The Tucker Lichenologist and Associate Curator of the Clifton Smith Herbarium is an endowed research scientist and curatorial position primarily responsible for performing lichenological research and curation in support of the Garden's mission, with additional curatorial duties in the non-lichen portion of the Clifton Smith Herbarium. With ca. 35,600 specimens, the lichen collection at the Garden is the second largest in California and the fourth largest west of the Mississippi River. The Tucker Lichenologist will curate this important collection, serve as a regional lichen expert for western North America, and maintain an independent research program focusing on lichen biodiversity, taxonomy, systematics, and/or ecology. As the Associate Curator of the Clifton Smith Herbarium, this position will also perform curation of the non-lichen portion of the herbarium. Comprising an estimated 125,000 specimens of bryophytes, ferns, and seed plants, this part of the herbarium contains important regional collections centering on the Central Coast as well as the California Channel Islands. This full time (40 hours per week), exempt position reports to the Ken and Shirley Tucker Plant Systematist. Time will be divided between lichen and non-lichen-focused activities, approximately 60-40 percent, respectively.
Essential Duties:
Develop and maintain a current and in-depth knowledge of the lichens of California, with an emphasis on the Central Coast region of California and the California Channel Islands, serving as a lichenological resource for the Garden as well as for other organizations and individuals in the area
Develop and maintain an externally-funded research program focusing on the taxonomy, systematics, or ecology of target California lichen groups, as appropriate for the expertise of the lichenologist
Conduct other original scientific research appropriate to the Garden’s mission
Collaborate with other Garden staff and research associates on research projects, as necessary
Disseminate original research findings through formal presentations at scientific conferences and thematically appropriate peer-reviewed scientific journals
Curate the lichen component of the Clifton Smith Herbarium (SBBG) by assisting with day-to-day operations, responding in a timely manner to lichen loan requests, interfacing with herbarium users to provide access, seeking funding for long-term herbarium-related development projects in collaboration with other Garden staff, coordinating with country-wide lichen herbarium planning efforts through the Consortium of North American Lichen Herbaria, and by promoting the herbarium as an invaluable resource to scientists and the local community
Assist with the curation of the non-lichen component of the Clifton Smith Herbarium
Supervise herbarium and other research staff and volunteers, as necessary
Work collaboratively and build relationships with Garden staff, volunteers, and members of the public to enhance knowledge of California lichens and to foster an understanding of the value of the herbarium and living collections at the Garden; activities may include appropriate training sessions, participation in the education and public outreach programs, giving lectures and teaching classes related to plant systematics and/or herbarium curation.
Disseminate timely information, in collaboration with Garden publicity staff as necessary, including professional meetings, website and social media postings, and news releases.
Knowledge and Abilities:
Expert knowledge of North American lichens; experience in western North America preferred
Expert knowledge of one of the following areas: molecular phylogenetics, population genetics, lichen ecology, geographic information systems, species distribution modeling
Working knowledge of plant taxonomy and systematics
Experience working in herbaria and with natural history collections
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and expertise in database management
Excellent organizational skills
Excellent time management skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Able to occasionally work weekends and evenings
Able to work independently and as part of a team to further the goals of the organization
Comfortable in a fast-paced environment that requires quick turnaround and flexibility
Qualifications and Experience:
Ph.D. in biology with a demonstrated focus on lichenology; 1-2 years of postdoctoral experience preferred
Demonstrated success in obtaining external research funding
Experience teaching in academic and/or public settings preferred
Experience managing staff and/or volunteers preferred
Certificates and Licenses:
Must have or be eligible for a valid California driver license and maintain an acceptable driving record