Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden seeks a dynamic conservation scientist with expertise in genetics to manage the Garden’s molecular lab and to bring genetics expertise to the Garden’s thriving conservation team.

RSABG’s conservation team undertakes diverse activities with the goal of securing California’s native plant legacy. Projects include rare plant research, field surveys, monitoring, seed conservation, invasive plant species management, propagation and out-planting for restoration. The conservation genetics component of the program uses the resources of RSABG’s laboratories and personnel (scientists, graduate students) to address questions that require genetic data. Current externally funded projects include identifying suitable seed transfer zones for important restoration species in the Mojave Desert, and population genetic studies of federally listed plant species.

The position is fully funded via core Garden funds and projects already in hand for two years after which the Garden commits to 50% funding via core funds with the remainder of the salary to come from grants and contracts. The Conservation Geneticist is expected to actively seek external support for projects that involve the acquisition and analysis of genetics data, and may also contribute to projects funded through other aspects of the conservation program (e.g., rare plant studies, field surveys, seed collecting). In seeking external support, the Conservation Geneticist will have the full support and collaboration of the Director of Conservation Programs and the Garden’s leadership. In the past five years, external funding for conservation projects at RSABG has grown more than 300% and now exceeds $1M annually. Annual merit raises will be based on achievement in lab management, securing external funding, and success in meeting the goals of funded projects.

Requirements: master’s degree in related field (candidates with bachelor’s degrees with extensive research experience and those with a Ph.D. in a relevant area will be considered), experience working in molecular labs and with modern genetic lab methods (e.g., fragment data generation and analysis, next generation sequencing methods and analytical pipeline), excellent networking and writing skills, ability to work as part of a team and independently, personal commitment to plant conservation; knowledge and experience working with plants native to California or the western United States is preferred.

Reports to: Dr. Naomi Fraga, Director of Conservation Programs; direct inquiries to: nfraga@rsabg.org

To Apply: Send letter of interest, CV (including links to relevant publications if relevant), and names and addresses of three references via email attachment to employment@rsabg.org. Applications will be reviewed starting February 1, 2019. Applications will be accepted until February 8, 2019. We anticipate the position will be filled by late February.