Assistant Conservation Scientist, Conservation Genomics - Chicago Botanic Garden

About us: The Chicago Botanic Garden’s Negaunee Institute for Plant Conservation Science and Action is a global leader in plant-based research, education, and engagement to sustain and enrich life. Based in the Chicago metropolitan area, one of the largest, and most racially diverse cities in North America, the Garden opened 50 years ago as a beautiful place to visit, and it has matured into one of the world's great living museums and conservation science centers.  The Garden’s mission is grounded in the belief that caring for gardens and natural areas is fundamentally important to the well-being of everyone. The Garden strives to make its campuses and all its programs available and accessible to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. We value diversity in all its forms and at every level of our organization – board, staff, volunteers, and vendors. Through the diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences, the Garden is more effectively able to create extraordinary and welcoming experiences for our increasingly diverse audiences. We are committed to ensuring a sense of belonging to every individual we encounter, regardless of age, race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, physical ability, intellectual ability, or economic status.

Position Overview: We seek to hire an assistant scientist to join the Garden’s Negaunee Institute for Plant Conservation Science and Action (https://www.chicagobotanic.org/research). We are seeking a full-time, career-track scientist who uses genomics and bioinformatics tools to answer questions relevant to conservation and/or restoration. Research interests in any area of genomics, including but not limited to biogeography, community genomics, environmental genomics, evolution, fungal/microbial genomics, phylogenomics or systematics. The successful candidate will join a highly collaborative group of scientists focused on addressing key conservation challenges. In addition to conducting research, the successful candidate will serve as faculty in our joint Plant Biology and Conservation graduate program with Northwestern University and will be expected to mentor, assist and train students in using genomic and bioinformatic tools. All scientists at the Garden are expected to assist with education programs including internship programs, community engagement and service activities where appropriate.

The preferred start date is early 2023 but can be flexible.

Responsibilities:

1. RESEARCH: (Estimated time commitment: ~40%)

• Conduct genomic and bioinformatic research that has conservation or restoration implications.

• Obtain external funding to support their research programs.

• Disseminate results through scientific publications and presentations as well as broader communication venues that target groups such as policy makers, land managers, and the public.

2.  EDUCATION: (Estimated time commitment: ~30%)

• Mentor students from diverse backgrounds at a variety of academic levels.

• This will include serving as an advisor or committee member for

  • Graduate students in the Garden’s Plant Biology and Conservation program with Northwestern University (https://www.plantbiology.northwestern.edu/),

  • Undergraduate students from Northwestern University and our NSF-REU Site program (https://pbcinternships.org/) over the summer.

  • High School students in the College First program (https://www.chicagobotanic.org/collegefirst)

• Participation in team-teaching a Northwestern University introductory graduate course in field and lab methods (2-3 class sessions in fall); teaching an upper-level undergraduate or graduate level course in the candidate’s area of expertise is encouraged (each class is 9 weeks).

3. INSTITUTIONAL SERVICE: (Estimated time commitment: ~20%)

• Assist in the management of the departmental bioinformatics server

• Contribute to Garden and departmental initiatives. These include

  • Provide genomic and bioinformatic support to staff and students for research and applied projects at the Garden.

  • As a public-facing institution, scientists are expected to participate in science interpretation efforts or other Garden initiatives depending on the candidate’s interest and skills. This can include various activities, including assistance with the interpretation of displays, science festivals, and/or program development.

  • Work collaboratively with department faculty, and other Garden departments (Learning and Engagement, Horticulture, Collections, Communications, and Visitor Services).

4. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: (Estimated time commitment: ~10%)

• Contribute to the department’s education, engagement, and/or community science activities.

• Help synthesize research, communicate science, and/or develop policy and conservation practice.

• Develop collaborations with conservation institutions and agencies.

