Scientist 1 (Conservation or Restoration Scientist)
Missouri Botanical Garden, 2345 Tower Grove Ave., St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
Req #730
Monday, October 2, 2023
Summary: The Missouri Botanical Garden’s Center for Conservation and Sustainable Development invites applications for a Scientist (full-time, exempt) that will build on and strengthen the Missouri Botanical Garden’s programs that emphasize scientific exploration of plant life and science-driven approaches to conservation and restoration. The holder of this position will take a leadership role in identifying and addressing significant research questions in restoration ecology or conservation biology. The holder’s research program should bridge basic and applied science, and align with our mission of providing knowledge usable for restoration or conservation practice. Specific areas of research expertise or specialization could include but are not limited to one or more of the following: plant functional traits, plant invasions, plant-soil interactions, plant-animal interactions, plant population ecology, plant reproductive biology, seed-based restoration, and/or urban ecology. The candidate’s primary research should focus on ecosystems (grasslands, woodlands, forests, and wetlands) in the United States and build upon the strengths of the Missouri Botanical Garden’s field programs, especially the ecological restoration program at its Shaw Nature Reserve. In particular, the Scientist will use statistical analyses, computational tools, and observational and/or experimental methods to conduct research in restoration or conservation.
The successful candidate will have the capacity to attract financial support for research activities by preparing proposals and obtaining grants from outside funding sources. The successful candidate will conduct daily operations of research projects or programs without direct supervision, prepare scientific papers as leading or senior author, and interact with Garden staff and other collaborators to prepare collaborative scientific papers. The Scientist may supervise junior staff and provide guidance for their career development. He/she will also provide leadership, direction and training to undergraduate and gradudate students, interns and volunteers.
The successful candidate will be encouraged to collaborate with a scientific team that specializes in biodiversity science, conservation genetics, ex situ conservation, global change biology, plant systematics, reintroduction of at-risk species, and restoration ecology. This individual will also interact with a broader community of students and scientists at universities, non-governmental organizations, and governmental agencies. Scientists have the opportunity for academic appointments, teaching courses or workshops, and interactions with students and faculty at St. Louis area universities.
Candidates should have completed a Ph.D. in Conservation, Restoration, Ecology, Botany, Environmental Science, or a related field before the start date.
Review of applications will begin November 15, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled. Ideal start date is sometime before July 2024, but start date is negotiable. 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, 3), research statement (3 pages maximum), and 4) contact information for three referees.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Takes leadership role in implementing research on practical and basic questions in ecology with a special emphasis in restoration and/or conservation.
• Initiates, conducts and leads independent research and writes results for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Identifies potential funding sources and writes grant proposals to secure external funding for research projects and program expansion.
• Provides leadership, direction and training to undergraduate and graduate 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.
• Participates in scientific meetings and delivers lectures to professional organizations and to the general public, as requested.
• Collaborates with staff in other relevant divisions of MBG to support complementary plant conservation activities, including (but not limited to) Horticulture, Education, and the Shaw Nature Reserve.
• Reviews grant proposals, journal articles, institutional reports, and publicity materials.
• Writes and/or edits papers, scientific books and grant proposals.
• Leads and serves on scientific panels/committees as requested.
• Prepares reports and summaries evaluating effectiveness of the programs and projects.
• 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 may have supervisory responsibilities including undergraduate and graduate students associated with the Garden’s research projects; position may lead and direct volunteers and may participate on selection committees regarding other employees
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:
• Minimum three (3) years’ experience in one or more of the following fields: conservation biology, ecology, restoration, botany, or related fields.
• Proven publication record.
• Capacity to conceive and develop projects that will advance the fields of conservation or restoration.
• Minimum management experience.
• Some understanding of financial budget development/management and forecasting process.
• Experience in seeking external funding, including negotiation.
• Experience writing scientific papers, grant proposals, and reports.
• Willingness and flexibility to conduct fieldwork.
• 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 domestically and internationally as needed.
• Scheduling flexibility is required to work evenings, weekends, or holidays as needed.
• Must have received or be willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccination by date of hire to be considered. Proof of vaccination will be required.
• The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.
Education:
• Ph.D. in conservation biology, restoration ecology, ecology, or related discipline required.
Other Skills and Abilities: Exceptional public speaking skills 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 teamwork; 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:
• Computer simulation skills are particularly desirable.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office Word and Excel programs required; strong working knowledge of Outlook features required and PowerPoint preferred.
• Demonstrated ability including a minimum of (3) years’ experience using R, or similar software program(s).
• 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 a 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 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
- Employment Indicator 52
This posting is inactive.
- Missouri Botanical Garden, 2345 Tower Grove Ave., St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America