Krukoff Scientist (Curator/Scientist, Rank commensurate with Experience)
The Krukoff Scientist will be responsible for conducting botanical research in the Africa and Madagascar Department, Science and Conservation Division. This will include systematic research on various flowering plant groups, focusing on tropical Africa and/or Madagascar, and will involve a diversity of approaches, including field and herbarium studies as well as one or more analytical methods (e.g., phylogenetics, biogeography, conservation analysis, etc.). It will also include participation in the Garden's broader Africa programs and active involvement in the World Flora Online. The Krukoff Scientist will be expected to pursue funding both for individual research and for programmatic activities, and to participate in and contribute to training and mentoring of students and collaborators, both in St. Louis and Africa.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
•Conduct significant, original systematic research on flowering plant groups in tropical continental Africa and/or Madagascar using a diversity of approaches and methods.
•Publish research results in appropriate journals and by other suitable methods of dissemination (e.g., books, internet sites, etc.)
•Develop and carry out an active field research program in tropical continental Africa
•Participate in and contribute to the Garden's programs in Central and East Africa and Madagascar, including planning, implementation, training and capacity building, and fund-raising
•Contribute to the World Flora Online by providing content on selected groups
•Conduct conservation analyses of African species, sites and/or ecosystems, including in collaboration with other MBG scientists
•Prepare and submit proposals to secure external funding for research projects, training and mentoring, and other activities
•Review manuscripts and grant proposals
•Prepare and review institutional reports, publicity materials and information for the general public, as requested
•Participate in scientific meetings and deliver lectures to professional organizations
•Give tours and lectures to Garden members and the general public, as requested
•Play an active role in the Garden's partnerships with local universities (Washington University, University of Missouri, St. Louis, and St. Louis University) to mentor graduate students, including participation on graduate committees
•Attract new scientific collaborators and develop partnerships with organizations leading to the establishment of cooperative agreements for strengthening science, training and conservation programs, as appropriate
•Serve on scientific panels/committees and provide professional expertise, as requested
•Provide leadership and direction to staff, including hiring, training, development and supervision of staff and volunteers
•Ensure that all applicable safety standards are followed; inform employees/students/volunteers of safety guidelines, methods to reduce hazards. Report all accidents, injuries and near-miss accidents immediately
•Behave and communicate 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.
Competentencies:
•Leadership - Exhibits confidence in self and others; Inspires and motivates others to perform well; Effectively influences actions and opinions of others; Inspires respect and trust; Accepts feedback from others; Provides vision and inspiration to peers and subordinates; Gives appropriate recognition to others; Displays passion and optimism; Mobilizes others to fulfill the vision.
•Collaboration works effectively with colleagues and students, and with other scientific and conservation initiatives.
•Managing People - Includes staff in planning, decision-making, facilitating and process improvement, as appropriate; Takes responsibility for subordinates' activities; Makes self available to staff and students; Provides regular performance feedback; Develops subordinates' skills and encourages growth; Solicits and applies feedback (internal and external); Fosters quality focus in others; Improves processes, products and services; Continually works to improve supervisory skills.
•Supervising volunteers works regularly with volunteers with irregular schedules, and diverse interests and skills, integrating them into various research and conservation initiatives.
•Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
•Delegation - Delegates work assignments; Matches the responsibility to the person; Gives authority to work independently; Sets expectations and monitors delegated activities; Provides recognition for results.
•Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Educates others on the value of diversity; Promotes a harassment-free environment; Builds a diverse workforce.
•Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values; Supports affirmative action and respects diversity.
•Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
•Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
•Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings, as required.
•Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively, using correct spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
•Interpersonal - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
•Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to additional work hours when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
•Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
Qualifications/Experience:
•Minimum five (5+) years' experience of in plant systematics.
•Extensive prior experience writing scientific papers and reports.
•Strong familiarity with the publishing process, scientific literature and library facilities.
•Strong familiarity with the collection and use of herbarium specimens.
•Demonstrated and successful experience in grant research and writing required.
•Experience in conducting field work in tropical conditions; Willingness and flexibility to conduct field work.
•Demonstrated knowledge of the botanical community and current research trends.
•Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; professional, speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; is tactful and treats others with respect.
•Able to travel up to 25% of the time (domestic and international).
•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. required.
•An equivalent combination of education, skills and experience may be considered.
Language Skills: Ability to communicate effectively in English (oral/written); fluency in French highly desirable.
Mathematical Skills:
•Proficient College Math Aptitude - Ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; calculate percentages and decimals, etc.
•Ability to understand, analyze and create budgets.
Reasoning Ability:
•Requires ability to conduct independent research and to participate actively 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:
•Advanced proficiency in navigating through various PC applications including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite (i.e., PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Outlook).
•Experience in database management.
•Solid Internet research skills.
•Ability to use e-mail to communicate with Garden 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.
•Must be able to obtain all necessary permits for botanical fieldwork and represent the Garden in a legal and ethical manner in all interactions with natural resources.
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 50% 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 Louis and overseas; overseas assignments, including in developing countries and/or in remote and rugged regions.
•Outdoor setting; ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions (i.e., in temperatures over 100F as well as temperatures below 0F, 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.