North Carolina Botanical Garden seeks a Research Botanist
Position Summary
The UNC-CH Herbarium/North Carolina Botanical Garden seeks a Research Botanist to join a dedicated set of professionals developing the Flora of the Southeastern United States and related apps, websites, florulas, and collaborative flora projects, for use by scientists, conservationists, agencies, NGOs, students, and the public.
Duties and responsibilities
This position will research the taxonomy, identification, and characteristics (traits) of species of vascular plants in the flora of the Southeastern United States, from extreme southeastern New York and
northern New Jersey and Pennsylvania, west to central Oklahoma, south to southern FL and southern
Texas. The Research Botanist will 1) use the scientific literature, herbarium specimens, digital images,
herbarium portals, and limited field work to resolve particular taxonomic issues in the flora and
contribute to writing scientific papers about the results, 2) gather trait data to support dichotomous and
multi-access keys, 3) develop and improve dichotomous keys for identification of the Southeastern US
flora, 4) gather information on the habitats, conservation needs, conservation ranks, wetland ratings,
heliophyte ratings, and conservatism ratings of plants of the Southeastern US flora, and 5) oversee the
collection of digital images to support the identification of the “southeastern flora” via floras, apps, and
websites. Much of the work will be independent, under direction of the Director of the UNC
Herbarium, but also in collaboration with the Plant Systematics Researcher, the Flora App Project
Manager, the Flora Database developer/Manager, the Herbarium Curator, and other botanists
researching the Southeastern US flora.
Educational Requirements:
MA or MS in botany, biology, ecology, environmental sciences or similar field required, or in computer
sciences; for candidates demonstrating comparable background in botanical research and field
experience, will accept a relevant undergraduate degree and 3 or more years of relevant experience in
substitution.
Qualifications
Strong familiarity with the flora of the Southeastern United States. Experience (in the field and the
herbarium) with the use of dichotomous keys and other plant identification tools. Strong working
knowledge of standard botanical terminology used to describe morphological characters of plants.
Preferred experience in conducting research on the species rank systematics/taxonomy using a diversity
of techniques, including morphology and molecular phylogeny, and writing and publishing papers about those results. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, communicate clearly, and resolve conflicts with clients, consultants, PIs, and other staff. Familiarity with databases and command of Microsoft Office.
*This posting can be accessed directly by applicants: https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/194824.
Applications received until July 9th
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The North Carolina Botanical Garden (NCBG) has been a leader in native plant conservation,
horticulture, and education in the southeastern United States for more than 50 years. As part of The
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, we further the University's tripartite teaching, research, and public service mission through our own mission to inspire understanding, appreciation, and conservation of plants and to advance a sustainable relationship between people and nature. As a garden focused on conserving the biodiversity of southeastern native plants, we recognize that just as biodiversity is critical to a healthy ecosystem, diversity in people and perspectives makes our organization and community stronger. NCBG is committed to creating an environment in our gardens and natural areas where everyone’s voice is heard, and everyone feels safe and welcome.
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