Scientist - Latin America - Missouri Botanical Garden : Job Details

Scientist - Latin America

(Rank commensurate with experience)

Summary

The Missouri Botanical Garden (MBG) is excited to announce a full-time position for a Scientist to join our Latin America Program. We are searching for a dedicated, forward-thinking researcher with a background in one or more of the following areas of focus: plant systematics, taxonomy, conservation, and restoration ecology. The successful candidate will leverage MBG's strengths and build new initiatives to advance science in support of our mission to understand and protect plant diversity in Latin America.

The ideal candidate will develop a robust collaborative research program and be eager to bridge their science with conservation or restoration practice. The scientist's research may focus on plant groups well represented in MBG's herbarium or in regions where MBG is actively engaged in Latin America. Preference will be given to candidates whose work targets the Tropical Andes.

This is a unique opportunity to join a growing interdisciplinary research team at MBG and contribute to meaningful research in Latin America. We look forward to welcoming a new scientist to our team who will help us advance our mission and impact.

Application Instructions

The process of reviewing applications will start on February 3, 2025, and will continue until the candidate has been selected for the position. While the preferred start date is before August 2025, there is flexibility, and the exact start date is negotiable.

To apply, 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

* The contact information for three references

Rank and compensation will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. The salary will be accompanied by a comprehensive benefits package.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership and Research:

* Assume a leadership role in developing and executing research projects that advance biodiversity science and conservation in Latin America.

* Publish research results in high-quality peer-reviewed journals and other publications.

* Share research findings at scientific meetings and with the public through talks and other outreach initiatives.

* Support colleagues and students in the development and execution of collaborative research projects.

Funding and Management:

* Identify funding sources and write competitive grant proposals.

* Manage funded projects including budget oversight and supervision of support staff, contractors, or volunteers as necessary.

Mentorship and Collaboration:

* Provide mentorship to undergraduate, Master's, Ph.D. students, interns, volunteers, and Post-Doctoral Fellows.

* Collaborate with other Departments and Divisions within MBG such as the Herbarium, Horticulture, and Education.

* Foster external collaborations and partnerships to enhance MBG's Latin American Program.

Representation and Reporting:

* Serve on scientific panels or committees as needed.

* Represent MBG at scientific and non-scientific meetings, events, and outreach activities.

* Prepare detailed reports on projects for internal and external stakeholders.

* Review and contribute to various documents including grant proposals and journal articles.

Teamwork and Compliance:

* Contribute to a positive culture of teamwork, cooperation, and respect.

* Adhere to MBG's guidelines for budgets, contracts, agreements, and projects.

* Follow established policies and procedures.

Education and Training

* Ph.D. training in one or more fields of focus for the Latin America Program: plant systematics, taxonomy, conservation and restoration ecology.

* An equivalent combination of education, skills, and experience may be considered.

Qualifications/Experience

* Documented scientific record with a minimum of three (3) years' experience in one or more of the following fields: plant systematics, taxonomy, conservation and restoration ecology.

* Demonstrated capacity to conceive, develop and execute research projects and initiatives.

* Demonstrated ability to publish research in high-quality peer-reviewed journals.

* Demonstrated ability in grant proposal writing and managing projects.

* Ability to work effectively and respectfully with diverse teams including international colleagues.

* Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 25% of the time.

* 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.

* Scheduling flexibility is required to work evenings, weekends, or holidays as needed.

The Garden is committed to the safety and well-being 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.

Core Competencies

* Communication: Combines listening skills, verbal and written communication skills and visitor relation skills.

* Collaboration: Incorporates teamwork, mutual respect, active engagement, and cooperation.

* 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.

Other Skills and Abilities

Language Skills:

* Ability to communicate effectively in English (oral/written).

* Ability to communicate effectively in Spanish, or other languages spoken in Latin America, is highly desirable.

* Excellent public speaking skills.

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.

Mathematical Skills:

* Proficiency in basic statistics and statistical programming.

* Advanced quantitative skills is highly desirable.

* Ability to track and analyze budgets.

* Advanced college math aptitude - requires the ability to perform algebra/calculus equations, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; calculate percentages and decimals, etc.

Computer Skills:

* 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 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 for long periods on airplanes, trains and other conveyances both domestic and international.

* May be required to perform tasks at varying heights and at high altitudes.

* Ability to lift up to 10 lbs.

* Ability to utilize computer keyboard (typing), and operates copiers, printers, fax machines and computers.

* Ability to sit for extended periods (up to 50% of workday).

* Ability to move about facility frequently throughout workday.

* Ability to walk, stand, kneel, or climb as required and move about for extended periods.

* Ability to understand travel safety requirements and wear personal protective equipment, as needed.

* 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.

* Outdoor setting; ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions (i.e., in temperatures over 100F as well as temperatures below 0F, 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