Orchid Research Botanist - The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Application Deadline: January 1, 2021

Nestled on subtropical Sarasota Bay, Selby Gardens is the most biologically diverse botanical garden, per acre, in the world. The gardens are an evolving landscape consisting of historical trees, rare collections plants, and seasonal exhibits that provide immersive and transformative experiences for our visitors. The primary function of the job will be to conduct an integrated research program on the orchid family with geographic emphasis on the American tropics and subtropics and to help build a robust orchid research program. The researcher will utilize modern and traditional methods such as comparative morphology, molecular systematics, pollination biology, floristics, and informatics, with the goal of understanding orchids in evolutionary and ecological perspectives and promoting their conservation in-situ.

A Ph.D. in plant systematics or related field is required, and postdoctoral experience is preferred. A history of raising funds from foundations, government agencies, or other grantors is desirable. The successful candidate will maintain an active research program as measured by scientific peer-reviewed journal publications and grant-funded proposals in support of research, contribute to the curation and expansion of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ living and preserved collections, participate in outreach activities, and help disseminate knowledge at professional and public meetings. They must also serve as the editor-in-chief for Selbyana, Selby Gardens’ scientific publication, assist in the organization of symposia and other meetings, and participate in intern and university-level student education. Excellent written and verbal skills are required. The successful candidate will also interact with Selby Gardens’ administration, staff, donors, volunteers, and members to assist in promoting botanical science and plant conservation.

This is an exciting and dynamic time to be a member of the Selby Gardens team, as we are embarking on a $98 million Master Plan that will include the world's first net positive energy botanical garden complex including a Plant Research Center that will house a new library, laboratory and herbarium. We have also recently adopted another local institution, Historic Spanish Point, which will create an additional campus for Selby Gardens. To learn more, please visit our website: https://selby.org/about/selby-gardens-master-plan2/

To Apply: Please combine the following into a single PDF file: 1-page cover letter, curriculum vitae, names and contact information of three references, and send to careers@selby.org.

Please see a more detailed job description at https://selby.org/about/careers/ for a more detailed list of job tasks and applicant qualifications.

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