Assistant Scientist, Africa & Madagascar
Missouri Botanical Garden, 2345 Tower Grove Ave., St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
Req #395
Sunday, August 14, 2022
Summary: Responsible for conducting botanical research in the Africa and Madagascar Department, Science and Conservation Division. Conduct systematic research on various flowering plant groups, focusing on tropical Africa and/or Madagascar, involving the use of a diversity of approaches (e.g., field and herbarium studies, phylogenetics, biogeography, conservation analysis, etc.). Pursue funding for individual research and for programmatic activities. Lead and participate in training and mentoring of students and collaborators, both in St. Louis and Africa/Madagascar. Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Conduct significant, original systematic research on flowering plant groups in tropical continental Africa and/or Madagascar using a diversity of approaches and methods.
Publish research results in appropriate journals and by other suitable methods of dissemination (e.g., books, internet sites, etc.). Develop and carry out an active field research program in tropical continental Africa and/or Madagascar. Participate in and contribute to the Garden's Africa and Madagascar Program, including planning, implementation, staff management, training and capacity building, and fund-raising. Contribute to conservation initiatives on African and/or Malagasy species, sites and/or ecosystems, including in collaboration with other MBG scientists. Participate in Garden activities such as giving tours and lectures to Garden members and the general public, as requested.
Supervisory Responsibilities: Supervises students, volunteers and external resources. 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, judgment, and decision-making skills along with creativity and resourcefulness.
- Stewardship: Merges the practical application of the Garden values and supports for a positive organizational climate.
Qualifications/Experience:
Strong background, including a minimum of (3) years' prior experience or coursework, in one or more of the following fields: Systematics, Conservation Biology, Genetics, Ecology, Evolution, Biogeography, or similar discipline.
Prior experience writing scientific papers, grant proposals, and reports.
Demonstrated success in seeking and obtaining external funding, including negotiation.
Training in plant systematics.
Strong familiarity with the collection and use of herbarium specimens.
Experience in conducting field work in tropical conditions; Willingness and flexibility to conduct field work.
Strong understanding of financial budget development/management and forecasting process to effectively manage grant budgets.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; professionalism; ability to communicate 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, are required.
Able to travel up to 25% of the time (domestic and international).
- Scheduling flexibility is required to work evenings, weekends, or holidays as needed.
- Must have received or be willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccination by date of hire to be considered. Proof of vaccination will be required.
- The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.
Education:
Other Skills and Abilities: N/A Language Skills: Ability to communicate effectively in English (oral/written); competency in French desirable. Mathematical Skills:
Proficient College Math Aptitude - Ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; calculate percentages and decimals, etc.
Ability to understand, analyze and create budgets.
Reasoning Ability:
Requires ability to conduct independent research and to participate actively 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:
Advanced proficiency in navigating through various PC applications including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite (i.e., PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Outlook).
Solid Internet research skills.
Ability to use e-mail to communicate with Garden staff in order to answer questions and service their needs.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
Must possess 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.
Must be able to obtain all necessary permits for botanical fieldwork and represent the Garden in a legal and ethical manner in all interactions with natural resources.
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 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 Garden:
Garden employees and volunteers Collaborators, Guests and International Scientists Professional Organizations Governmental Officials Colleges/Universities
Other details
- Missouri Botanical Garden, 2345 Tower Grove Ave., St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
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