John Otto Haas Molecular Ecologist

Botanical Society of America; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania invites applications for a John Otto Haas Molecular Ecologist to conduct advanced research at the Plant Science Laboratory, integrating fieldwork, herbarium collections, and living collections. The role emphasizes molecular tools to study evolutionary patterns, landscape genetics, and community processes.

Successful candidates will publish, pursue funding, mentor students, and contribute to teaching and outreach across Penn and the

Qualifications

• PhD in Botany, Ecology, Biology, or an equivalent doctoral degree.
• Strong analytical skills, including experience with bioinformatics and applied statistics.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication and collaboration.
• Mentor/supervise interns and students; demonstrated teaching experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead research in Plant Molecular Ecology integrating fieldwork and herbarium resources.
• Develop and manage research projects including planning, fieldwork, and lab work.
• Disseminate findings through peer‑reviewed publications and conferences.
• Provide bioinformatics and analytical computing support to colleagues; pursue independent funding.
• Teach courses at Penn and Morris Arboretum and engage in outreach.

Skills

Bioinformatics

Analytical statistics

Communication

Teaching/mentoring

Grant writing

Education

PhD in Botany/Ecology/Biology

Tools

Bioinformatics tools

Job description

Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania

The newly endowed John Otto Haas Molecular Ecologist will conduct research at Morris Arboretum & Gardens with a focus on techniques that integrate fieldwork and herbarium collections with resources from the Plant Science Laboratory. The successful candidate will use molecular tools to investigate evolutionary patterns (e.g., conservation genetics, functional genomics), spatial dynamics (e.g., landscape genetics, phylogeography), and/or community-scale processes or community composition, such as plant‑animal interactions, relationships within the plant microbiome, and/or metagenomics/eDNA. The candidate will disseminate research through publications and presentations, provide expertise and departmental support in bioinformatics and analytical computing, pursue independent funding through grant proposals and strategic partnerships, and engage with diverse audiences to educate students and the public through teaching, mentorship, and outreach.

Qualifications and Requirements

• A Ph.D. in Botany, Ecology, Biology, or an equivalent doctoral degree.
• 1 to 2 years of related experience, including postdoctoral research or other professional work experience.
• Experience in planning and conducting research, as demonstrated through a strong record of publishing and successful acquisition of grant funding.
• Strong analytical skills, including experience with bioinformatics and applied statistics.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues on analyses, research, outreach, and teaching projects.
• A demonstrated ability to mentor/supervise interns and students, and demonstrated teaching experience.
• Some travel may be required.
• A PA Driver’s License is required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in Plant Molecular Ecology that incorporates fieldwork, herbarium and living collections, and resources in our new Plant Science Laboratory.
• Lead the development of research projects including planning, scheduling, fieldwork, and laboratory work.
• Disseminate research findings in peer‑reviewed scientific literature and other professional and popular journals.
• Present and share research findings at conferences, seminars, and other professional and general audience events.
• Provide assistance and expertise to departmental colleagues in support of bioinformatics and analytical computing research needs.
• Seek independent funding for research projects.
• Teach courses at Penn and Morris Arboretum and Gardens.
• Engage in outreach through professional societies, collaborative networks, and partnerships.
• Mentor and supervise students, interns, volunteers, and apprentices.
• Engage with professional colleagues and the general public.
• Work with staff at Morris to advance our institutional mission.