Scientist 3 - Tropical Plant Systematics and Conservation Scientist

Position Title:  Scientist 3 – Tropical Plant Systematics and Conservation Scientist

The process of reviewing applications will start on January 15, 2024 and will continue until the candidate has been selected for the position. 

While the preferred start date is any time before August 2024, there is flexibility, and the exact start date is negotiable. The salary offered will reflect the candidate's experience and will be accompanied by a comprehensive benefits package.

For the application process, candidates need to compile the following documents and submit them in a single pdf file:

    A cover letter,

    A research statement that should not exceed two pages,

    Their CV, and

    The contact information for three references.

Summary:

The person holding this position will actively contribute to the growth and development of the Missouri Botanical Garden’s (MBG) Latin American programs. Leveraging MBG's strengths, the individual will devise and execute innovative research projects at the intersection of plant systematics and conservation. Preferably, the Scientist will be an expert in a group of plants that is well represented among MBG’s herbarium collections, or that occurs in places where MBG possesses a significant foothold and well-established networks such as the Andean region or Mesoamerica.

The Scientist will conceive and write competitive grant proposals to ensure funding for both ongoing and new initiatives. Beyond securing funds, they might also assume managerial duties related to financed projects. The Scientist will also conduct their own research and publish their findings in peer-reviewed journals as a leading or senior author.

Supervisory responsibilities will also be important. The Scientist will guide staff in their career trajectories and will extend mentorship to students, interns, volunteers, and Post-Doctoral Fellows. Furthermore, they are anticipated to engage in academic roles, such as serving as a primary professor or participating in graduate student committees.

Collaboration stands as a key aspect for this role. The Scientist will work in partnership with fellow MBG staff members and will extend collaborative efforts to institutional partners and individuals in the U.S., Latin America, and potentially beyond.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assumes a leadership role in the development and execution of research projects in the fields of plant systematics and conservation in Latin America.
• Actively initiates, conducts, and spearheads independent research, ensuring results are prepared for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Diligently identifies potential funding sources and authors competitive grant proposals to secure external funding for research projects, conservation initiatives and program expansion.
• Provides leadership and mentorship to undergraduate, Master’s, Ph.D. students, interns, volunteers, and Post-Doctoral Fellows, across both the U.S. and Latin America.
• Supervises staff, focusing on their career progression and scientific development, offering consistent guidance.
• Engages in close collaboration with various MBG departments to support research initiatives, particularly with the MBG’s Herbarium, the Center for Conservation and Sustainable Development, the William L. Brown Center, Horticulture, and Education.
• Strategically develops and fosters external collaborations and partnerships beyond MBG, solidifying cooperative agreements to amplify the impact of Latin American programs.
• Represents the institution in scientific meetings, delivering compelling lectures to both professionals and the public as needed.
• Depending on requirements, will manage funded projects, ensuring junior staff, contractors, and volunteers are led, directed, and trained effectively.
• Strictly adheres to MBG's guidelines when preparing and overseeing budgets, contracts, agreements and projects.
• Prepares detailed reports, summarizing the progress and efficacy of programs and projects undertaken.
• Regularly reviews a spectrum of documents, including grant proposals, journal articles, institutional reports, and publicity materials.
• Undertakes responsibilities on scientific panels or committees when solicited.
• Meets expected attendance guidelines.
• Follows and adheres to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies.
• Behaves and communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork, cooperation, and respect within our division and throughout the Garden with all employees, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and others.
•  Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:  This position has supervisory responsibilities.

Core Competencies

• Communication: Combines listening skills, verbal and written communication skills and visitor relation skills.
• Collaboration: Incorporates teamwork, mutual respect, active engagement, cooperation and visitor focus.
• Accountability: Initiative to take ownership of responsibilities, the ability to prioritize and the working knowledge and skills to take action.
• Problem Solving: Blends problem solving skills, judgement and decision making skills along with creativity and resourcefulness.
• Stewardship:  Merges the practical application of the Garden values and support for a positive organizational climate.
• Leadership: Leadership competency incorporates a cluster of knowledge, skills and abilities required for management of people, budgets and assigned business functions/operations.

Qualifications/Experience:

• Strong background, including a minimum of (7) years’ prior experience or coursework, in one or more of the following fields: conservation biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, biogeography.
• Demonstrated capacity to conceive and develop projects that will advance the fields of plant explorations, conservation or restoration.
• Must be able to affiliate and actively engage with universities in the USA and in other countries.
• Seven years or more (7+) years’ experience in staff management including conflict resolution and other related management experience.
• Strong understanding of financial budget development/management and forecasting process.
• Demonstrated abilities in successful grant proposal writing, fundraising, and negotiating and managing budgets.

• Documented scientific record with a minimum of seven+ years’ experience and publication record.
• Willingness and flexibility to conduct fieldwork.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills: professionalism; ability to speak clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations, to listen and get clarification, and to respond well to questions; is tactful and treats others with respect.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively at all levels; ability to work with diverse teams, including international colleagues.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 25% of time.
• Scheduling flexibility is required to work evenings, weekends, or holidays as needed.
• The Garden is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our employees, volunteers and guests.  All staff are strongly encouraged to receive all vaccinations as recommended by your healthcare provider prior to hire date.  The Garden reserves the right to require future proof of current vaccination status, based on local health department guidelines.  When international travel is necessary for Garden business, staff must be able to obtain required travel clearances, driving permits, and vaccinations for all countries where travel is required.  
• The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.

Education:

• Ph.D. and Post-Doctoral training in plant systematics, conservation biology, genetics, evolution, biogeography, or related discipline required.
• An equivalent combination of education, skills and experience may be considered. 

Other Skills and Abilities: Exceptional public speaking skills required.

Language Skills: Ability to communicate effectively in English (oral/written); skills with other languages highly desirable. 

Mathematical Skills: 

• Advanced college math aptitude - requires the ability to perform algebra/calculus equations, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; calculate percentages and decimals, etc.
• Ability to work with statistics.
• Ability to analyze budgets. 

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.

Computer Skills:

• Computer simulation skills are particularly desirable.

• Proficiency using Microsoft Office Word and Excel programs required; strong working knowledge of Outlook features required and PowerPoint preferred.
• Solid Internet research skills.
• Ability to use e-mail to communicate with MBG staff in order to answer questions and service their needs.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: 

• Must possess a valid driver’s license prior to employment.
• 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 lift up to 50 lbs.

• Ability to utilize computer keyboard (typing) and sit for extended periods of the work day.
• Operates copier, printer, fax, and computer.

• Ability to walk about facility frequently throughout work day, and sit for extended periods of the work day (may sit up to 50% of work day).
• Ability to travel independently for long periods on airplanes, trains and other conveyances both domestic and international.
• 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 understand field safety requirements and wear personal protective equipment, as needed.
• Ability to work in extreme weather conditions.
• May require working long hours to meet deadlines. 

Work Environment:

• Office and laboratory environment in St. Louis and overseas; overseas assignments, including in developing countries and/or in remote and rugged regions.
• Outdoor setting; ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions (i.e., in temperatures over 100°F as well as temperatures below 0°F, in rain, snow and other inclement weather conditions as needed).
• Comfortable working in immediate proximity to general public, in a safe and friendly manner, answering questions. 

Contacts with Individuals/Organizations inside/outside the Missouri Botanical Garden: 

• Garden employees and volunteers
• Collaborators, Guests and International Scientists
• Professional Organizations
• Governmental Officials
• Colleges/Universities

Supervisor: Director of the Latin America Department