Assistant or Associate Curator, Mycology or Cryptogamic Botany

Position Summary:

The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) is seeking an outstanding Mycologist or Cryptogamic Botanist for a career-track appointment in the Center for Biodiversity and Evolution. We seek candidates who are innovative and collaborative, eager to advance nature-based solutions to contemporary challenges. The successful candidate will develop an innovative collections-based and laboratory research program focused on important issues in biodiversity science, supported by extramural funding from federal and private sources. They will also use diverse data (emphasizing but not limited to systematic and floristic data) in creative ways for conservation and nature-based solutions.

The new hire will join a growing interdisciplinary research and scholarship team at NYBG to build fundamental and applied knowledge that contributes to developing solutions-oriented approaches to biodiversity and conservation, climate change mitigation, climate and community resilience, and/or food security. This position will help NYBG meet its strategic goals to increase faculty diversity and grow the impact of NYBG research locally, nationally, and internationally.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities:

● Build an integrative/collaborative/synergistic research program and develop new partnerships both within and outside of NYBG.
● Attract extramural funding and produce a substantial body of publications.
● Develop a strong and innovative research program that leverages one or more of NYBG’s collections, which include the Steere Herbarium, Mertz Library, economic botany collections, facilities and collections of the Pfizer Laboratory, digital assets, and extensive living collections.
● Engage fully in service to NYBG’s Science programs, the institution, including Horticulture and Education, and the broader scientific community, as well as the general public.
● Enhance NYBG’s role in education and communication by advising graduate students, mentoring interns and/or postdoctoral fellows, teaching graduate-level courses, and/or participating on the editorial team of one of our impactful journals.
● Advance NYBG’s strategic objectives: Environmental Action, Bronx-Forward, Power of Place, Digital Impact, Management Excellence.

Qualifications:
● PhD in Botany, Biology, Evolutionary Biology, Mycology, or a related field.
● Preferred two or more years of postdoctoral experience.
● The rank of Associate Curator is appropriate for candidates who have developed a national reputation in their research field and are coming from a parallel rank at a research institution or university (e.g., Associate Professor).
● Strong publication record.
● Evidence of potential or current success in securing external funding to support research.
● A taxonomic focus on a large fungal or plant group or ecosystem type (e.g. urban ecology) will be an asset, as will the ability to identify species across a broad range of genera and families of fungi or plants.
● Strong quantitative skills in an area such as genomics, data science, modeling, GIS, phylogenetic analysis, or computer programming.
● Ability to contribute to a collegial environment and a dedication to professional service.
● Demonstrated ability to communicate science effectively to multiple constituencies.
● Preference for candidates with experience successfully teaching and mentoring students.
● Demonstrated experience in fostering an inclusive environment, working with people from diverse backgrounds, and incorporating diverse and innovative perspectives in research.
● Willingness and ability to develop collaborative research with NYBG’s existing science staff.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:
• This position will require work in an office environment, with extended periods sitting or standing at a desk, using a computer, and attending meetings virtually and in person with other people.
• Travel is required, both within the United States and internationally.
• Fieldwork may be an important component of this position, requiring work in diverse and potentially remote outdoor environments, sometimes under challenging conditions.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.


Baseline Work Schedule:
35-hour work week; some extended hours based on deliverables may be required. Generally, work hours are Monday - Friday 9 to 5 with evening, weekend, and holiday work as needed. NYBG’s hybrid work policy applies to this exempt position. The primary work location is at the New York Botanical Garden.


Benefits:
• 15 Vacation Days
• 13 Paid Holidays
• 12 Sick Days
• Health and Dental Insurance Coverage
• 401K
• Pension Plan

Please submit:
1. A cover letter (up to two pages) that briefly summarizes the following:
● The candidate’s research agenda, expertise and goals, and how these would advance the research vision of NYBG science in developing nature and biodiversity based solutions to 21st Century problems.
● The candidate’s interest or experience in conducting collaborative, applied, interdisciplinary research.
● A summary of leadership potential through existing or proposed research, teaching, service, community engagement, outreach, contributions to equity, diversity and inclusion, or other relevant activities.
2. Curriculum vitae with links to significant publications.
3. A statement (up to two pages) describing the current and proposed research program, and connections with solutions to the biodiversity and climate crisis. This statement should also include how the applicant would leverage and build the collections at NYBG and ideas for how to interact synergistically with current NYBG Curators and/or how to leverage current and future collaborations with national and international agencies to grow the impacts of NYBG science.
4. A statement (up to one page) of education and engagement that may include teaching philosophy, interests and accomplishments, graduate student training, workshops for environmental professionals, public education and lectures, or scientific exhibition content.
5. Up to three representative publications or accepted manuscripts.
6. Names and contact information for three references.

If you have specific questions about the application process, please contact Kelly Coale at kcoale@nybg.org.

Application Deadline: To ensure optimal consideration, all application materials must be received by March 31, 2025, although the position will remain open until filled.

The anticipated starting date for position is July 1, 2025, or soon thereafter depending on immigration and travel restrictions. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

Botany 2025 Abstract Submission Now Open!

Botany 2025 Abstract Submission Now Open!

Start making plans to join your colleagues in Palm Springs, California, from July 26-30 for Botany 2025 – Botany without Barriers. Abstract submission is now open! Share your research with over 1000 botanical colleagues from around the world! This year we will accept up to 2 abstracts for talks and 2 abstracts for posters from each presenting author. Symposia and colloquia and lightning talk presentations are not included in this total. A list of topics used to organize conference sessions can be found on the conference website. Click here to submit your abstract. 

Check the conference website regularly for updates. Registration rates, field trips, featured speakers, and more will be posted soon!

 
Travel awards:
Several of the scientific societies involved in planning Botany conference offer travel awards to assist with defraying the cost of attendance. Visit the websites of these scientific societies to learn more about their awards: American Bryological and Lichenological Society, American Society of Plant Taxonomists, American Fern Society, Botanical Society of America, and the International Society for Plant Taxonomy.
 
Hotel and Travel Information:
Get ready for Botany 2025 by booking your room at the Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel! Enjoy exclusive rates and the convenience of staying close to all the action. Booking within the reserved room block not only ensures a great experience for you, but also helps the conference by keeping costs manageable and supporting future events. For international travelers, visa information and invitation letters are available to assist with travel plans. If you're looking to share accommodations, use the roommate finder tool to connect with fellow attendees. For more information, click here.Professional Rate - Single/Double -  $169.00/night +16.5% tax – Click here for reservations.
 Student Rate $119.00/night + 16.5% tax – Click here for student room reservations.
 Parking fee: 25 USD daily
Fee includes in/out privileges; Parking rates do not include tax
 Join Bonvoy for free internet at the Renaissance

In Palm Springs, you can look forward to:
Meeting space all on one level and walkable indoors
An accessible, friendly, and safe downtown location
Complimentary hotel shuttle from the airport
Affordable lodging rates ($119/nt for students and $169/nt) and rooms that can be shared for savings at the Renaissance Hotel
Potential morning field trips to places like Joshua Tree National Park, San Jacinto Mountains, Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve, California Botanic Garden, a date farm, local UC system Herbaria, and more
Nursing mother’s room, a quiet room, and designated gender-neutral bathrooms
Free street parking around the convention center and discounted hotel parking in the hotel lot
 
If you have any questions about conference logistics, please contact Lori Strong, Meetings Manager. For scientific program questions, please contact Melanie Link-Pérez, Conference Program Manager.