Qualifications and Desirable traits: PhD or equivalent, in biology, ecology, evolution, botany, environmental science, mycology, or related area. We seek a candidate with strong genomics and bioinformatics skills with experience in generating, managing and analyzing genomics data, synthesizing large datasets, and versed in a wide range of statistical approaches. As one strength of this institution is the collaborative environment which allows us to take an interdisciplinary approach to applied conservation issues, we seek a candidate who has a record of engaging in a collaborative approach to their research program. As a scientist based at a public-facing institution, in addition to competency in publishing their research in scientific journals, we value experience in engaging scientific discourse that is accessible to the general public. Excellent communication skills. Interest and commitment to seeing research results applied to conservation or restoration. Commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. Teaching, mentoring, and project/grant management experience desired. We highly value people who are enthusiastic about science communication, cultural competency, and building/maintaining community partnerships.

To Apply: Please go to https://tinyurl.com/AssistConservationSciGenomics to apply. In addition to the Garden application materials, please submit 1) a cover letter; 2) curriculum vitae; 3) a statement on current and proposed future research interests, which should include a statement on conservation or restoration implications of your research (1-2 pgs); 4) a representative publication;  5) mentoring and teaching experience and philosophy (max 1 pg); 6) statement on how you can contribute to the Garden's diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility goals (max 1 pg); and 7) contact information for three references.  The review of applications begins October 1, 2022, and will continue until a suitable candidate is hired.  Contact Jeremie Fant at jfant@chicagobotanic.org with any questions.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, Chicago Botanic Garden does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its programs or activities, including in employment or admissions. Please call (847) 835-8264 to contact our Title IX Coordinator should you have questions or concerns.

Plant Ecology/Evolutionary Biology Faculty - University of Chicago

Deadline: Sep 26, 2022 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time

As part of a multi-year hiring initiative, the Department of Ecology & Evolution at the University of Chicago is searching for faculty working in the ecology or evolutionary biology of plants, using either field-based or a combination of field, laboratory and conceptual/theoretical approaches. Areas include, but are not limited to, plant ecology, plant evolution, plant-animal or plant-pathogen interactions, plant responses and adaptations to global change, or plant contributions to ecosystem processes. Appointment as assistant professor is expected, but applicants for tenured ranks will be considered. 

Competitive research space and start-up funding will be available, as will the potential for interactions with our off-campus affiliates, Argonne National Laboratory and the Marine Biological Laboratory. Appointees will have access to endowed research funds and dedicated space in the greenhouse facilities and the Warren Woods Biological Station in Three Oaks, Michigan. The University is an exciting center of scientific discovery and innovation, and opportunities for multidisciplinary collaboration and participation as graduate student trainers abound. Most university divisions and centers are contained within one compact campus in Chicago’s vibrant Hyde Park neighborhood, where many faculty members and students live. 

Qualified applicants must have received a doctoral degree or equivalent. To be considered, those interested must apply through the University of Chicago’s Academic Recruitment job board, which uses Interfolio to accept applications: http://apply.interfolio.com/112080. Applications must include a cover letter, a C.V. including bibliography, contact information for 3 references, a research statement outlining research goals and highlighting up to three selected publications or pre-prints, and a teaching statement that may describe the candidate’s experience in teaching diverse students [The University’s Diversity Statement can be found at https://provost.uchicago.edu/statements-diversity]. Each statement should be less than three pages in length. Review will consider only complete applications received by September 26, 2022. 

For instructions on the Interfolio application process, please visit http://tiny.cc/InterfolioHelp .

Curator of Botany at the New York State Museum (Updated)

Questions regarding the position can be sent to Dr. Robert Feranec, Director of Research & Collections (robert.feranec@nysed.gov). Current deadline for applications is September 30, 2022. A link to this post can be found here: http://www.nysed.gov/hr/employment/museum-scientist-3-1659534495

The New York State Museum was established in 1836 and is the largest and oldest State Museum in the country. The New York State Museum currently has over 16 million scientific objects and specimens and over one million cultural objects in its collections. The vascular, non-vascular, and lichen collections were established during the museum’s beginnings and now number in the hundreds of thousands of cataloged specimens. This position will be within the Research & Collections Division of the State Museum (http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/research-collections).

