The National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG) is recruiting for an NSF-funded postdoctoral research position to be based at NTBG headquarters on Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi.

The Mission of National Tropical Botanical Garden is to enrich life by perpetuating tropical plants, ecosystems, and cultural heritage. NTBG manages five botanical gardens and two preserves in Hawaiʻi and Florida and is a nonprofit dedicated to saving rare and endangered tropical flora focused on the Pacific Islands which are home to some of the world's most unique but also threatened flora.

This one-year position is funded by a collaborative NSF grant (NTBG, University of California, Los Angeles, and Washington University in St. Louis; https://sites.wustl.edu/hawaiianplantbiogeography/) modeling the biogeographic origins and evolution of Hawaiian plants. In the first two years of the project, we generated genomic data for 11 Hawaiian Angiosperm lineages using the Angiosperm353 bait set and developed new geographic state-dependent speciation-extinction (GeoSSE) models. This postdoc position will use project-generated datasets coupled with morphological, ecological, and biogeographical information to produce collaborative research publications refining classifications and advancing the understanding of factors involved in diversification of selected understudied Hawaiian lineages (Kadua, Labordia, Psychotria, Wikstroemia, and Lysimachia or Pritchardia).

The postdoctoral researcher will work with project PI's and staff including Ken Wood, David Lorence and Nina Rønsted (NTBG), Warren Wagner (Smithsonian Institution, NTBG), Bruce Baldwin (UC Berkeley), Felipe Zapata (UCLA), and Michael Landis (WUSTL). The postdoctoral researcher will also use collections at PTBG, US, and BISH, be considered an equal member of NTBG staff, and have opportunity to participate in fieldwork, collections curation, conservation assessments, supervision of students, curriculum development, teaching and communication as time permits.

This position is based in the Science and Conservation Department (ntbg.org/science) at NTBG headquarters in Kalāheo, Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi, and reports to Senior Research Biologist Ken Wood. The salary is $54,000 and include health insurance and other benefits. Remote work is not an option and a valid work and residence permit in the US is required. NTBG is an equal opportunity employer.

Qualifications

Candidates must hold a PhD in biology, evolution, systematics, or a related field.
A track-record of publishing research in systematics using diverse data including analyzing and interpreting molecular and other types of trait data is required.
Should have knowledge and experience in performing taxonomic revisions, including knowledge of gathering and analyzing morphological data, and nomenclature rules.
Excellent writing, communication, and interpersonal skills required.
Knowledge of Hawaiian flora and experience with collection curation and/or regional flora programs is an advantage.
Understanding of biocultural taxonomy and concepts is an advantage.
Experience with plant conservation or conservation assessments is an advantage.
Intercultural experience working with agencies, organizations, and nonprofits is an advantage.

Application

Closing date. Open until filled. Expected starting date is October 1, or soon thereafter.

Applications must include: (i) A cover letter addressing how the candidate’s background/experience/interests relates to the advertised position, (ii) curriculum vitae/résumé, including contact information for two potential references, and (iii) two relevant research papers (published or submitted) that you authored.

Submit application materials to: Email: careers@ntbg.org

For additional information about this position, contact careers@ntbg.org