Eli Kirk Price Plant Science Apprentice

International Association for Plant Taxonomy; Indiana (PA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA, offers the Eli Kirk Price Plant Science Apprentice, a joint program with the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. The apprenticeship trains in managing herbarium collections and conducting botanical research in field, lab, and herbarium settings.

The program targets post-baccalaureates pursuing a professional botany career, with time split between Morris Arboretum (3 days/week) and the Drexel Academy

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Botany or Biology with coursework in botany.
• Demonstrated commitment to pursuing a professional career in botany.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Self-motivated, reliable, and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to adapt to varied work settings and responsibilities.
• Familiarity with primary scientific literature and interest in data analysis and scientific writing.
• Prior experience in molecular techniques is desirable but not required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in managing botanical specimens in the PH Herbarium at the Academy of Natural Sciences, including filing, repairing, imaging, and annotating specimens.
• Participate in ongoing botanical research activities within Morris Arboretum Plant Science Department, including field work, lab research, data analysis, and herbarium work.
• Contribute to herbarium work in MOAR and the Mid-Atlantic Herbaria Consortium Portal.
• Follow established safety protocols in lab, field, and collections-based environments.
• Perform additional duties in support of research and collections management.

Skills

Attention to detail

Independent work

Adaptability

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Literature familiarity

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Botany/Biology

Job description

The Eli Kirk Price Plant Science Apprentice is a joint position between Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania and The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. This apprenticeship provides training in managing both physical and digital herbarium collections, as well as and experience in botanical research conducted in the field, laboratory, and herbarium settings. This apprenticeship program is designed for post-baccalaureates who have already committed to a professional career in botany. Work time is divided between Morris Arboretum Plant Science Department (3 days per week), and Botany Department at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University (2 days per week). Laboratory work may include molecular research related to phylogenetic or population genetic studies.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

• ​Bachelor’s degree in Botany, Biology, or a related field, with coursework in botany required.
• Demonstrated commitment to pursuing a professional career in botany.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Self-motivated, reliable, and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to adapt to varied work settings and responsibilities.
• Candidates should demonstrate intellectual curiosity, familiarity with primary scientific literature, and interest in data analysis and scientific writing.
• Prior experience in molecular techniques is desirable, but not required.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in managing botanical specimens in the nationally significant PH Herbarium at the Academy of Natural Sciences, including filing, repairing, imaging, and annotating specimens.
• Participate in ongoing botanical research activities within the Morris Arboretum Plant Science Department, which may include field work, laboratory research, data analysis, and herbarium-based work.
• Contribute to herbarium work in the Herbarium of Morris Arboretum (MOAR) and virtual platforms such as the Mid-Atlantic Herbaria Consortium Portal.
• Follow established safety protocols and best practices in laboratory, field, and collections-based environments.
• Perform additional duties as assigned in support of research and collections management activities.

University of Pennsylvania's Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination Statement: The University of Pennsylvania seeks talented students, faculty and staff with a wide variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. The University of Pennsylvania does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any other class protected under applicable federal, state or local law in the administration of its admissions, financial aid, educational or athletic programs, or other University-administered programs or in its employment practices. Questions or complaints regarding this policy should be directed to the Executive Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity Programs; Franklin Building, 3451 Walnut Street, Suite 421, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6106; or [phone] (Voice).

Closing Date: Mar 13, 2026