Scientist , William L. Brown Center

Summary

The scientist will lead a research theme within the William L. Brown Center on plants for food, including agrobiodiversity, crop wild relatives and wild utilized plants, and their role in global food security. Building on background in agrobiodiversity, ethnobotany, plant systematics, taxonomy, or related field(s), the scientist will leverage MBG's strengths and build new initiatives to advance science in support of the WLBC mission to understand the relationships between humans, plants, and their environment.

They will take a leadership role in developing and directing a program of studies of important food plant species, including cultivated, crop wild relative, and edible species, and may use field studies, geographic comparisons, monographic, morphological and/or molecular approaches to address questions related to the analysis, maintenance and future trajectories of food plant diversity. They will have the ability to attract funding and to conduct strategically aligned projects with significant independence.

They will have at least some understanding of botanical garden collections and interest in producing knowledge that addresses societal challenges, including engagement with policy and local and Indigenous communities.

• Assume a leadership role in developing and executing research projects that advance ethnobotanical science and the understanding of plants for food; drawing upon expertise and collections of WLBC and the Garden.
• Publish research results in high‑quality peer‑reviewed journals and other publications.
• Share research findings at scientific meetings and with the public through talks and other outreach initiatives.
• Support colleagues and students in the development and execution of collaborative research projects.
• Identify funding sources and write competitive grant proposals.
• Manage funded projects including budget oversight and supervision of support staff, contractors, or volunteers as necessary.
• Provide mentorship to undergraduate, Master's, Ph.D. students, interns, volunteers, and Post‑Doctoral Fellows.
• Collaborate with other Departments and Divisions within MBG such as Conservation, Restoration and Sustainability and Education.
• Foster external collaborations and partnerships to enhance MBG’s William L. Brown Center.
• Serve on scientific panels, committees or academic society leadership as needed.
• Represent WLBC and MBG at scientific and non‑scientific meetings, events, and outreach activities.
• Engage with diverse local and Indigenous community members and decision makers as necessary to develop programs and inform policy.
• Prepare detailed reports on projects for internal and external stakeholders.
• Review and contribute to various documents including grant proposals and journal articles.
• Adhere to MBG's guidelines for budgets, contracts, agreements, and projects.
• Follow and adhere to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies.
• Behave and communicate in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork, cooperation, and respect within our division and throughout the Garden with all employees, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and others.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

This position supervises 1 to 2 Research Specialists. May provide guidance to junior staff for their career development. They will also provide direction and training to undergraduate students, graduate students and/or postdoctoral fellows.

• Communication – Listens to others and asks questions for clarification; writes clearly and presents information accurately; speaks professionally and responds well to questions; supports positive visitor relations.
• Collaboration – Demonstrates teamwork and promotes respect in the workplace; engages in problem solving and group initiatives; cooperates in implementing procedures and process improvements; strives for positive visitor experiences.
• Accountability – Demonstrates commitment to responsibilities and adaptable to changes; effectively prioritizes, troubleshoots and takes appropriate…