances both domestic and international.
• Ability to walk, stand, kneel, or climb as required and move about for extended periods of time.
• Physical fitness necessary for field studies involving multi-week hikes/rides/camping in difficult terrain.
• May be required to perform tasks at varying heights and at high altitudes.
• Ability to understand field safety requirements and wear personal protective equipment, as needed.
• Ability to work in extreme weather conditions.
• May require working long hours to meet deadlines.
Work Environment:
• Office and laboratory environment in St. Louis.
• Outdoor setting; ability to work occasionally outdoors in all weather conditions (i.e., in temperatures over 100°F as well as temperatures below 0°F, in rain, snow and other inclement weather conditions as needed).
• Comfortable working in immediate proximity to general public, in a safe and friendly manner, answering questions.
Contacts with Individuals/Organizations inside/outside the Missouri Botanical Garden:
• Garden employees and volunteers
• Collaborators, Guests and International Scientists
• Professional Organizations
• Governmental Officials
• Colleges/Universities
Other details
- Pay Type Salary
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- Missouri Botanical Garden, 2345 Tower Grove Ave., St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America