OUR GARDEN - EMPLOYMENT

Assistant Scientist, and PotashCorp Fellow in Soil Science

PURPOSE: Develop and conduct a program in soil science, soil ecology or ecosystems research to serve the institutional needs of the Chicago Botanic Garden. Advance the prominence and visibility of the Garden's science program.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Develop and conduct a strong quantitative research program in the soil or ecosystem sciences that is relevant to issues in plant conservation and habitat restoration.

2. Teach Ecosystem Ecology and develop and teach a specialty course in the soil or ecosystem sciences at the graduate and upper undergraduate level in support of the Garden's joint programs with Northwestern University.

3. Assist in developing and conducting educational programs, symposia, Garden tours, lectures, seminars, and media releases relating to the soil or environmental sciences.

4. Develop funding proposals and execute research projects that provide financial support for the Garden's research and management programs.

5. Mentor undergraduate and graduate students in research projects.

6. Disseminate research results through lectures, publications in refereed and technical journals, the popular press and media contacts, and presentations at professional meetings.

7. Serve on committees and panels that contribute to the development of excellence in science at the Garden.

DEPARTMENT: Plant Biology and Conservation

REPORTS TO: Manager, Soil Sciences Program, Louise Egerton-Warburton

SUPERVISES: Volunteers, undergraduate student, graduate students, research assistants

COOPERATIVE RELATIONSHIPS:
Chicago Botanic Garden: Horticulture, Maintenance, Security, Construction, Collections

NU: WCAS, Civil & Environmental Engineering, Earth Sciences UIC, University of Chicago

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Please submit curriculum vitae, description of current and projected research, summary of teaching interests and experience, and up to three publications to Soil Science Search Committee Chair Dr. Louise Egerton-Warburton, Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, IL 60022.

Applicants should also ask three references to send recommendation letters via e-mail to lwarburton@chicagobotanic.org, followed by signed copies directly to the Soil Science Search Committee at the above address.

Closing Date: all application materials, including letters of recommendation, must be received by March 14, 2008, to assure full consideration.

Starting Date: 1 August 2008 (or as soon thereafter as possible). Applications from women and minority candidates are encouraged.

POSTION REQUIREMENTS:
Essential: 1. Minimum requirement of a Ph.D. in environmental science, earth sciences, biology, soil science, ecology, microbiology, nematology, or similar, and three years experience directly related to the position.

2. Capacity for independent research. Evidence of using state-of-the-art analysis approaches.

3. Evidence of recent teaching experience.

4. Evidence of a strong or promising publication record.

Desired: Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.