Postdoctoral Fellow, Biodiversity Data, Herbarium

Summary:
The Missouri Botanical Garden (MBG) seeks to hire a full-time Postdoctoral Fellow to work in the lab of Dr. Matthew Austin on a project investigating how hyperspectral scans of Herbarium specimens can be used for taxonomic identification and trait prediction. The candidate will (1) collect hyperspectral data from taxonomically diverse Herbarium specimens, (2) use machine learning to analyze the resolution of taxonomic identification and accuracy of trait prediction that can be achieved with hyperspectral data, (3) prepare and submit manuscripts for publication, and (4) assist MBG scientists with other research-related activities, including mentoring of students and technicians, participating in outreach events and workshops, and presenting research lectures. This person will also have the opportunity to explore other novel applications of hyperspectral data in the biodiversity sciences.

This position is part of MBG’s Revolutionizing Species Identification (RSI) project. The RSI project – made possible by an anonymous $14.4 million grant – is digitizing MBG’s entire herbarium (of nearly 8 million specimens) and is harnessing specimen data to develop new technology to automatically identify herbarium specimens. The successful candidate will work closely with MBG scientists and colleagues to carry out this groundbreaking initiative.

The position will be based in St. Louis, which is home to a collaborative community of ecologists, evolutionary biologists, and data scientists that interact through partnerships among MBG, Washington University in St. Louis, the University of Missouri – St. Louis, Saint Louis University, and other area institutions. This position is based in the Herbarium, a department within MBG’s Science and Conservation Division, which manages MBG’s world-class Herbarium and conducts specimen-based research in the furtherance of biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration.

Candidates should have completed a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Botany, Data/Computer Science, or a related field before the start date. The ideal candidate will have prior experience in several of the following: herbarium research, bioinformatics, spectroscopy, plant phenotyping, machine learning, and statistical analysis of biodiversity data.

Candidates should submit the following in a single PDF file: (1) CV, (2) cover letter, and (3) contact information for three referees.

Review of applications will begin March 17, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled. Ideal start date is June 2, 2025, but start date is negotiable. The term for this position will be up to 3 years, with renewal in the first and second years contingent on satisfactory performance. Salary will be commensurate with experience, and this position includes a comprehensive benefits package.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Takes a leadership role in implementing a research project involving collecting hyperspectral data from herbarium specimens and analyzing the resolution of taxonomic identification and accuracy of trait prediction that can be achieved with hyperspectral data.
• Uses machine learning techniques to analyze hyperspectral data.
• Communicates research findings by leading manuscript preparation and delivering professional and public lectures, as requested.
• Fosters strong relationships with collaborators and partner organizations.
• May provide leadership, direction, and training to graduate and undergraduate students, data processors, interns and volunteers.
• Reviews scientific papers and grant proposals as requested.
• Demonstrates highest level of professional and ethical conduct.
• Ensures that all applicable safety standards are followed; informs employees/students/volunteers of safety guidelines, methods to reduce hazards.
• Reports all accidents, injuries and near-miss accidents immediately.
• Follows and adheres to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies.
• Behaves and communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork and cooperation, within our division and throughout the Garden, with co-workers, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and employees.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position may lead and direct graduate and undergraduate students, data processors, interns and volunteers.

Core Competencies
• Communication – Listens to others and asks questions for clarification; Writes clearly and presents information accurately; Speaks professionally and responds well to questions; Supports positive visitor relations.
• Collaboration – Demonstrates teamwork and promotes respect in the workplace; Engages in problem solving and group initiatives; Cooperates i