THE NEW YORK STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

Museum Scientist 3, Grade 25 (PEF)
The New York State Education Department’s (NYSED) Office of Cultural Education is seeking candidates for a Museum Scientist 3 position in the New York State Museum. Under the supervision of the Director of Research and Collections, the incumbent will serve as the Curator of Botany within the Biology Program. Duties of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Serve as the Curator of Botany within the Biology Program, overseeing the curation of the Museum’s vascular plant, non-vascular plant, and lichen collections;
• Oversee the development of grant and other funding proposals to solicit support for research, curatorial, and educational programs;
• Prepare research findings and research reports for publication as peer-reviewed journal articles, monographs and/or books, and professional presentations;
• Participate in the development of public and educational programs to meet the Museum’s internal and/or community oriented goals, and may take responsibility for their implementation;
• Participate in exhibit development and planning;
• Develop methods and carry out means of communicating research to the Museum’s diverse audiences, including outreach to groups not traditionally represented in museums; and
• Supervise the botany collections manager, as well as technicians, interns, volunteers, and students in properly organizing and cataloging these biological collections for curation.

Minimum Qualifications:
Reassignment: Candidates must have one year of permanent competitive or 55b/c service as a Museum Scientist 3.
Non-Competitive Appointment: Candidates must have a doctoral degree in biology or related field and one year of professional experience in biology; OR a master’s degree in biology or related field and three years of professional experience in biology; OR a bachelor’s degree in biology or related field and four years of professional experience in biology.

Preferred Qualification:
Preference may be given to candidates who have:
• A doctoral degree in biology with taxonomic/research experience in the flora of northeastern North America, and particularly New York;
• Well established analytical skills directly applicable to research on New York’s flora, including the analysis of DNA and/or ancient DNA;
• Experience in collections care and management;
• A well-established record of peer-reviewed publications in biology;
• Involvement in public and life-long educational programs;
• Ability to fund research and collections care through grants and/or other sources; and
• Experience in the supervision of professional staff, intern/volunteer, and students.

Conditions of Employment:
This will be a non-competitive, contingent permanent appointment. Promotions and transfers may change appointees’ negotiating unit. Candidates should be aware that changes in negotiating units may affect their salary, insurance, and other benefits. Verification of degree will be required at the time of interview for all candidates. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications for the position will be required to participate in an internal peer-review process.
* Leads to a maximum salary of $111,111 based on annual performance advances.

Application:
Qualified candidates should send a resume and letter of interest by September 30, 2022 to ocejobs@nysed.gov(link sends e-mail) (email submissions are preferred). Your resume must clearly indicate how you meet the minimum qualifications for this position. You must include the Box number (OCE-1293/27884) of the position in the subject line of your email and cover letter to ensure receipt of your application. Your social security number may be required to confirm your eligibility.

Deputy Director of Science (Collections) and Herbarium Curator - RBGE

Deputy Director of Science (Collections) and Herbarium Curator at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Scotland, deadline for applications is 5th October 2022 17:00 BST. More information can be found on the vacancies page: https://www.rbge.org.uk/about-us/working-with-us/vacancies/

Conservation Outreach & Education Assistant

PRINCIPAL FUNCTION: The Conservation Outreach & Education Assistant is responsible for coordinating undergraduate and post-baccalaureate mentorship programs for the Conservation & Research Department at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. The ideal candidate will help to organize and facilitate the Department’s mentorship programs. The Conservation Outreach & Education Assistant must be creative and enjoy working on an active team that is mission-driven, results-driven, and scientifically focused. Strong organizational skills, project management experience, and experience organizing intern or mentee programs are highly desired. This position has funding for 4 years through the NSF-funded RaMP: Understanding Plant Species Rarity: Causes and Consequences from Genes to Ecosystems grant, and it will directly support that project.

