Curator of Plants & Sustainability

Curator of Plants & Sustainability Overview

Plants are essential to life on Earth, providing the oxygen and food on which all life depends. Plants are the foundation of the world’s biodiversity—and form a Kingdom of more than 250,000 species that define and sustain ecosystems and regulate the planet’s climate. Plants serve as indicators of the effects of global change on Earth’s ecosystems and are essential to life sustainability.

Plants and plant-derived products have been fundamental to the development of human societies and cultures, providing housing, clothing, food, and medicine, as well as aesthetic pleasure and inspiration to all peoples.

ROM seeks an innovative and collaborative Curator to build, research, interpret, and share the Museum’s plants collection and to be an engaging spokesperson for the importance of green plants, including vascular plants, pteridophytes, bryophytes, and algae. The Curator of Plants will initiate and develop transdisciplinary exhibitions and public programs, build a strong museum‑based research program, collaborate with academic institutions (such as the University of Toronto), community groups and stakeholders, and demonstrate exceptional leadership, listening, and communication skills.

Recognizing multiple voices and types of authority, the position will encourage and educate the public at all levels of interest, as well as train the next generation of plant biologists. The Curator will conduct conceptually driven, collection‑based research in botanical systematics, ecology, and evolution in the context of plant conservation and plants’ role in sustainability and human society. The candidate’s collection‑based research program will integrate into the highly collaborative and interdisciplinary research of ROM’s Department of Natural History and complement the Museum’s art and cultural disciplines.

The successful candidate will be an accomplished practicing scientist who has embarked on a successful career, has a high level of academic achievement for their career stage, and who is deeply interested in having a strong public‑facing role. An equivalent in relevant experience, research, exhibitions and/or publications will be considered.

There may be opportunities for university cross‑appointment (including at the University of Toronto) as well as eligibility for Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) funding in support of research.

Exceptional early career and mid‑career scientists are encouraged to apply.

• A Ph.D. or equivalent in plant systematics, plant ecology, or plant conservation biology, and well versed in plant taxonomy and phylogenetics. Knowledge of methods for analyzing DNA, morphological datasets, phylogenomics, comparative genomics, palaeobotany, evolutionary biology, and historical biogeography are considered assets.
• At least one year of postdoctoral or equivalent experience within a large transdisciplinary museum, university, NGO or government department, or a related environment, including working with internal and external stakeholders and partners.
• Experience proposing and developing museum exhibitions and public programs, or a strong interest in doing so.
• Interest in science communication and outreach, and eager to engage with the public; a strong public speaker.
• Experience collaborating with Indigenous communities, lived Indigenous experience, international experience, and cross‑cultural experience are assets.
• A record of original research and peer‑reviewed publications or catalogues and eligibility for university cross‑appointment.

• Passionately engage the public, fostering understanding and dialogue on the importance of plants as fundamental to the well‑being and long‑term sustainability of humankind.
• Promote and facilitate scientific and public access to ROM’s extraordinary Green Plant Collection.
• Establish a vision and ten‑year plan for continuing to develop ROM’s Green Plant Collection.
• Create impactful programs, panels, and publications that engage both experts and broad audiences, and enhance recognition of the central role plants play in…