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Postdoctoral Researcher

California Academy of Sciences
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POSITION SUMMARY:   
This Postdoctoral Researcher position reports to the Assistant Curator of Botany within the Institute of Biodiversity Science and Sustainability (IBSS) and will conduct research on the phenomics and genomics of the plant genus Castilleja. The candidate will contribute to general systematic efforts in the group and help to describe the early stages of the speciation process in this taxonomically challenging genus. The candidate will additionally contribute to the development of botanical phenomic, genomic, and bioinformatic resources, as well as the generation of extended specimens at the California Academy of Sciences. Additionally, public outreach and education through in-person and online interactions will be a component of this position and collaboration within IBSS and across the Academy is expected. This is a temporary, two-year position, with the possibility of renewal contingent on research progress and availability of funds.

The position is primarily onsite and can change as business needs warrant. The candidate must easily be able to work onsite in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco when needed. Candidates are required to have up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination, including receiving a booster shot, as a condition of employment, absent qualifying exemptions in accordance with applicable laws. Individuals receiving a conditional offer of employment from the California Academy of Sciences will be provided the full text of the vaccination policy.

ORGANIZATION CULTURE:
Come join a team dedicated to the Academy’s mission, vision and values! Currently, the Academy has a new strategic plan including three initiatives – Hope for Reefs, Thriving California, and Islands 2030 – that leverage biodiversity science, environmental learning, and collaborative engagement to regenerate fragile ecosystems around the world. Learn more at https://www.calacademy.org/about-us/major-initiatives.

We hope you are inspired by what we do and are excited to contribute to our mission. The Academy is looking for candidates who do great work, and we know they may come from a number of different backgrounds and experiences. We encourage you to apply even if you do not believe you meet every ­one of the qualifications for the position.

We are committed to ensuring diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion are intrinsic to Academy culture and operations, from recruitment and retention to science and advocacy. Explore Our Commitment to Racial Equity to learn about our intentional engagement of traditionally excluded groups in an effort to spark interest in or foster pathways to scientific careers.

POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Conduct original, scientific research in collaboration with the Assistant Curator of Botany on the plant genus Castilleja, focusing on systematics and speciation and incorporating evidence from the genome and phenome.
  • Contribute to building the research collections, including amassing genomic and phenomic resources, culminating in the generation of extended specimens.
  • Publish and present results in scientific journals and at national and international meetings, and contribute to grant proposals.
  • Contribute to and participate in educational programs at the Academy, in person and online.
  • Represent the Botany Department, IBSS, and the Academy at internal and external events.
  • Follow all Academy safety regulations with respect to collections, safety, lab protocols, and other institutional guidelines.
  • Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
EXPERIENCE and/or EDUCATION:
A qualified candidate will have a combination of the following experience and/or equivalent education:
  • Doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in a relevant discipline, with all requirements completed by the starting date of the position.
  • Research experience in plant systematics, preferably working within and between closely related species.
  • Experience working in a laboratory environment with proper safety precautions.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
  • Ability to conduct original and creative scientific research in collaboration with the Assistant Curator of Botany.
  • Strong academic record with peer-reviewed publications.
  • Knowledge of and experience with molecular biology, next-generation sequencing procedures, and related bioinformatic tools and programming.
  • Working knowledge of plant diversity and systematics.
  • Interest in science communication/outreach and education.
  • Proven track record of effective collaboration and communication with a wide diversity of stakeholders including scientists, educators, students, youth, and the general public.
  • Ability to travel nationally for several weeks at a time.
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as scientific papers, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
  • Ability to write reports, correspondence, and scientific articles.
  • Ability to speak effectively before groups of individuals.
  • Ability to work as part of a team.
  • Willingness to work efficiently and communicate effectively with staff, cross-functional teams and external individuals from different identities and experiences.
  • Willingness to bring new ideas, create solutions and find efficiencies to transform manual or detailed processes.
  • Generally contribute to a positive, enjoyable work environment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to meet the job’s essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, sit, walk, and communicate on the phone, in person, and online. Must be able to perform repetitive motions 50% of the time and transport 30 lbs. The employee will be required to work in a laboratory, handle chemicals, and comply with safety regulations.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: June 7, 2022 at 5:00 PM. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Please upload a resume and complete the brief online application.
The California Academy of Sciences will give full consideration for employment to all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance (SF Police Code, Article 49).

The California Academy of Sciences is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to ensure that all employees and applicants receive equal consideration and treatment, regardless of race, color, creed, gender (including gender identity or gender expression), religion, marital or domestic partner status, age, place of birth, national origin or ancestry, physical, mental or medical disability, height or weight, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship, military service status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law or local ordinance