Job # N013 Post Doctoral Fellow Classification: Full time, Regular Dept/Div: CCSD - Conservation & Sustainable Dev. Application Deadline: March 31, 2014
Summary: The holder of this position is expected to develop innovative research projects that advance the science of restoration ecology and build upon the strengths of MBG’s local and international field programs. The candidate will have opportunities to develop collaborative projects at MBG’s Shaw Nature Reserve and other field sites and natural areas in the St. Louis region, the Midwest, USA, and internationally. The successful candidate will have opportunities to collaborate in ongoing research projects related to the restoration of degraded ecosystems and reinforcement of populations of endangered plant species by working directly with MBG scientists active in conservation biology, reintroduction biology, global change, restoration ecology, community ecology, and macroecology. This individual will also interact with a broader community of scientists at universities, non-governmental organizations, and governmental agencies. Other responsibilities include participating in the recently-formed Ecological Restoration Alliance of botanic gardens, arboreta and seed banks and working with MBG seed bank staff to develop ex situ collections for restoration projects. This individual will also be expected to help build restoration capacity in MBG’s international field programs. Two regions of particular interest are the tropical Andean countries, and Madagascar and other islands in the Indian Ocean. Thus, fluency or competence in Spanish and/or French is highly desirable. The successful candidate will have capacity to attract financial support for research activities by preparing proposals and obtaining grants from outside funding sources. The successful candidate will conduct daily operations of assigned projects or programs without direct supervision, prepare scientific papers as leading author, and interact with Garden staff and other collaborators to prepare collaborative scientific papers. Additionally, this individual will present lectures to professional organizations and broader audiences as appropriate and will assist visiting scientists as appropriate. The Center for Conservation and Sustainable Development (CCSD) explores and implements new, science-based approaches to the conservation and sustainable use of plant diversity. CCSD’s strategies for conservation are based on a sound, scientific understanding of the occurrence and distribution of plants. CCSD applies the knowledge of plant diversity accumulated by Missouri Botanical Garden researchers over many years, making that knowledge usable for conservation planning and decision-making. Operating under the auspices of the Garden and as part of its division of Science and Conservation, CCSD builds upon the Garden’s institutional expertise, scientific programs, influence and resources. To be considered, applicants should apply on-line and submit a brief statement of research interests (2 page maximum), a CV, copies of relevant publications or manuscripts, and the names and contact information for three references to [email protected] before March 31, 2014. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: • Conducts independent research and writes results for publication in peer reviewed journals. Works with the CCSD team in ongoing research projects. • Participate in scientific meetings and delivers lectures to professional organizations and to the general public as requested. • Attracts new scientific collaborators and develops partnerships with organizations, establishing cooperative agreements for strengthening the program, as appropriate. • Works within MBG established guidelines in preparing and monitoring grant proposal budgets. • Mentors and supervises students, interns, and volunteers working with a team of scientists. • Reviews scientific papers and grant proposals as requested. • Identifies potential funding sources and writes proposals to secure external funding for research projects and program expansion. • May participate in the hiring and selection process of employees and volunteers. • Demonstrates highest level of professional and ethical conduct. • Adherence to all health and safety guidelines. Qualifications/Experience: • Strong background including a minimum of (6) months prior experience or coursework in one or more of the following fields: restoration ecology, conservation science, community ecology, landscape ecology, spatial analysis. • Demonstrated ability including a minimum of (6) months experience using R and ESRI software (or at least one of the above tools). • Prior experience writing scientific papers, grant proposals and reports. • Demonstrated experience in seeking external funding. • Strong understanding of financial budget development/management and forecasting process to effectively manage grant’s budget. • Willingness and flexibility to conduct field work. • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; professional, speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; is tactful and treats others with respect. • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively at all levels; working with diverse teams including international colleagues required. • Frequent domestic and international travel required. • The requirements and duties listed above are representative and do not constitute an exhaustive list of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required. • An equivalent combination of skills, education and experience may be considered. Education: • Ph.D. in ecology, restoration science, conservation science, or related discipline required. Computer Skills: Proficient with Microsoft Office suite (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.). Computer simulation skills are particularly desirable. Other Skills and Abilities: Exceptional public speaking skills required. Language Skills: Ability to communicate effectively in English (oral/written). Fluency in Spanish and/or French a plus. Mathematical Skills: Proficient college math aptitude-ability to work with statistics. Reasoning Ability: Requires ability to conduct independent research and to actively participate in team work; apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to problem resolution; represent the interests and projects a positive image of the Missouri Botanical Garden Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: • Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license. • Must be able to obtain and maintain a passport for international travel. • Must be able to obtain visas, vaccinations and immunizations for all countries where travel is required. Physical Demands: • Ability to travel independently in economy class on airplanes, trains and other conveyances both domestic and international. • Ability to lift 35 lbs. and over. • Manual dexterity to use a computer keyboard for the purpose of accurately. Communicating, writing, and managing research data. • Ability to walk, stand, kneel, or climb as required and move about for extended periods of time. • Physical fitness necessary for field studies involving multi-week hikes/rides/camping in difficult terrain. • May be required to perform tasks at varying heights and at high altitudes. • Ability to travel independently in economy class on airplanes, trains and other conveyances both domestic and international. • Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment, as needed. Work Environment: • Office and laboratory environment in St. Louis and overseas; overseas field trips, including in developing countries and/or in remote and rugged regions • Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, especially those encountered in tropical regions Contacts with Individuals/Organizations inside/outside the Garden: Employees, Volunteers, Collaborators, Guests, International Scientists and Counterparts, Professional Organizations, Governmental Officials, and Colleges/Universities. Application Process: To be considered, applicants should apply on-line and submit a brief statement of research interests (2 page maximum), a CV, copies of relevant publications or manuscripts, and the names and contact information for three references to [email protected] before March 31, 2014.
