Research Scientist, Plant Pathology

The Morton Arboretum's Center for Tree Science seeks a Research Scientist to develop and lead anindependent research program in Plant Pathology. The Center for Tree Science conducts essentialresearch to ensure healthy and resilient trees and forests in a rapidly changing world. ResearchScientists in the Center for Tree Science are members of a multidisciplinary team that pursuecollaborative research projects, act as a hub for large external networks of professionals and students,and implement ambitious research strategies that address key challenges facing trees and theirecosystems. Specifically, the Center for Tree Science team performs research needed to create andsustain diverse and resilient urban trees and forests, evaluate and optimize regional ecosystemrestoration and management practices, and deepen scientific understanding of tree biodiversity andconservation science. Research Scientists are encouraged to obtain external funding from a wide rangeof granting agencies, mentor and teach students at different levels, and publish their work in leadingscientific journals. Given the botanical garden setting of the Center for Tree Science, outreach andsharing of expert knowledge to key public and professional audiences and the integration andtranslation of research into real world applications is also expected. Formal teaching is not required, butmentorship and professional development of staff, students, and practitioners is expected. TheResearch Scientist should leverage the expertise, resources, partners, and setting of The MortonArboretum to produce novel insights into plant pathology that inform and improve tree and ecosystemmanagement practices.

Position Summary: Conduct research in plant pathology that aligns with and advances the mission and goals of The Morton Arboretum within the Center for Tree Science (CTS), a global hub of research and expertise focused on trees and their ecosystems. Network and collaborate with scientists, professionals, and colleagues within the Center for Tree Science, the Arboretum, and external organizations. Center for Tree Science research scientists contribute to the generation and communication of foundational knowledge that addresses the challenges facing trees and theirecosystems and translates into key actions and practices that ensure their future. Research topics may include pathogen identification and characterization, disease epidemiology and spread, tree-pathogen interactions, mechanisms of tree susceptibility and resistance to pathogens, climate change and environmental change impacts on disease outbreaks, management practices and disease control, and emerging technologies in forest pathology.

Essential Functions:

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  Establish and oversee an independent research program in plant pathology, aligned with the Arboretum's mission and strategic goals.

  
  
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  Communicate research findings to professional and academic peers by presenting at conferences and symposia and publishing in scientific and professional journals.

  
  
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  Submit proposals for extramural funding with internal and external partners and collaborators. Manage reporting of key activities and findings to external funders.

  
  
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  Archive and document open-access research data and lab processes to ensure long-term institutional knowledge.

  
  
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  Disseminate research results and technical knowledge to public, professional, and student audiences though, for example, public lectures and media engagements; white papers, policy briefs, and professional trainings; and student panels and teaching.

  
  
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  Contribute to Arboretum programs by communicating scientific results and projects through talks, interviews, and presentations.

  
  
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  Mentor, advise, and contribute to the professional development of lab research staff, interns, visiting scientists, volunteers, graduate students, and/or postdoctoral fellows. Adjunct faculty status at area universities is possible.

  
  
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  Participate in CTS, departmental, and institutional strategic planning and decision-making.

  
  
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  Contribute to the development or maintenance of CTS and Arboretum research initiatives, such as shared research resources and mentoring programs.

  
  
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  Participate in professional societies and networks, including serving as a peer-reviewer for journals and funding agencies.

  
  
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  Demonstrate alignment with the Arboretum's employee core values to be inclusive, take ownership, work together, keep learning and make the Arboretum exceptional.

  
  
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  Other duties as assigned.

  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities:

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  Serve in a supervisory capacity of one or more employees, providing leadership guidance and communicating the organization's goals. This includes:

  
  
  
  
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    Hiring, training, coaching and developing team members, by providing recognition and feedback, and evaluating performance

    
    
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    Ensuring that team members adhere to the Arboretum's policies and procedures, and maintaining a safe and compliant work environment

    
    
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    Building and maintaining positive working relationships with team members, colleagues, and other stakeholders to foster a collaborative and supportive work environment

    
    
  
  
  
  

Qualifications: Ph.D. in plant pathology or related field required. Expert background in the field of specialization required, with strong familiarity of modern techniques and tools and ability to instruct staff in design, implementation, and sharing of research projects and results. Strong written and verbal communication skills required. Experience interacting with practitioners and professionals, in both government and private sectors, preferred. Must possess a valid driver's license, which is subject to insurability and an annual Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) report. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google applications is necessary.

Success Factors: Strong analytical abilities in a variety of research settings. Initiative and resourcefulness in implementing, completing, evaluating, and reporting research projects. Willingness to conduct collaborative and interdisciplinary research. Ability to model leadership qualities and mentor staff to further develop their leadership skills and capacity. Ability to work effectively as part of a mission-oriented team, including an extensive volunteer support staff. Willingness and ability to interpret and communicate research results to professionals, the public, and academic audiences.

Physical Demands and Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

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  Physical Demands: Requires some physical activity: walking over varied terrain, bending, limited lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds assisted. Use of chemicals may be necessary. Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment required. Some travel required.

  
  
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  Work Environment: Office environment and Arboretum grounds. Work is performed indoors and outdoors, in a variety of weather conditions.

  
  
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  Equipment: General office equipment, field and laboratory equipment, including specialized equipment relating to particular field of research, Arboretum pick-up truck and/or utility vehicle. Use of power tools and woodworking equipment may be necessary.

  
  

The expected hiring range for this exempt position is $90,000-$105,000 based on experience that will be evaluated during the candidate selection process. We believe in the importance of pay equity and consider the internal equity of our current team members as a part of the final offer. This position is also eligible for acompetitive benefits package

For full consideration, please include a cover letter, CV, and 2-page statement of research interests (upload under "resume"), and contact information for three references with the application. Review ofapplications will begin November 15, 2024.

The Morton Arboretum is a champion for diversity, supporting a culture of inclusion that attracts, inspires, and engages people to achieve success. The Arboretum is committed to hire and develop employees based on job-related qualifications irrespective of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or veteran status. To increase diversity in professions related to the public garden realm, we encourage applications from underrepresented minorities, persons with disabilities, and veterans.

The Morton Arboretum is dedicated to complying with our obligations as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All applicants are guaranteed equal consideration for employment.