The Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT) seeks a Conservation Botanist to lead the institution’s Plant Conservation Program. The Conservation Botanist pursues original research in plant conservation, primarily in Texas. Areas of focus can include botanical and ecosystem exploration focusing on rare and endangered taxa, restoration ecology, ex situ cultivation, seed banking, conservation genomics, and/or comparable fields in plant conservation. The Conservation Botanist is expected to maintain an active research program as measured by scientific peer-reviewed journal publications, grant-funded proposals in support of research, collections management and development, collaborations with colleagues, outreach activities, participation in professional meetings, and contributions to graduate programs associated with local universities with which BRIT partners. The position often works with state and federal conservation agencies.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Responsibilities
The Conservation Botanist is responsible for establishing and leading research projects focused on the conservation of the plants of Texas and adjacent areas; overseeing seed collecting projects and managing the BRIT conservation seed lab and collection; writing grant proposals and managing grant-supported projects as a principal investigator or as part of multi-investigator teams; disseminating the results of projects through peer-reviewed publications, professional meetings, project reports, and other venues; supervising grant-funded staff, volunteers, and students as needed; serving as BRIT’s conservation officer to the Center for Plant Conservation; organizing and facilitating the biennial Texas Plant Conservation Conference; and interfacing with other conservation organizations and agencies to strengthen a statewide conservation network.
Qualifications/Requirements
A Ph.D. degree in conservation biology, botany, natural resources, restoration ecology, or related field is required along with ability and experience conducting and publishing original research, success with raising funds from grants or foundations, state and federal agencies, etc., demonstrated fieldwork competencies, and training and/or experience analyzing biological data.
Please see the full job description for a more detailed list of job tasks and applicant qualifications: Conservation Botanist
BRIT strives to maintain a positive working environment focused on growth and success of individuals, working together in a collaborative, professional manner, with communication a priority. To apply, please submit a cover letter, Research Statement, and CV as a single pdf document to: brithr@brit.org. Application review will begin November 1st, 2020, and continue until the position is filled. Earliest start date is January 2021. Actual start date is negotiable. BRIT is an Equal Opportunity Employer.