Conservation Scientist (2 positions)

Title: Conservation Scientist (2 positions)

About us: The Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Science and Conservation program is a global leader in plant-based research, education, and engagement to sustain and enrich life.  The Garden’s mission is grounded in the belief that caring for gardens and natural areas is fundamentally important to the well-being of everyone. We strive to make the Garden and all its programs available and accessible to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. We value diversity in all its forms and at every level of our organization – board, staff, volunteers, and vendors. Through the diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experience, the Garden is more effectively able to create extraordinary and welcoming experiences for our increasingly diverse audiences. We are committed to ensuring a sense of belonging to every individual we encounter, regardless of age, race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, physical ability, intellectual ability, or economic status.

Position Overview: We seek to hire two conservation scientists at the assistant scientist rank in our Plant Biology and Conservation Department. We are particularly interested in applicants with expertise in one or more of the following: Landscape Ecology, Restoration Ecology, and Ecophysiology, but other conservation disciplines will be considered. Candidates who focus on wetland or aquatic systems, or seed-based questions are especially encouraged to apply. In addition to conducting research, both positions will serve as faculty in our joint Plant Biology and Conservation graduate program with Northwestern University, and undertake outreach and service activities. These are full time, career-track positions. The successful candidates will join a group of enthusiastic scientists focused on addressing key conservation challenges. Start dates are flexible.

Responsibilities: 

1. RESEARCH: Conduct research that has conservation or restoration implications. Successfully obtain funding for research. Disseminate results through scientific publications and broader communication venues to policy makers, land managers, and the public.

2.  TRAINING: Mentor students from diverse backgrounds at a variety of levels from high school to Ph.D. This will include serving as advisor or committee member for graduate students in our Plant Biology and Conservation program with Northwestern University, supporting the Science Career Continuum College First mentoring program for high school students, and working with undergraduate students from Northwestern University and in our NSF-REU Site program over the summer. Teaching an upper level undergraduate or graduate level course at Northwestern University in the candidate’s area of expertise may be possible.

3. INSTITUTIONAL SERVICE: Contribute to Garden and departmental initiatives. These can include management of the REU intern program, managing seed or GIS labs, public-facing programs such as our Science Festival, or other Garden initiatives depending on candidate’s interest and aptitude.

4. OUTREACH: Contribute to outreach, citizen science, and other engagement activities. Help synthesize research, communicate science, and develop policy and land management recommendations. Work collaboratively with department faculty, and other Garden departments (Education, Horticulture, Communications, and Visitor Services). Develop collaborations with other regional conservation institutions and agencies.

Key Cooperative Relationships: Botanic Garden staff, students, and volunteers; scientific community; federal, state, and regional land managers; conservation, stewardship, and restoration groups; elected officials and other conservation stakeholders.

Qualifications: Ph.D. in ecology, botany, biology, or equivalent with appropriate experience. Strong quantitative skills; meta-analysis skills desired. Excellent communication skills. Commitment to seeing research results applied to conservation and restoration. Commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. Teaching, mentoring, and project/grant management experience.  Candidate’s research program should allow them to be in Chicago for most of the summer to mentor students.

To Apply: Please apply via the Garden's website. In addition to the Garden application materials, please submit a cover letter; cv; separate 1-2 page statements on research interests and their conservation or restoration implications, mentoring philosophy, and diversity and inclusion (e.g. a statement about your past contributions to diversity and anticipated contribution to our program); as well as contact information for three references.  Review of applications begins April 5, 2019 and will continue until suitable candidates are hired.  Contact Kayri Havens at khavens@chicagobotanic.org with any questions.