Title: Assistant Conservation Scientist – Conservation Genomics

Exemption Status: exempt

Reports to: Senior Director Systematics and Evolution

Full-time or Part-time: Full-time

Position Overview: We seek to hire an assistant scientist to join the Garden’s Negaunee Institute for Plant Conservation Science and Action (https://www.chicagobotanic.org/research). This is a full-time, career-track position We seek applicants who uses genomics and bioinformatics tools to answer questions relevant to conservation and/or restoration. Research interests in any area of genomics, including but not limited to biogeography, community genomics, environmental genomics, evolution, fungal/microbial genomics, phylo-genomics or systematics. The successful candidate will join a highly collaborative group of scientists focused on addressing key conservation challenges. In addition to conducting research, the successful candidate will serve as faculty in our joint Plant Biology and Conservation graduate program with Northwestern University and will be expected to mentor, assist and train students in using genomic and bioinformatic tools. All scientists at the Garden are expected to assist with education programs including internship programs, community engagement and service activities where appropriate. Start date is flexible with a preference for early 2023. During this time of transition back to in-person office setting, remote work opportunities are being offered for two days of the regular work week for this position.

Responsibilities

In this role you will be responsible for the following:

1. RESEARCH: (Estimated time commitment: ~40%)

• Conduct genomic and bioinformatic research that has conservation or restoration implications.
• Obtain external funding to support their research programs.
• Disseminate results through scientific publications and presentations as well as broader communication venues that target groups such as policy makers, land managers, and the public.

2. EDUCATION: (Estimated time commitment: ~30%)

• Mentor students from diverse backgrounds at a variety of academic levels.
• This will include serving as an advisor or committee member for
  • Graduate students in the Garden’s Plant Biology and Conservation program with Northwestern University (https://www.plantbiology.northwestern.edu/),
  • Undergraduate students from Northwestern University and our NSF-REU Site program (https://pbcinternships.org/) over the summer.
  • High School students in the College First program (https://www.chicagobotanic.org/collegefirst)
• Participation in team-teaching a Northwestern University introductory graduate course in field and lab methods (2-3 class sessions in fall); teaching an upper-level undergraduate or graduate level course in the candidate’s area of expertise is encouraged (each class is 9 weeks).

3. INSTITUTIONAL SERVICE: (Estimated time commitment: ~20%)

• Assist in the management of the departmental bioinformatics server
• Contribute to Garden and departmental initiatives. These include
  • Provide genomic and bioinformatic support to staff and students for research and applied projects at the Garden.
  • As a public-facing institution, scientists are expected to participate in science interpretation efforts or other Garden initiatives depending on the candidate’s interest and skills. This can include various activities, including assistance with the interpretation of displays, science festivals, and/or program development.
  • Work collaboratively with department faculty, and other Garden departments (Learning and Engagement, Horticulture, Collections, Communications, and Visitor Services).

4. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: (Estimated time commitment: ~10%)

• Contribute to the department’s education, engagement, and/or community science activities.
• Help synthesize research, communicate science, and/or develop policy and conservation practice.
• Develop collaborations with 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.

Key Garden competencies/behaviors desired:

• Communicates in a manner that gains the trust and support of others at all levels.
• Works effectively with others despite differences of opinion and style; builds alliances.
• Has a tolerance for opposing points of view.
• Strives for collaboration. Works cooperatively, as a positive contributor to the team.
• Demonstrates a positive attitude and shows kindness in all workplace interactions.
• Makes decisions appropriate for the level of responsibility.
• Can effectively adapt to change; can shift gears comfortably; is flexible, and embraces change with a “can-do” attitude.
• Is self-aware; knows personal strengths and weaknesses; seeks feedback and is open to negative feedback as an opportunity for improvement.
• Is cool under pressure; can be counted on to hold things together during tough times; can handle stress; is not knocked off balance by the unexpected; is a settling influence during a crisis.
• Recognizes problems, and constructively identifies and articulates solutions.
• Picks up garbage when it is seen on Garden grounds regardless of position.
• Follows safety guidelines to ensure a safe working environment and consistently demonstrates safe work behaviors.
• Is welcoming of new hires.

Qualifications:

Our ideal candidate will have the following:

Required Qualifications

PhD or equivalent, in biology, ecology, evolution, botany, environmental science, mycology, or related area. We seek a candidate with strong genomics and bioinformatics skills with experience in generating, managing and analyzing genomics data, synthesizing large datasets, and versed in a wide range of statistical approaches. As one strength of this institution is the collaborative environment which allows us to take an interdisciplinary approach to applied conservation issues, we seek a candidate who has a record of engaging in a collaborative approach to their research program. As a scientist based at a public-facing institution, in addition to competency in publishing their research in scientific journals, we value experience in engaging scientific discourse that is accessible to the general public. Excellent communication skills. Interest and commitment to seeing research results applied to conservation or restoration. Commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. Teaching, mentoring, and project/grant management experience desired. We highly value people who are enthusiastic about science communication, cultural competency, and building/maintaining community partnerships.

While not required, we highly value people who are enthusiastic about science communication, cultural competency, and building/maintaining community partnerships and experience in engaging scientific discourse that is accessible to the general public

Physical Demands:

Office setting. Frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, listening, speaking, and keyboarding. Use of office equipment including computers, telephones, copiers, scanners, and fax machines. Some requirements for lifting, pushing, or pulling items that are less than 30 pounds. Occasional training in outdoor settings.

*The Chicago Botanic Garden requires all existing employees to be fully COVID-19 vaccinated by October 15, 2021; hires after this date must be fully vaccinated upon hire or may request a medical/religious exemption after an offer is extended.*

To Apply: In addition to the Garden application materials, please submit 1) a cover letter; 2) curriculum vitae; 3) a statement on current and proposed future research interests, which should include a statement on conservation or restoration implications of your research (1-2 pgs); 4) a representative publication; 5) mentoring and teaching experience and philosophy (max 1 pg); 6) statement on how you can contribute to the Garden's diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility goals (max 1 pg); and 7) contact information for three references. The review of applications begins October 1, 2022, and will continue until a suitable candidate is hired. Contact Jeremie Fant at jfant@chicagobotanic.org with any questions.

Why Apply?
Come work in a setting that is like no other as you support our mission: We cultivate the power of plants to sustain and enrich life. Take the first step toward being one of the employees who make the Garden one of the treasures of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Apply today.

Please note that applicants who do not meet the required qualifications will not be considered.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

Disclaimer:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and qualifications required of personnel so classified.

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, Chicago Botanic Garden does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its programs or activities, including in employment or admissions. Please call (847) 835-8264 to contact our Title IX Coordinator should you have questions or concerns.