Job Opportunity: Postdoctoral Fellow in Population dynamics and rare plant conservation at the Missouri Botanical Garden

[Matthew Albrecht]

The Center for Conservation and Sustainable Development (CCSD) at the Missouri Botanical Garden seeks to hire a full-time postdoctoral fellow in plant conservation science. The postdoc will work with Dr. Matthew Albrecht’s Lab to advance the conservation of a federally endangered wildflower (Astragalus bibullatus; Pyne’s ground-plum) using demographic-based modeling and population restoration. The Albrecht lab has developed a well-curated, long-term (>10 years) demographic dataset for most remaining natural populations of Pyne’s ground-plum. The postdoc will use this dataset to: 1) statistically analyze vital rate responses to factors such as management activities, deer herbivory, and annual climatic variability; 2) construct and analyze integral or matrix population models to assess stochastic population growth rates and quasi-extinction risk; 3) use simulations to determine the level of threat reduction needed to meet species recovery criteria; and 4) prepare and submit manuscripts for publication. The postdoc will also have opportunities to work with datasets from an ongoing experimental population restoration program with Pyne’s ground-plum and other rare plant species. During this time, the postdoc will have an opportunity to participate in fieldwork, collaborate with biologists from governmental and non-governmental agencies, and interact with a dynamic MBG research team working in conservation genetics, restoration ecology, global change biology, ex situ conservation, and biodiversity science. This individual will conduct daily operations of assigned project or program without direct supervision. He/she will prepare scientific papers as leading author and also will interact with Garden staff and other collaborators to prepare collaborative scientific papers. The Postdoctoral Fellow will present lectures to professional organizations and broader audiences as appropriate. He/she may supervise graduate and undergraduate students, interns and volunteers.

The position will be based in St. Louis, where a vibrant community of ecologists, conservation practitioners, and plant scientists interact through partnerships among MBG, Washington University, the University of Missouri-St. Louis, Saint Louis University, plus other area institutions. The position will be seated in the CCSD, which 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.

Candidates should have completed a Ph.D. in Conservation Biology, Ecology, Botany, Environmental Science, or a related field before the start date. The ideal candidate will have prior experience using integral or matrix population models to assess deterministic and stochastic population growth rates using the R software environment. Candidates that have experience in demographic modeling and species recovery are particularly encouraged to apply.

For additional information about this position and to apply, please see: https://us232.dayforcehcm.com/CandidatePortal/en-US/mbg/Posting/View/2676 

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

Review of applications will begin November 15, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled. Ideal start date is early 2024 (Jan-April), but start date is negotiable.  The term for this grant-funded position will be up to 2 years, with renewal in the 2nd year contingent on satisfactory performance.  Salary will be commensurate with experience, and this position includes a comprehensive benefits package.

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