Postdoctoral Fellow, Biodiversity Data, Herbarium

Summary:

The Missouri Botanical Garden (MBG) seeks to hire a full-time Postdoctoral Fellow to work in the lab of Dr. Matthew Austin on a project investigating how hyperspectral scans of Herbarium specimens can be used for taxonomic identification and trait prediction. The candidate will (1) collect hyperspectral data from taxonomically diverse Herbarium specimens, (2) use machine learning to analyze the resolution of taxonomic identification and accuracy of trait prediction that can be achieved with hyperspectral data, (3) prepare and submit manuscripts for publication, and (4) assist MBG scientists with other research-related activities, including mentoring of students and technicians, participating in outreach events and workshops, and presenting research lectures. This person will also have the opportunity to explore other novel applications of hyperspectral data in the biodiversity sciences.

This position is part of MBG's Revolutionizing Species Identification (RSI) project. The RSI project - made possible by an anonymous $14.4 million grant - is digitizing MBG's entire herbarium (of nearly 8 million specimens) and is harnessing specimen data to develop new technology to automatically identify herbarium specimens. The successful candidate will work closely with MBG scientists and colleagues to carry out this groundbreaking initiative.

The position will be based in St. Louis, which is home to a collaborative community of ecologists, evolutionary biologists, and data scientists that interact through partnerships among MBG, Washington University in St. Louis, the University of Missouri - St. Louis, Saint Louis University, and other area institutions. This position is based in the Herbarium, a department within MBG's Science and Conservation Division, which manages MBG's world-class Herbarium and conducts specimen-based research in the furtherance of biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration.

Candidates should have completed a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Botany, Data/Computer Science, or a related field before the start date. The ideal candidate will have prior experience in several of the following: herbarium research, bioinformatics, spectroscopy, plant phenotyping, machine learning, and statistical analysis of biodiversity data.

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 March 17, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled. Ideal start date is June 2, 2025, but start date is negotiable. The term for this position will be up to 3 years, with renewal in the first and second years contingent on satisfactory performance. Salary will be commensurate with experience, and this position includes a comprehensive benefits package.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Takes a leadership role in implementing a research project involving collecting hyperspectral data from herbarium specimens and analyzing the resolution of taxonomic identification and accuracy of trait prediction that can be achieved with hyperspectral data.
• Uses machine learning techniques to analyze hyperspectral data.
• Communicates research findings by leading manuscript preparation and delivering professional and public lectures, as requested.
• Fosters strong relationships with collaborators and partner organizations.
• May provide leadership, direction, and training to graduate and undergraduate students, data processors, interns and volunteers.

• Reviews scientific papers and grant proposals as requested.

• Demonstrates highest level of professional and ethical conduct.

• Ensures that all applicable safety standards are followed; informs employees/students/volunteers of safety guidelines, methods to reduce hazards.
• Reports all accidents, injuries and near-miss accidents immediately.
• 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 and cooperation, within our division and throughout the Garden, with co-workers, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and employees.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position may lead and direct graduate and undergraduate students, data processors, interns and volunteers.

Core Competencies

• Communication - Listens to others and asks questions for clarification; Writes clearly and presents information accurately; Speaks professionally and responds well to questions; Supports positive visitor relations.
• Collaboration - Demonstrates teamwork and promotes respect in the workplace; Engages in problem solving and group initiatives; Cooperates in implementing procedures and process improvements; Strives for positive visitor experiences.
• Accountability - Demonstrates commitment to responsibilities and adaptable to changes; Effectively prioritizes, troubleshoots and takes appropriate actions; Follows policies and procedures, meets deadlines, quality, and safety standards; Strives to proactively, address visitor and internal colleagues' concerns.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems; Includes supervisor before taking action as necessary; Recommends solutions, demonstrates creativity and resourcefulness; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment in decision making process; Includes appropriate people in making decisions.
• Stewardship - Promotes and adheres to sustainability, safety and security protocols; Fosters a culture of respect, diversity and inclusion; Demonstrates effective and prudent use of Garden resources; Maximizes contributions during work hours.

Qualifications:

• Prior experience conducting research in the fields of ecology, evolution, and/or botany.

• Previous coding experience with R and/or Python required, and experience with machine learning a plus.
• Interest in native plant conservation.
• Prior experience writing scientific papers, grant proposals and reports.
• Experience in experimental design and implementation, statistical analyses, synthesizing, interpreting, and communicating scientific information.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; professional, speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; is tactful and treats others with respect.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively at all levels; working with diverse teams including international colleagues required.

• Ability to travel (local/domestic) as needed, including occasional overnight travel.

• The requirements and duties listed above are representative and do not constitute an exhaustive list of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.
• 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.

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

Education and/or Experience:

• Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Botany, Data/Computer science, or related discipline required.

Computer Skills:

• Bioinformatics and statistical analysis skills are particularly desirable.
• Strong working knowledge of R and/or Python required.

• 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.

Other Skills and Abilities:

• Exceptional public speaking skills required.
• Prior machine learning experience is desirable, but not 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 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.

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 lift 35 lbs. and over.
• Manual dexterity to use a computer keyboard for the purpose of accurately communicating, writing, and managing research data.

• 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 in both indoor and outdoor environments.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment, as needed.

Work Environment:

• Herbarium
• Indoor office and laboratory environment.
• Occasional exposure and handling of laboratory chemicals according to MSD guidelines.

Contacts with Individuals/Organizations inside/outside the Garden:

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