The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) is excited to announce up to five full-time career-track research positions at any rank in Science. We are searching for creative, collaborative thinkers to join us in a multidisciplinary approach to developing biodiversity-based solutions to 21st century problems. NYBG Scientists leverage existing strengths while building unique and collaborative opportunities. We seek to enhance the collaborative momentum of NYBG’s Science Division by inviting individuals with creative, innovative, dynamic research programs who are interested in joining a strong group of researchers to apply for these positions.

NYBG is seeking Biologists and Data Scientists with interdisciplinary experience in biodiversity informatics, data science, systematics, evolutionary biology, genomics (including but not limited to functional, population or conservation), ecology (including agroecology or restoration ecology), remote sensing, machine learning, ethnobotany, forestry, conservation (including species, population or ecosystem), or biogeochemistry (including carbon studies).

The new hires will join a growing interdisciplinary research and scholarship team at NYBG to build fundamental knowledge and develop solutions-oriented approaches to biodiversity conservation, climate mitigation, climate resilience, and/or agrobiodiversity. This Cluster Hiring Initiative will help NYBG meet its strategic goals to drive faculty diversity and grow the impact of NYBG research locally, nationally, and internationally. Curators will be expected to leverage the NYBG collections (living, herbarium, library, and laboratory) in creative ways to address pressing issues facing the world.

The New York Botanical Garden is committed to an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible work environment, and further recognizes that diversity in our workforce fosters excellence in our mission of advocating for the plants of the world. Leveraging the strong foundation of existing policies and practices, NYBG will advance inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility through a number of institutional initiatives. Our aspiration is to continue to cultivate a workforce and institution that is as diverse as the communities we serve and the audiences we engage.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop a strong and innovative research program that will make full use of the Steere Herbarium, the Mertz Library, digital assets, the facilities of the Pfizer Laboratory, and/or the living collections.
• Build integrative/collaborative/synergistic research programs and develop new partnerships both within and outside of NYBG.
• Attract extramural funding and produce a substantial body of publications.
• Engage fully in service to NYBG’s Science programs, the broader institution, and the 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 editing our impactful journals.

Requirements

• PhD in Botany, Mycology, Computer Science, Biology or a related synergistic field
• Two or more years of postdoctoral experience
• Strong publication record
• Evidence of potential or current success in securing external funding to support research
• A taxonomic focus on a large plant or fungal group will be an asset, as will the ability to identify species across a broad range of genera and families of plants or fungi
• Strong quantitative skills in areas such as genomics, data science, modelling, GIS, phylogenetic analysis, and programming.
• Ability to contribute to a collegial environment as well as a dedication to professional service
• Demonstrated ability to communicate science effectively to multiple constituencies
• Demonstrated experience in fostering an inclusive environment, working with people from diverse backgrounds, and incorporating diverse and innovative perspectives in research

Applicants should submit:

1. A cover letter (up to two pages) that briefly summarizes the following:
a. The candidate’s research agenda, expertise and goals, and how these would advance the research vision of NYBG science.
b. The candidate’s interest or experience in conducting collaborative, applied, interdisciplinary research.
c. 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 interests and accomplishments, graduate student training, workshops for environmental professionals, public education and lectures, or scientific exhibition content.
5. A statement (up to one page) describing the candidate’s philosophy and past contributions to equity, diversity and inclusion, along with ability to work with a culturally diverse student body (giving specific examples where possible).
6. Up to three representative publications, or works in progress.
7. Names and contact information for three references.

Link to posting and application: https://jobs.jobvite.com/nybg/job/oVt7kfwz?nl=1

Application Deadline: To ensure optimal consideration, all application materials must be received by November 7, 2022, although these positions will remain open until filled. Applicants should state preference to be considered as Assistant Curator, Associate Curator, or Curator.

If you have specific questions about the application process, please contact the Chair of the Selection Committee c/o Dr. Lawrence Kelly - lkelly@nybg.org.

The anticipated starting date for positions is July 1, 2023, or as soon as possible thereafter, dependent on immigration and travel restrictions. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

Base salary $85k, scaled depending on experience and rank.

Please be advised, as a term and condition of accepting a job offer the candidate for employment must submit proof of full vaccination. Candidates for employment unable to submit proof of full vaccination at the time of the offer will not be considered for employment.

This policy is subject to the reasonable accommodation provisions of Title VII and the American for Disabilities Act (ADA) and other EEO consideration. If you believe that because of a disability or a sincerely held religious belief that you may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation or exemption to this policy please contact HR@nybg.org.

If you require an accommodation for any part of the application process, please notify the Human Resources department at HR@nybg.org.