The Missouri Botanical Garden’s Center for Conservation and Sustainable Development invites applications for a Scientist (full-time, exempt) that will build on and strengthen the Missouri Botanical Garden’s programs that emphasize scientific exploration of plant life and science-driven approaches to conservation and restoration. The holder of this position will take a leadership role in identifying and addressing significant research questions in restoration ecology or conservation biology. The holder’s research program should bridge basic and applied science, and align with our mission of providing knowledge usable for restoration or conservation practice. Specific areas of research expertise or specialization could include but are not limited to one or more of the following: plant functional traits, plant invasions, plant-soil interactions, plant-animal interactions, plant population ecology, plant reproductive biology, seed-based restoration, and/or urban ecology. The candidate’s primary research should focus on ecosystems (grasslands, woodlands, forests, and wetlands) in the United States and build upon the strengths of the Missouri Botanical Garden’s field programs, especially the ecological restoration program at its Shaw Nature Reserve. In particular, the Scientist will use statistical analyses, computational tools, and observational and/or experimental methods to conduct research in restoration or conservation.

The successful candidate will have the 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 research projects or programs without direct supervision, prepare scientific papers as leading or senior author, and interact with Garden staff and other collaborators to prepare collaborative scientific papers. The Scientist may supervise junior staff and provide guidance for their career development. He/she will also provide leadership, direction and training to undergraduate and graduate students, interns and volunteers.

The successful candidate will be encouraged to collaborate with a scientific team that specializes in biodiversity science, conservation genetics, ex situ conservation, global change biology, plant systematics, reintroduction of at-risk species, and restoration ecology. This individual will also interact with a broader community of students and scientists at universities, non-governmental organizations, and governmental agencies. Scientists have the opportunity for academic appointments, teaching courses or workshops, and interactions with students and faculty at St. Louis area universities.

Candidates should have completed a Ph.D. in Conservation, Restoration, Ecology, Botany, Environmental Science, or a related field before the start date.

Review of applications will begin November 15, 2023, and will continue until the position is filled. Ideal start date is sometime before July 2024, but start date is negotiable. Salary will be commensurate with experience, and this position includes a comprehensive benefits package.

Candidates should submit the following in a single pdf file: 1) CV, 2) cover letter, 3), research statement (3 pages maximum), and 4) contact information for three referees.

For additional information about this position and to apply, please see: https://us232.dayforcehcm.com/CandidatePortal/en-US/mbg/Posting/View/2684