Postdoctoral Fellow, CCSD

Summary: The Postdoctoral Fellow will participate in projects that build on and strengthen the Missouri Botanical Garden's (MBG) programs that emphasize scientific exploration of plant life and science-driven approaches to conservation and restoration. This individual will work with Scientists from MBG, University of Minnesota, ETH Zurich, and The Nature Conservancy synthesizing long-term data on multifaceted socio-ecological outcomes of tropical forest restoration projects as part of a funded SNAPP working group (Science for Nature and People Partnership).This Postdoctoral Fellow, will take a leadership role in compiling, synthesizing, and analyzing long-term restoration outcomes using existing published and unpublished datasets. This individual will coordinate the working group meetings with project partners. They will participate in the creation of an online tool for restoration practitioners to identify how to monitor restoration goals, prepare scientific papers as leading author (a minimum of one per a year), and work with MBG staff and other collaborators on collaborative scientific papers. This Postdoctoral Fellow will present lectures to professional organizations and broader audiences as appropriate. They may supervise graduate and undergraduate students who are working on projects linked to the overall aims of the working group. This position will be based in St. Louis at the Missouri Botanical Garden.

Application Instructions

The process of reviewing applications will start on September 30, 2024, and will continue until the candidate has been selected for the position. While the preferred start date is before January 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

The salary will be accompanied by a comprehensive benefits package.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Takes a leadership role in implementing research that synthesizes and analyzes information and data on the benefits of long-term monitoring in tropical restoration.

• Provides logistical support by planning virtual and in-person meetings for the working group.

• Conducts independent research and writes results for publication in peer reviewed journals (at least one per year), reports and blog posts.
• Mentors and trains graduate and undergraduate students.
• Attracts new scientific collaborators and develops partnerships with organizations, establishing cooperative agreements for strengthening the program, as appropriate.

• Participates in the working group and scientific meetings that might entail rustic or challenging field conditions.

• Delivers lectures to professional organizations and to the general public as requested.

• Reviews scientific papers and grant proposals as requested.
• Works within MBG established guidelines in preparing and monitoring grant proposal budgets.

• Participates in outreach activities related to the project and MBG.
• Ensures that all applicable safety standards are followed; informs employees/students 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 has no staff supervisory responsibilities; the position may lead and direct graduate and undergraduate students.

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

Qualifications/Experience:

• Strong background in one or more of the following fields: Restoration Ecology, Conservation Biology, Ecology, or related fields.
• Prior experience conducting meta-analysis and data synthesis, writing scientific papers, managing databases, and interacting with a diverse group of stakeholders.

• Some understanding of financial budget development/management and forecasting process to be able to manage grant's budget

• 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.
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels and 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 requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Restoration Ecology, Conservation Biology, Ecology, Plant Biology, or related discipline required.

Other Skills and Abilities: Exceptional public speaking and management skills required.

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

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 MBG.

Computer and Analytical Skills:

• Experience with systematic review, meta-analysis using R or another equivalent language (e.g., Python).
• Experience with geospatial analysis using scripted analysis tools (e.g., Google Earth Engine, QGIS).
• 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 and other stakeholders in order to answer questions and service their needs.
• Ability to analyze budgets.

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 utilize a computer keyboard (typing).
• 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.
• 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.
• May require working long hours to meet deadlines.

Work Environment:

• Office 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 the general public, in a safe and friendly manner, answering questions.

Connect 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: Scientist 1-RE-CCSD