Endowed Professorship in Botanical Studies at the University of Missouri – St. Louis

E. Desmond Lee and Family Fund Endowed Professorship in Botanical Studies
at the University of Missouri – St. Louis
in partnership with the Missouri Botanical Garden

We invite nominations of and applications by outstanding scientists for the E. Desmond Lee Endowed Professorship in Botanical Studies. Successful candidates will have an active research program that incorporates ecology, evolution, and conservation approaches to understanding plant diversity. The appointment will be made in the UMSL Department of Biology at either the associate or full professor rank. This tenured position was established to enhance the partnership between the University of Missouri–St. Louis and the Missouri Botanical Garden, where the professor will have principal investigator status. This position is one of 36 endowed professorships in the Des Lee Collaborative Vision (https://www.umsl.edu/desleecollaborative/index.html), which are distinct from more traditional academic positions in having a responsibility for community outreach and engagement. Therefore, we seek a broadly interactive colleague who is interested in crossing disciplinary boundaries within science and from science to a broad and diverse community.

The University of Missouri–St. Louis is a leader in partnerships with key institutions in the St. Louis Region, including collaborations with the Missouri Botanical Garden, Saint Louis Zoo, Danforth Plant Science Center, and others. The Missouri Botanical Garden, with more than 45 PhD scientists, has a renowned research program with field sites in 56 countries, an outstanding library, and a world-class herbarium with more than 8 million plant specimens. This partnership also includes collaboration with the Whitney R. Harris World Ecology Center (https://www.umsl.edu/hwec/index.html), which promotes research and education in ecology, evolution, and conservation, and participation in the UMSL Biology graduate program that attracts top scholars from around the world.

The Des Lee Endowed Professor in Botanical Studies is expected to pursue an active program of research in botany and oversee a laboratory at the University that facilitates the training of students. Areas of particular interest are ecology, evolution, biodiversity studies, restoration ecology, systematics, geospatial approaches, and/or conservation. The endowed professor will have teaching responsibilities with the Biology undergraduate and graduate programs. In keeping with the Des Lee Collaborative

Vision, the successful candidate will have a demonstrated interest in, and skills relevant to, engaging scholars outside their focused research specialty and in engaging diverse communities outside the academy. Laboratory and office space will be housed at the University along with access to all research facilities at the Missouri Botanical Garden. The position includes an annual budget in support of the collaboration.

Required qualifications:

• A PhD in Biology or a related field

• A productive record of research publications in studies related to plant diversity

• A strong history of research funding

• Demonstrated skills in teaching courses in Biology and mentoring research

  students

Preferred qualifications:

• A track record of community engagement

• Experience supporting the success of students from a wide range of diverse

  backgrounds

The application review process will start in mid-February 2024 and will continue until the position is filled. The position will be available beginning Fall 2024, but the start date is negotiable. For full consideration, candidates must provide a cover letter outlining qualifications and interests, detailed curriculum vitae, statement of current and future research plans, and a statement of experience and plans for outreach consistent with the Des Lee Collaborative vision. Questions may be addressed to Dr. Bethany Zolman (zolmanb@umsl.edu). Formal submission of application materials must be done via the University’s website: www.umsl.jobs. Click on the E. Desmond Lee Endowed Professorship in Botanical Studies, and follow the instructions provided. Job posting ID is 50233.

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person’s success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate. In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research and engagement.

Seed Bank Program Manager or Research Scientist, Conservation Seed Bank

Principal Function
The Atlanta Botanical Garden is seeking a highly qualified Seed Bank Program Manager or Research Scientist for its Conservation Seed Bank, based at the Southeastern Center for Conservation. The successful candidate will work under the guidance of the Director of Research, leading seed-banking initiatives across the Southeast to support the survival of rare species in the wild. This role involves strategizing seed banking initiatives for Southeastern Regional Species of Conservation Need (RSGCN), ensuring the efficient handling of samples (seeds, spores, pollen), and integrating innovative protocols into the Garden’s seed bank programs.
Key Responsibilities
Program Management and Operations: Lead the planning, development, and implementation of seed bank operations to ensure the effective conservation of plant species. Oversees the collection, processing, storage, and germination of seeds, adhering to best practices in seed conservation.
Research and Collaboration: Work closely with scientists, researchers, and conservation organizations to identify priority species for conservation and to support restoration projects. Participate in research to improve seed storage and germination techniques.
Funding and Resource Management: Identify and pursue funding opportunities to support seed bank operations. Manage budgets, resources, and grants effectively to ensure the sustainability of the program.
Laboratory Management: Oversee the Conservation Seed Bank staff and support germination trials, viability tests, and seed cleaning processes. Ensure excellence in handling rare and imperiled species.
Team Leadership: Manage and mentor a team of technicians and volunteers, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment. Ensure staff are trained in seed collection, storage techniques, and safety protocols.
Research and Data Management: Lead the development of species-specific seed bank procedures, maintain immaculate records, and optimize laboratory workflows for sample storage and viability tests.
Training and Safety Protocols: Conduct training workshops and ensure that all lab staff adhere to best practices in safety and data management.
Data Management and Reporting: Maintain accurate records of seed collections, storage conditions, and germination rates. Prepare reports and analyses to track program progress and to share findings with stakeholders.

Qualifications
Required: MSc or Ph.D. in ecology, botany, biology, conservation, or a related science field. Minimum of 2 years of experience in seed banking, seed research, or seed conservation. 
International candidates will be considered, fluent English is required and a work visa is preferred.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team and independently. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. 
Valid Driver’s License with a good driving record.
Preferred: Experience with orchids and imperiled plants of the southeastern United States, seed and pollen viability analysis, tissue culture, and statistical software (e.g., R, JMP). Certifications such as SCST, CVT, or RST are highly desirable. Fluency in Spanish is a plus.
Strong leadership skills and experience managing teams.
Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Knowledge of plant taxonomy, seed biology, and conservation strategies.
Physical Requirements 
Visual acuity, manual dexterity, and attention to detail are critical. Ability to spend long periods of time in the laboratory performing complex protocols. Ability to take careful notes and improve laboratory organization. 
Some regional and international travel will be required. 
Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lb. 
What We Offer
A dynamic and supportive work environment in a mission-driven organization.
Opportunities for professional development and training in conservation and seed banking.
The chance to make a significant impact on global biodiversity conservation efforts.
These job duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work for employees in this position, but this is not an exclusive or all-inclusive inventory of all duties required for this position.

It is the policy of the Atlanta Botanical Garden to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.