PLANT CONSERVATION GENETICS POST-DOCTORAL ASSOCIATE at San Diego Zoo Global
OVERVIEW San Diego Zoo Global (SDZG) is seeking an innovative and engaging scientist to join our team as Plant Conservation Genetics Post-Doctoral Associate. Based in the Plant Conservation Division and in collaboration with the Genetics Division, the Plant Conservation Genetics Post-doctoral Associate will conduct conservation genetics research on rare plant species in and around San Diego County using advanced molecular techniques including next-generation sequencing approaches. As part of the SDZG’s vision of leading the fight against species extinction, potential rare species that may be investigated include: Acanthomintha ilicifolia, Agave shawii, Ambrosia pumila, Astragalus magdalenae var. peirsonii, Brodiaea filifolia, Cercocarpus traskiae, Chloropyron maritimum ssp. maritimum, Dicranostegia orcuttiana, Dudleya brevifolia, Fremontodendron mexicanum, and Navarretia fossalis. The Plant Conservation Genetics Post-Doctoral Associate will gain experience in applying advanced plant conservation genetic methods to real world challenges. Collaborations with local, state, federal and international partners are an important component of this work. The ideal candidate will possess a solid conservation genetics research background and illustrate proven experience in analyzing genetic data, publishing results and securing ongoing funding for her/his research. Additional desirable attributes include experience with genetics laboratory protocols, including genome sequence data and bioinformatics, as well as other conservation genetics software and technology, science communication, and a proven ability to work with partners with a variety of backgrounds, education and experience. This is a full-time, exempt position with full benefits. The Plant Conservation Genetics Post-Doctoral Associate reports to Dr. John Clark, SDZG’s Director of Plant Conservation who also serves as President and Executive Director of the Center for Plant Conservation (CPC) and will be co-advised by Dr. Oliver Ryder, Director of Genetics and Dr. Joyce Maschinski, SDZG Sr. Plant Scientist and CPC Chief of Science. About Plant Conservation at SDZG and the CPC: San Diego Zoo Global, a world leader in animal conservation, has recently partnered with the Center for Plant Conservation, the leading national conservation association of 41 botanical gardens, arboreta, and other similar organizations working to conserve the most imperiled plants of the United States, Canada and beyond. Formerly based in St. Louis, MO, at the Missouri Botanical Garden, the CPC's National Headquarters has recently been moved to San Diego, CA where it is now based at the San Diego Zoo Global's Institute for Conservation Research. Through this unique new collaborative effort, San Diego Zoo Global and the Center for Plant Conservation have partnered to advance plant conservation in line with SDZG’s vision to lead the fight against extinction. About Rare Plant Species in San Diego County: Situated in a global biodiversity hotspot, San Diego boasts over 1,500 plant species. Many of these species, including the 50+ regional endemics and 136 state-ranked rare and threatened species here, would benefit from strategic conservation planning across their relatively wide distributions – a process which is challenged by a lack of understanding of the spatial distribution of the total species’ variation. Efforts to bank seeds, protect populations, or distinguish species can be facilitated with solid genetic information about these rare species. REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES Essential Functions: The Plant Conservation Genetics Post-Doctoral Associate will develop and oversee conservation genetics research on rare plant species in and around San Diego County using advanced molecular techniques including next-generation sequencing approaches, such as RadSeq variations. The Plant Conservation Genetics Post-Doctoral Associate will provide technical expertise in the areas of applied conservation genetics research and will ensure that research collaborations and other partnerships are built and maintained as part of the overarching mission of plant conservation. The Plant Conservation Genetics Post-Doctoral Associate will be required to publish scientific papers and will also develop research proposals for grants and other sources of funding. Meeting grant obligations will be an essential function of the position. Good interpersonal skills will facilitate opportunities for the Plant Conservation Genetics Post-Doctoral Associate to train students, interns and volunteers as well as help build the collaborative relationships needed for project success. Ancillary Functions: The Plant Conservation Genetics Post-Doctoral Associate serves in a professional service capacity for outside conservation organizations and academic institutions, reviews scientific manuscripts and grant proposals as part of the scientific community, and performs related duties and responsibilities as required. QUALIFICATIONS The Plant Conservation Genetics Post-Doctoral Associate must have a PhD in genetics, botany, conservation biology or a related field and a proven research record of published peer-reviewed papers and grant awards. Required skills for the Plant Conservation Genetics Post-Doctoral Associate include: ability to conduct conservation genetic research in the laboratory, analyze data and publish results; ability to develop, administer, and monitor budgets; knowledge of governmental regulations applicable to plant genetic research and safe handling of hazardous materials related to research; excellent written and oral communication skills; expertise in preparing and making oral presentations; ability to work with others with diverse backgrounds; proficiency in basic word processing, spreadsheet, database, graphics, and desktop publishing systems plus expertise in specialized software for conservation genetics research. WORKING CONDITIONS The Plant Conservation Genetics Post-Doctoral Associate position will primarily be an office and laboratory position with some periods of field work with the Plant Conservation team. Work involves possible exposure to hazardous materials in the laboratory and field including potentially hazardous chemicals, radiation and biohazardous materials. Work will occasionally require the ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, possibly for extended periods. Work may require the ability to move moderately heavy objects. Work will require local and possibly international travel to collect specimens. To apply: Please go to https://www.hrapply.com/sandiegozoo/AppJobView.jsp?link=7419&page=AppJobList.jsp&skimSessionName=com.hrlogix.view.cont.table.cs.req.JobListTable&skimName=requisition.requisition_id&skimNdx=0&op=reset To expedite your application, please also send 1) a one page cover letter, 2) your CV, and 3) up to three PDFs of your most relevant publications or examples of work, to John R. Clark, Director of Plant Conservation, San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, [email protected] Deadline for applications is July 17, 2016, but will be extended until the ideal candidate is found.
