[PCA] JOB OPPORTUNITY- PLANT CONSERVATION GENETICS POST-DOCTORAL ASSOCIATE

Fri Jun 17 14:12:39 CDT 2016

PLANT CONSERVATION GENETICS POST-DOCTORAL ASSOCIATE at San Diego Zoo
Global

OVERVIEW

San Diego Zoo Global (SDZG) is seeking an innovative and engaging
scientist to join our team as Plant Conservation Genetics Post-Doctoral
Associate.  Based in the Plant Conservation Division and in
collaboration with the Genetics Division, the Plant Conservation
Genetics Post-doctoral Associate will conduct conservation genetics
research on rare plant species in and around San Diego County using
advanced molecular techniques including next-generation sequencing
approaches.  As part of the SDZG’s vision of leading the fight against
species extinction, potential rare species that may be investigated
include: Acanthomintha ilicifolia, Agave shawii, Ambrosia pumila,
Astragalus magdalenaevar. peirsonii, Brodiaea filifolia, Cercocarpus
traskiae, Chloropyron maritimum ssp. maritimum, Dicranostegia
orcuttiana, Dudleya brevifolia, Fremontodendron mexicanum, and
Navarretia fossalis.  The Plant Conservation Genetics Post-Doctoral
Associate will gain experience in applying advanced plant conservation
genetic methods to real world challenges. Collaborations with local,
state, federal and international partners are an important component of
this work.  The ideal candidate will possess a solid conservation
genetics research background and illustrate proven experience in
analyzing genetic data, publishing results and securing ongoing funding
for her/his research. Additional desirable attributes include experience
with genetics laboratory protocols, including genome sequence data and
bioinformatics, as well as other conservation genetics software and
technology, science communication, and a proven ability to work with
partners with a variety of backgrounds, education and experience. 

This is a full-time, exempt position with full benefits. The Plant
Conservation Genetics Post-Doctoral Associate reports to Dr. John Clark,
SDZG’s Director of Plant Conservation who also serves as President and
Executive Director of the Center for Plant Conservation (CPC) and will
be co-advised by Dr. Oliver Ryder, Director of Genetics and Dr. Joyce
Maschinski, SDZG Sr. Plant Scientist and CPC Director of Science.
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About Plant Conservation at SDZG and the CPC:

San Diego Zoo Global, a world leader in animal conservation, has
recently partnered with the Center for Plant Conservation, the leading
national conservation association of 41 botanical gardens, arboreta, and
other similar organizations working to conserve the most imperiled
plants of the United States, Canada and beyond. Formerly based in St.
Louis, MO, at the Missouri Botanical Garden, the CPC's National
Headquarters has recently been moved to San Diego, CA where it is now
based at the San Diego Zoo Global's Institute for Conservation Research.
Through this unique new collaborative effort, San Diego Zoo Global and
the Center for Plant Conservation have partnered to advance plant
conservation in line with SDZG’s vision to lead the fight against
extinction.

About Rare Plant Species in San Diego County:

Situated in a global biodiversity hotspot, San Diego boasts over 1,500
plant species. Many of these species, including the 50+ regional
endemics and 136 state-ranked rare and threatened species here, would
benefit from strategic conservation planning across their relatively
wide distributions – a process which is challenged by a lack of
understanding of the spatial distribution of the total species’
variation. Efforts to bank seeds, protect populations, or distinguish
species can be facilitated with solid genetic information about these
rare species. 

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Functions:

The Plant Conservation Genetics Post-Doctoral Associate will develop
and oversee conservation genetics research on rare plant species in and
around San Diego County using advanced molecular techniques including
next-generation sequencing approaches, such as
 RadSeq variations.  The
Plant Conservation Genetics Post-Doctoral Associate will provide
technical expertise in the areas of applied conservation genetics
research and will ensure that research collaborations and other
partnerships are built and maintained as part of the overarching mission
of plant conservation. The Plant Conservation Genetics Post-Doctoral
Associate will be required to publish scientific papers and will also
develop research proposals for grants and other sources of funding. 
Meeting grant obligations will be an essential function of the position.
 Good interpersonal skills will facilitate opportunities for the Plant
Conservation Genetics Post-Doctoral Associate to train students, interns
and volunteers as well as help build the collaborative relationships
needed for project success. 

Ancillary Functions:

The Plant Conservation Genetics Post-Doctoral Associate serves in a
professional service capacity for outside conservation organizations and
academic institutions, reviews scientific manuscripts and grant
proposals as part of the scientific community, and performs related
duties and responsibilities as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

The Plant Conservation Genetics Post-Doctoral Associate must have a PhD
in genetics, botany, conservation biology or a related field and a
proven research record of published peer-reviewed papers and grant
awards.  Required skills for the Plant Conservation Genetics
Post-Doctoral Associate include: ability to conduct conservation genetic
research in the laboratory, analyze data and publish results; ability to
develop, administer, and monitor budgets; knowledge of governmental
regulations applicable to plant genetic research and safe handling of
hazardous materials related to research; excellent written and oral
communication skills; expertise in preparing and making oral
presentations; ability to work with others with diverse backgrounds;
proficiency in basic word processing, spreadsheet, database, graphics,
and desktop publishing systems plus expertise in specialized software
for conservation genetics research. 

WORKING CONDITIONS

The Plant Conservation Genetics Post-Doctoral Associate position will
primarily be an office and laboratory position with some periods of
field work with the Plant Conservation team. Work involves possible
exposure to hazardous materials in the laboratory and field including
potentially hazardous chemicals, radiation and biohazardous materials. 
Work will occasionally require the ability to work outdoors in varying
weather conditions, possibly for extended periods. Work may require the
ability to move moderately heavy objects.  Work will require local and
possibly international travel to collect specimens.

To apply:

Please go to
https://www.hrapply.com/sandiegozoo/AppJobView.jsp?link=7419&page=AppJobList.jsp&skimSessionName=com.hrlogix.view.cont.table.cs.req.JobListTable&skimName=requisition.requisition_id&skimNdx=0&op=reset

To expedite your application, please also send 1) a one page cover
letter, 2) your CV, and 3) up to three PDFs of your most relevant
publications or examples of work, to John R. Clark, Director of Plant
Conservation, San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research,
jclark at sandiegozoo.org

Deadline for applications is July 17, 2016, but will be extended until
the ideal candidate is found.  

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