Assistant Professor, Plant Ecology - SFSU

The Department of Biology at San Francisco State University invites applicants for a Tenure-Track Assistant Professor position in Plant Ecology / Biology beginning August 2023. As a diverse and comprehensive biology department, we are interested in candidates who will engage students from diverse backgrounds. Applicants must be committed to developing an externally funded research program and contribute to both undergraduate and graduate programs through teaching andmentorship of student research. We seek applicants conducting research in all areas of Plant Ecology, broadly defined. Specific areas of expertise may include, but are not limited to effects of climate change on terrestrial or aquatic plant communities; interactions with animals, fungi, microbes, or viruses; habitat restoration; fire ecology; food insecurity; ethnobotany and Traditional Ecological Knowledge. Scientists in other areas of interdisciplinary plant ecology research including issues of social justice within the context of natural or urban plant communities are also encouraged to apply. We are especially interested in applicants whose teaching and research will incorporate use of our core facilities. These core facilities include a greenhouse and associated permanent plant collection with dedicated research bays (https://biology.sfsu.edu/greenhouse), an extensive herbarium, the Sierra Nevada Field Campus (https://sierra.sfsu.edu), and the Estuary & Ocean Science Center (https://eoscenter.sfsu.edu). Candidates must have an active record of research related to their specialty area as well as evidence of external support or the potential for external funding of these activities. Candidates will be expected to teach a core course for biology majors as well as additional courses within their area of expertise at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Please see the Department’s website (biology.sfsu.edu) for additional details. The mission of San Francisco State University is to create an environment for learning that promotes appreciation of scholarship, freedom, human diversity, and the cultural mosaic of the City of San Francisco and the Bay Area; to promote excellence in instruction and intellectual accomplishment; and to provide broadly accessible higher education for residents of the region, state, the nation, and the world.

Professor and Department Head, Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology, Texas A&M University

Applications are invited for the position of Professor and Department Head of the newly formed Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology at Texas A&M University. The Professor and Head will serve as the chief administrative officer for the Department, reporting to the Vice Chancellor and Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The Head will provide visionary leadership for numerous departmental initiatives including undergraduate and graduate education; knowledge creation through extramurally funded research; a diverse, equitable and inclusive climate; synergistic relationships with diverse stakeholder groups; and facilitate communication of science-based findings to inform policy. A commitment to working cooperatively with university administration, multidisciplinary and multicultural scholars and the general public is essential. A record of success in the development of funding and program support is expected. Candidates must have an earned doctorate in ecological sciences or a closely related discipline and possess a record of academic accomplishment commensurate with the rank of full professor. Primary qualifications include an interdisciplinary vision, an internationally recognized research program, demonstrated commitment to inclusive undergraduate and graduate education, and experience in academic administration. Candidates with active research programs and interest in continuing active scholarship at Texas A&M are particularly encouraged to apply. The Department has 36 faculty (https://eccb.tamu.edu), offers a B.Sc. degree in Ecology and Conservation Biology that contains four tracks - Ecology and Conservation Biology, Vertebrate Zoology, Forestry, and Ecoinformatics - and has a large graduate student program. The Department occupies a new building and maintains the Biodiversity Research and Teaching Collections (https://brtc.tamu.edu/) and S.M. Tracy Herbarium, which are among the top 10 university-based biodiversity collections in the USA. Research programs in the department address fundamental questions in ecological science that span from genes to ecosystems to produce knowledge that is immediately applicable to pressing 21st century challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, ecological restoration, and integrative approaches to conservation. The Department is engaged in the campus-wide interdisciplinary programs of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (https://eeb.tamu.edu/), Genetics (https://genetics.tamu.edu/), and Applied Biodiversity Science (https://biodiversity.tamu.edu/). Texas A&M is ranked 4th among public universities, has a student population of 67,000 from all 50 states and 124 countries, and is a top 20 research enterprise. Texas A&M is supported by a $13.5-billion-dollar endowment and is a Land, Sea, and Space Grant university. College Station/Bryan has 180,000 permanent residents, is consistently ranked among the best places to live in the country, has a low cost of living, and ready access to the metropolitan centers of Austin and Houston. Applicants should submit the following: 1) a cover letter; 2) a detailed curriculum vitae; 3) a statement of vision for the Department; 4) a research statement; 5) a statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; 6) a statement of administrative philosophy, and 7) contact information for three to five references. Applications are to be submitted via Interfolio (apply.interfolio.com/91184). Questions can be addressed to the Advisory Search Committee Chair, Dr. Phillip Kaufman (phillip.kaufman@ag.tamu.edu). Review of applications will begin August 22, 2022 and continue until the position is filled. Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment for all visitors, students, faculty, and staff by promoting a culture that embraces inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability. Diverse perspectives, talents, and identities are vital to accomplishing our mission and living our core values. Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer committed to diversity.

