Nominations and applications are invited for the position of Endowed Professorship in Botanical Studies to be filled by an outstanding scientist in an area of research that incorporates molecular and genomic approaches to the study of plant diversity, including phylogenetics and systematics. This tenure-track position was established to enhance the partnership between the University of Missouri St. Louis and the Missouri Botanical Garden and the appointment may be made at either the associate or full professor rank. The endowed professor will have research associate status at the Missouri Botanical Garden. The professorship is one of 36 endowed professorships comprising the Des Lee Collaborative Vision.
The University of MissouriSt. Louis is a leader in partnerships with key institutions in the St. Louis Region. Alliances and programs have resulted from collaborations with the Missouri Botanical Garden, Saint Louis Zoo, St. Louis Science Center, Danforth Plant Science Center, and many others. The partnership with the Missouri Botanical Garden includes collaboration with the internationally eminent Whitney R. Harris World Ecology Center, which promotes research and education in tropical biology and conservation, and participation in our outstanding graduate program in ecology, evolution, systematics, and conservation that attracts top scholars from all over the world. The Department of Biology also has an active research group in molecular biology and biotechnology. The Missouri Botanical Garden, with more than 45 Ph.D. scientists, has an internationally renowned research program, an outstanding library, and a world-class herbarium with more than 6.3 million plant specimens. The Des Lee Endowed Professor in Botanical Studies will be expected to pursue an active program of research in botanical studies and oversee a laboratory at the University that facilitates the training of students in molecular techniques. Areas of particular interest are plant systematics and evolution, biodiversity studies, population genetics, ecology and conservation. In keeping with existing strengths in our program, research emphasis on tropical organisms, communities or floras is particularly welcome. The endowed professor will also be involved in teaching and community outreach. We seek a broadly interactive researcher who is interested in crossing disciplinary boundaries within science and from science to the larger community. Laboratory and office space at the University, in addition to all research facilities at the Missouri Botanical Garden, will be available to the successful candidate. The position includes a generous annual budget in support of the collaboration between the University and the Garden. The application review process will begin October 15, 2013, and continue until the position is filled. The position will be available starting Fall 2014. Nominations and applications should be mailed electronically to Dr. Robert Marquis, Chair, Des Lee Botanical Studies Search Committee, at [email protected]. Application materials should be submitted as a single pdf file including: cover letter outlining qualifications and interests, curriculum vitae, statement of current and future research plans, statement of experience in community outreach, and names and contact information for three references from whom letters will be requested. Also include pdf copies of five representative publications. The University of Missouri St. Louis is an equal opportunity employer committed to excellence through diversity.
