• Job Description

  Req#: 32439615880

  Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, California, United States

  Position Type: Permanent Position

  Application Review Begins: Monday, April 21, 2025

  Application Deadline: Tuesday, April 21, 2026

  Institution: Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

  Department/Division: Conservation and Research

  General Information: The Tucker Lichenologist is an endowed research scientist and curatorial position primarily responsible for performing lichenological research and curation in support of the Garden's mission. With ca. 55,000 specimens, the lichenarium is the second largest in California and the fourth largest west of the Mississippi River. The Tucker Lichenologist will curate this important collection, serve as a regional lichen expert for western North America, and fund an independent research program focusing on lichen biodiversity, taxonomy, systematics, and/or ecology. This position will also partner with other scientists at the Garden on projects, and may assist with curatorial duties shared with the Clifton Smith Herbarium (SBBG). Comprising an estimated 165,000 specimens of bryophytes, ferns, and seed plants, the herbarium contains important regional collections centering on the Central Coast as well as the California Channel Islands. This full time (40 hours per week), exempt position reports to the Ken and Shirley Tucker Plant Systematist.

  Qualifications/Requirements: You will definitely need a Ph.D. in biology with a demonstrated focus on lichenology preferred; Expert knowledge of North American lichens; experience in western North America preferred; Expert knowledge of one or more of the following areas: molecular phylogenetics, population genetics, lichen ecology, geographic information systems, species distribution modeling; Working knowledge of lichen taxonomy and systematics; Experience working with natural history collections; Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and expertise in database management; Excellent organizational skills, time management skills and written and verbal communication skills

  Responsibilities: Office Duties
  • Develop and maintain an externally funded research program focusing on the taxonomy, systematics, or ecology of lichens, as appropriate for the expertise of the lichenologist
  • Develop and maintain a current and in-depth knowledge of the lichens of western North America, with an emphasis on California, serving as a lichenological resource for the Garden as well as for other organizations and individuals in the area
  • Supervise staff and volunteers, as necessary
  
  Laboratory Duties
  • Conduct other original scientific research appropriate to the Garden's mission
  • Curate the lichenarium by leading day-to-day operations, managing the lichen database, responding in a timely manner to lichen loan requests, interfacing with herbarium users to provide access, seeking funding for long-term collections-related development projects in collaboration with other Garden staff, coordinating with country-wide lichen herbarium planning efforts through the Consortium of North American Lichen Herbaria, and promoting the lichenarium as an invaluable resource to scientists and the local community
  
  Education and Outreach
  • Collaborate with other Garden staff and research associates on research projects, as necessary
  • Disseminate original research findings through formal presentations at scientific conferences and papers in thematically appropriate peer-reviewed scientific journals
  • Work collaboratively and build relationships with Garden staff, volunteers, and members of the public to enhance knowledge of California lichens and to foster an understanding of the value of the natural history collections at the Garden; activities may include leading appropriate training sessions, participating in education and public outreach programs, giving lectures, and teaching classes related to plant systematics and/or herbarium curation
  • Disseminate timely information, in collaboration with Garden publicity staff as necessary, including professional meetings, website and social media postings, and news releases
  • Participate in joint projects with others on the Conservation and Research team (in fee-based consulting projects)
  • Provide periodic presentations to the general public in partnership with our education staff as well as other organizations

  Application Instructions (submission methods, etc.): Please apply on our website using this link: Applications should include a curriculum vitae, a cover letter detailing your interest in the position and relevant qualifications, and a writing sample (e.g., a peer reviewed publication, report or other product).

  Compensation Range: $68,640 to $91,520 annually

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• About the company

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