New York Botanic Garden https://www.nybg.org/
The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) is excited to announce four full-time career-track research positions in Science. We are searching for creative, collaborative thinkers to join us in a multidisciplinary approach to developing effective nature/biodiversity-based solutions to 21st century problems. NYBG scientists leverage the existing strengths of the institution and its staff while building unique and collaborative opportunities. We seek to enhance NYBG’s Science Division by inviting individuals with creative, innovative, synergistic research programs who are interested in joining an accomplished group of researchers to apply for these positions.
NYBG is seeking Biologists and Data Scientists with interdisciplinary experience in biodiversity informatics, data science, systematics, evolutionary biology, genomics, ecology, food security, remote sensing, machine learning, ethnobotany, and/or conservation.
The new hires will join a growing interdisciplinary research and scholarship team at NYBG to build fundamental and applied knowledge that contributes to developing solutions-oriented approaches to biodiversity and urban conservation, climate change mitigation, climate and community resilience, and/or food security. This Cluster Hiring Initiative will help NYBG meet its strategic goals to drive faculty diversity and grow the impact of NYBG research locally, nationally, and internationally. Curators will be expected to leverage the NYBG collections (living, herbarium, library, and/or laboratory) in creative ways to address pressing issues facing the world, while having the opportunity to develop long-term programs ranging from local to international as a primary focus of their responsibilities.
Additionally, this position support, through actions and conduct, NYBG’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility initiatives and actively helps to build and maintain an inclusive organizational culture throughout the institution.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities:
● Build integrative/collaborative/synergistic research programs and develop new partnerships both within and outside of NYBG
● Attract extramural funding and produce a substantial body of publications
● Develop a strong and innovative research program that leverages one or more of NYBG’s collections, which include the Steere Herbarium, Mertz Library, economic botany collections, facilities and collections of the Pfizer Laboratory, digital assets, and extensive living collections
● Engage fully in service to NYBG’s Science programs, the institution, including Horticulture, Education, and the broader scientific community, as well as the general public
● Enhance NYBG’s role in education and communication by advising graduate students, mentoring interns and/or postdoctoral fellows, teaching graduate-level courses, and/or editing our impactful journals
● Advance NYBG’s strategic objectives: Environmental Action, Bronx-Forward, Power of Place, Digital Impact, Management Excellence.
Requirements:
● PhD in Botany, Biology, Ecology, Mycology, Computer Science, or a related synergistic field
● Preferred two or more years of postdoctoral experience
● Strong publication record
● Evidence of potential or current success in securing external funding to support research
● A taxonomic focus on a large plant or fungal group or ecosystem type (e.g. urban ecology) will be an asset, as will the ability to identify species across a broad range of genera and families of plants or fungi
● Strong quantitative skills in areas such as genomics, data science, modeling, GIS, phylogenetic analysis, and programming.
● Ability to contribute to a collegial environment as well as a dedication to professional service
● Demonstrated ability to communicate science effectively to multiple constituencies
● Preference for candidates with experience successfully teaching and mentoring students
● Demonstrated experience in fostering an inclusive environment, working with people from diverse backgrounds, and incorporating diverse and innovative perspectives in research
● Willingness and ability to develop collaborative research with NYBG’s existing science and library staff
Applicants should submit:1. A cover letter (up to two pages) that briefly summarizes the following:
● The candidate’s research agenda, expertise and goals, and how these would advance the research vision of NYBG science in developing nature and biodiversity-based solutions to 21st Century problems
● The candidate’s interest or experience in conducting collaborative, applied, interdisciplinary research
● A summary of leadership potential through existing or proposed research, teaching, service, community engagement, outreach, contributions to equity, diversity and inclusion, or other relevant activities2. Curriculum vitae with links to significant publications
3. A statement (up to two pages) describing the current and proposed research program, and
connections with solutions to the biodiversity and climate crisis. This statement should also include how the applicant would leverage and build the collections at NYBG and ideas for how to interact synergistically with current NYBG Curators and/or how to leverage current and future collaborations with national and international agencies to grow the impacts of NYBG science4. A statement (up to one page) of education and engagement that may include teaching philosophy, interests and accomplishments, graduate student training, workshops for environmental professionals, public education and lectures, or scientific exhibition content
5. A statement (up to one page) describing the candidate’s philosophy and past contributions to equity, diversity and inclusion, along with ability to work with a culturally diverse student body (giving specific examples where possible)
6. Up to three representative publications, or works in progress
7. Names and contact information for three references
If you have specific questions about the application process, please contact Claire Lyman at clyman@nybg.org.
Application Deadline: To ensure optimal consideration, all application materials must be received by November 1st, 2023, although these positions will remain open until filled.
The anticipated starting date for positions is January 1, 2024, soon thereafter, dependent on immigration and travel restrictions. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.
Benefits:
● 15 Vacation Days
● 13 Paid Holidays
● 12 Sick Days
● Health and Dental Insurance Coverage
● 401K
● Pension Plan
Salary: $85,000 annually
If you require an accommodation for any part of the application process, please notify the Human Resources department at HR@nybg.org.
If you are interested in applying for a position at the New York Botanical Garden, please go to http://www.nybg.org/employment to submit your application. You can also use this link to apply: https://jobs.jobvite.com/nybg/job/os2wofw8/apply
EOE/BIPOC/F/Persons with disabilities/Veterans.