This is temporary, full-time position from July – September. Please attach a cover letter with application.
Summary: The Seasonal Science Specialist (CCSD) will work on a research project that involves lab work and data analysis to understand the evolutionary history and species boundaries of plant groups in the eastern United States such as Arisaema and Xyris. This position is based in the CCSD (Center for Conservation and Sustainable Development), a department within MBG’s Science and Conservation Division, whose aim is to explore and implement innovative, science-based approaches to the conservation and sustainable use of plant diversity based on a sound, scientific understanding of the biology, occurrence and distribution of plants.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conducts lab work to extract DNA and prepare RAD-seq libraries for sequencing
• Conducts bioinformatics analysis such as assembly of Illumina data, population genomic analysis and phylogenomic analysis
• Assists with dissemination of results of projects by preparing tables, figures and summaries of research methods.
• Contributes to manuscript preparation
• Contributes to the maintenance of lab equipment.
• Demonstrates highest level of professional and ethical conduct.
• Adherence to all health and safety guidelines.
• 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.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.
Core Competencies

• Communication: Combines listening skills, verbal and written communication skills and visitor relation skills.
• Collaboration: Incorporates teamwork, mutual respect, active engagement, cooperation and visitor focus.
• Accountability: Initiative to take ownership of responsibilities, the ability to prioritize and the working knowledge and skills to take action.
• Problem Solving: Blends problem solving skills, judgement and decision making skills along with creativity and resourcefulness.
• Stewardship: Merges the practical application of the Garden values and support for a positive organizational climate.

Qualifications:

• Strong background including in one or more of the following fields: biology, ecology, genetics or related discipline.
• Prior lab experience using standard laboratory techniques required.
• Prior bioinformatics experience required.
• Ability and willingness to travel for up to 5 days at a time and work outdoors in glades, prairies, and forests in all weather conditions and, at times, stay in motels/hotels/field stations in rural areas of the mid-South.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as a team.
• The Garden is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our employees, volunteers and guests. All staff are strongly encouraged to receive COVID-19 vaccinations by hire date, and the Garden reserves the right to require future proof of current vaccination status, based on community health department guidelines. When international travel is necessary for Garden business, staff must be able to obtain visas, vaccinations and immunizations for all countries where travel is required.
• The requirements and duties listed above are representative and do not constitute an exhaustive list of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required with coursework in one or more of the following fields: genetics, evolution, ecology, conservation biology, botany, or a related discipline.
• Previous lab experience involving genetics technques required.
• Previous bioinformation experience with RAD-seq data assembly, population genetics, and phylogenomics required.
• Previous experience using standard laboratory techniques to process and manage samples a plus.
• A strong interest in plant evolution, taxonomy, or conservation biology a plus.
• An equivalent combination of education, skills, and experience may be considered.

Computer Skills: Proficient with Microsoft Office suite (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.). Prior experience with bioinformatics, GIS, and statistical data analysis software a plus.
Other Skills and Abilities:

• None

Language Skills:

• Fluent English (oral/written)

Reasoning Ability: Requires ability 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 Missouri Botanical Garden
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Must be able to maintain a valid driver’s license.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to walk up to three miles on uneven terrain and on and off trails.
• Must be able to work in high heat/humidity
• Ability to lift 35 lbs. and over.
• Manual dexterity to use lab equipment or a computer keyboard for the purpose of accurately generating, managing, and communicating research data.
• Ability to walk, stand, kneel, or climb as required and move about for extended periods of time in indoor and outdoor environment.
• Ability to travel with others for long-periods of time in an automobile.
• Physical fitness necessary for field work sometimes in inclement weather.

Work Environment:

• Travel and work outdoors in prairies in all weather conditions and, at times, stay in motels/hotels in rural areas of the mid-South.
• Indoor office and laboratory environment.
• Occasional exposure and handling of laboratory chemicals according to MSD guidelines.

Contacts with Individuals/Organizations inside/outside the Garden: Employees, Volunteers, Collaborators, Guests, International Scientists and Counterparts, Professional Organizations, Government Agencies and Colleges/Universities.
Supervisor (title not person): Scientist 4 for Conservation Genetics