The California Academy of Sciences is seeking candidates for the position of Assistant Curator of Botany. We are looking for individuals who specialize in vascular plants of the western hemisphere (especially those relating to Mexico, Central and/or South America) and/or eastern hemisphere (especially Asia), examining a wide range of topics including their evolution, diversity, and classification. Candidates who will work with our extensive collections, as well as contribute to the strategic growth of our collection, will be especially welcome. Finally, we seek candidates passionate about science communication, engagement with broad audiences, and an interest in fostering and diversifying the next generation of botanists. The new curator will join a friendly and enthusiastic group of botanists working to steward a collection of nearly 2.3 million specimens and investigate plant biodiversity around the world - and we all love plants! The Botany Department is part of the Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability (IBSS), home to 12 additional departments/cores, their associated collections, scientific and professional staff and students. Jointly, we comprise the research division at the California Academy of Sciences. Together we work to discover, explore, and celebrate biodiversity and its evolution on our changing planet. This collective knowledge provides the foundation for preserving and regenerating life on Earth.

Key Responsibilities:
- Plans and executes original research resulting in peer-reviewed scientific publications and presentations.
- Plans, directs, and participates in scientific exploration including expeditions, experimental work and collaborative research as appropriate, to advance knowledge, facilitate specimen collection, conserve biodiversity and address other global issues such as climate change.
- Advances the strategic growth, improvement, and mobilization of the herbarium and its collection, working closely with the Collection Manager and other Botany Curators.
- Seeks extramural funding and grants to support research activities.
- Participates in collaborative efforts to maintain, improve, and increase access to Academy scientific collections, including digitization and imaging initiatives.
- Actively trains and mentors the next generation of scientists using innovative and inspirational science communication and experiences, including supervision of postdoctoral fellows, graduate students and undergraduates.
- Dedicated to training scientists, building capacity in under-resourced communities and countries, and to increasing participation of groups historically underrepresented in botany.
- Participates in a spectrum of activities that engage diverse audiences in the excitement, process and importance of scientific discovery – e.g., participation in the development of exhibitions; presentations to non-science audiences; community science programs; mentoring of youth; participation in Academy education and outreach programs; maintenance of a creative portfolio of social media activities designed to convey scientific discoveries.
- Works closely with Academy marketing staff to leverage scientific discoveries into popular media and to elevate the visibility and impact of the Academy's research activities.
- Collaborates with the Academy’s Development team and the Dean of Science and Research Collections in fundraising, cultivation, and stewardship of donors.

Qualifications:
A successful candidate will have the following:
- Ph.D. in Botany, Biology, Evolutionary Biology or other relevant discipline required; postdoctoral experience highly preferred
- Experience working in herbaria and with natural history collections
- Experience managing research programs, projects, and budgets
- Enthusiastic approach to research, education, and outreach, conservation and sustainability
- Proven track record of publishing original research and obtaining external funding
- Demonstrated ability to articulate the relevance and importance of one’s scientific work to various audiences.
- Ability to work in a collaborative environment

Schedule: Full Time, 40 hours per week

Compensation: Compensation for this role starts at $125,000

Application Instructions:
To apply, please visit https://us242.dayforcehcm.com/CandidatePortal/en-US/cas/Posting/View/1287
You will be asked to answer a few short questions, as well as upload the requested application materials, outlined below.
(1) Current CV.
(2) Statement of research interests (max 2 pages) making sure to address current accomplishments, short term (2 year) and medium term (5 year) research goals. In addition, please connect your collections-based research to the mission of IBSS: “We discover, explore, and celebrate biodiversity and its evolution, providing the foundation for preserving and regenerating life on our changing planet”.
(3) Statement addressing herbaria of the future and their role in biodiversity science (max 2 pages). Make sure to discuss your views on the maintenance, strategic growth, and relevance of collections into the future.
(4) Example of scientific publications most relevant to this position (up to 3 published papers).
(5) Example of scientific communications to broad, non-technical audiences (up to 3 examples - e.g. blog posts and/or social media posts, short videos, interviews, publications in popular media, etc. Please submit as short narratives with any links available.)

Contact Botany Curator Sarah Jacobs with questions at sjacobs@calacademy.org

APPLICATION DEADLINE:
This position will close on December 1, 2024 at 11:59pm. Review of applications will begin on December 2, 2024.