Summary: The Krukoff Scientist will be responsible for conducting botanical research in the Africa and Madagascar Department, Science and Conservation Division. This will include systematic research on various flowering plant groups, focusing on tropical Africa and/or Madagascar, and will involve a diversity of approaches, including field and herbarium studies as well as one or more analytical methods (e.g., phylogenetics, biogeography, conservation analysis, etc.). It will also include participation in the Garden's broader Africa programs and active involvement in the World Flora Online. The Krukoff Scientist will be expected to pursue funding both for individual research and for programmatic activities, and to participate in and contribute to training and mentoring of students and collaborators, both in St. Louis and Africa.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct significant, original systematic research on flowering plant groups in tropical continental Africa and/or Madagascar using a diversity of approaches and methods.
• Publish research results in appropriate journals and by other suitable methods of dissemination (e.g., books, internet sites, etc.)
• Develop and carry out an active field research program in tropical continental Africa
• Participate in and contribute to the Garden's programs in West, Central and East Africa and Madagascar, including planning, implementation, training and capacity building, and fund-raising
• Contribute to the management and curation of the Garden's collections from Africa and Madagascar
• Contribute to the strategic objectives of the Garden, Division and the Africa and Madagascar Department.
• Contribute to the World Flora Online as well as African floras (e.g., Flore du Gabon and Flore d'Afrique Centrale) by providing content and treatments of selected groups
• Conduct conservation analyses of African species, sites and/or ecosystems, including in collaboration with other MBG scientists, including by serving as a Red List Assessor to lead and conduct risk of extinction assessments as well as train and mentor collaborators
• Prepare and submit proposals to secure external funding for research projects, training and mentoring, and other activities
• Manage and oversee funded projects, including technical and financial oversight and coordination
• Review manuscripts and grant proposals; provide editorial input for scientific journals, including Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden and Novon
• Prepare and review institutional reports, publicity materials and information for the general public, as requested
• Participate in scientific meetings and deliver lectures to professional organizations
• Give tours and lectures to Garden members and the general public, as requested
• Play an active role in the Garden's partnerships with local universities (Washington University, University of Missouri, St. Louis, and St. Louis University) to mentor graduate students, including participation on graduate committees
• Attract new scientific collaborators and develop partnerships with US and international colleagues and organizations leading to the establishment of projects and cooperative agreements for strengthening science, training and conservation programs, as appropriate
• Serve on scientific panels/committees and provide professional expertise, as requested
• Provide leadership and direction to staff, including hiring, training, development and supervision of staff and volunteers
• Ensure that all applicable safety standards are followed; inform employees/students/volunteers of safety guidelines, methods to reduce hazards. Report all accidents, injuries and near-miss accidents immediately.
• Follows and adheres to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies.
• Behaves and communicates in ways that foster a culture of teamwork and collaboration, both within the Division and throughout the Garden, among colleagues, managers, volunteers, visitors, and other staff members.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position may 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.
• Leadership - Incorporates a cluster of knowledge, skills and abilities required for management of people, budgets and assigned business functions/operations

Qualifications/Experience:

• Minimum two (2+) years' experience of in plant systematics.
• Extensive prior experience writing scientific papers and reports.
• Strong familiarity with the publishing process, scientific literature and library facilities.
• Strong familiarity with the collection and use of herbarium specimens.
• Demonstrated and successful experience in grant research and writing required.
• Experience in conducting field work in tropical conditions; Willingness and flexibility to conduct field work.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the botanical community and current research trends.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; professional, speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; is tactful and treats others with respect.
• Able to travel up to 25% of the time (domestic and international).

• Scheduling flexibility is required to work evenings, weekends, or holidays as needed.
• The Garden is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our employees, volunteers and guests. All staff are strongly encouraged to receiveall vaccinationsas recommended by your healthcareprovider prior to hire date.The Garden reserves the right to require future proof of current vaccination status, based onlocalhealth department guidelines. When international travel is necessary for Garden business, staff must be able to obtainrequired travel clearances, driving permits, andvaccinationsfor all countries where travel is required.
• The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.

Education:

• Ph.D. required.
• An equivalent combination of education, skills and experience may be considered.

Other Skills and Abilities: N/A

Language Skills: Ability to communicate effectively in English (oral/written); fluency in French highly desirable.

Mathematical Skills:

• Proficient College Math Aptitude - Ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; calculate percentages and decimals, etc.
• Ability to understand, analyze and create budgets.

Reasoning Ability:

• Requires ability to conduct independent research and to participate actively 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.

Computer Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in navigating through various PC applications including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite (i.e., PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Outlook).
• Experience in database management.
• Solid Internet research skills.
• Ability to use e-mail to communicate with Garden staff in order to answer questions and service their needs.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Must possess valid driver's license prior to employment.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a passport for international travel.
• Must be able to obtain visas, vaccinations and immunizations for all countries where travel is required.
• Must be able to obtain all necessary permits for botanical fieldwork and represent the Garden in a legal and ethical manner in all interactions with natural resources.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to utilize computer keyboard (typing) and sit for extended periods of the work day.
• Operates copier, printer, fax, and computer.
• Ability to walk about facility frequently throughout work day, and sit for extended periods of the work day (may sit up to 50% of work day).
• Ability to travel independently for long periods on airplanes, trains and other conveyances both domestic and international.
• Ability to walk, stand, kneel, or climb as required and move about for extended periods of time.
• Physical fitness necessary for field studies involving multi-week hikes/rides/camping in difficult terrain.
• May be required to perform tasks at varying heights and at high altitudes.
• Ability to understand field safety requirements and wear personal protective equipment, as needed.
• Ability to work in extreme weather conditions.
• May require working long hours to meet deadlines.

Work Environment:

• Office and laboratory environment in St. Louis or in Europe; overseas assignments, including in developing countries and/or in remote and rugged regions.
• Outdoor setting; ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions (i.e., in temperatures over 100F as well as temperatures below 0F, in rain, snow and other inclement weather conditions as needed).
• Comfortable working in immediate proximity to general public, in a safe and friendly manner, answering questions.

• Missouri Botanical Garden, 2345 Tower Grove Ave., St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America