Plant Science Apprentice: Field, Lab & Herbarium Research

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

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