Professor and Department Head, Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology, Texas A&M University

Applications are invited for the position of Professor and Department Head of the newly formed Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology at Texas A&M University. The Professor and Head will serve as the chief administrative officer for the Department, reporting to the Vice Chancellor and Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The Head will provide visionary leadership for numerous departmental initiatives including undergraduate and graduate education; knowledge creation through extramurally funded research; a diverse, equitable and inclusive climate; synergistic relationships with diverse stakeholder groups; and facilitate communication of science-based findings to inform policy. A commitment to working cooperatively with university administration, multidisciplinary and multicultural scholars and the general public is essential. A record of success in the development of funding and program support is expected. Candidates must have an earned doctorate in ecological sciences or a closely related discipline and possess a record of academic accomplishment commensurate with the rank of full professor. Primary qualifications include an interdisciplinary vision, an internationally recognized research program, demonstrated commitment to inclusive undergraduate and graduate education, and experience in academic administration. Candidates with active research programs and interest in continuing active scholarship at Texas A&M are particularly encouraged to apply. The Department has 36 faculty (https://eccb.tamu.edu), offers a B.Sc. degree in Ecology and Conservation Biology that contains four tracks - Ecology and Conservation Biology, Vertebrate Zoology, Forestry, and Ecoinformatics - and has a large graduate student program. The Department occupies a new building and maintains the Biodiversity Research and Teaching Collections (https://brtc.tamu.edu/) and S.M. Tracy Herbarium, which are among the top 10 university-based biodiversity collections in the USA. Research programs in the department address fundamental questions in ecological science that span from genes to ecosystems to produce knowledge that is immediately applicable to pressing 21st century challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, ecological restoration, and integrative approaches to conservation. The Department is engaged in the campus-wide interdisciplinary programs of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (https://eeb.tamu.edu/), Genetics (https://genetics.tamu.edu/), and Applied Biodiversity Science (https://biodiversity.tamu.edu/). Texas A&M is ranked 4th among public universities, has a student population of 67,000 from all 50 states and 124 countries, and is a top 20 research enterprise. Texas A&M is supported by a $13.5-billion-dollar endowment and is a Land, Sea, and Space Grant university. College Station/Bryan has 180,000 permanent residents, is consistently ranked among the best places to live in the country, has a low cost of living, and ready access to the metropolitan centers of Austin and Houston. Applicants should submit the following: 1) a cover letter; 2) a detailed curriculum vitae; 3) a statement of vision for the Department; 4) a research statement; 5) a statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; 6) a statement of administrative philosophy, and 7) contact information for three to five references. Applications are to be submitted via Interfolio (apply.interfolio.com/91184). Questions can be addressed to the Advisory Search Committee Chair, Dr. Phillip Kaufman (phillip.kaufman@ag.tamu.edu). Review of applications will begin August 22, 2022 and continue until the position is filled. Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment for all visitors, students, faculty, and staff by promoting a culture that embraces inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability. Diverse perspectives, talents, and identities are vital to accomplishing our mission and living our core values. Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer committed to diversity.