Eli Kirk Price Plant Science Apprentice

About the role

The Eli Kirk Price Plant Science Apprentice is a joint position between Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania and The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. This apprenticeship provides training in managing both physical and digital herbarium collections, as well as experience in botanical research conducted in the field, laboratory, and herbarium settings.

Qualifications/Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Botany, Biology, or a related field, with coursework in botany required.
• Demonstrated commitment to pursuing a professional career in botany.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Self-motivated, reliable, and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Able to adapt to varied work settings and responsibilities.
• Candidates should demonstrate intellectual curiosity, familiarity with primary scientific literature, and interest in data analysis and scientific writing.
• Prior experience in molecular techniques is desirable, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in managing botanical specimens in the nationally significant PH Herbarium at the Academy of Natural Sciences, including filing, repairing, imaging, and annotating specimens.
• Participate in ongoing botanical research activities within the Morris Arboretum Plant Science Department, which may include field work, laboratory research, data analysis, and herbarium-based work.
• Contribute to herbarium work in the Herbarium of Morris Arboretum (MOAR) and virtual platforms such as the Mid-Atlantic Herbaria Consortium Portal.
• Follow established safety protocols and best practices in laboratory, field, and collections-based environments.
• Perform additional duties as assigned in support of research and collections management activities.

Benefits

This apprenticeship program is designed for post-baccalaureates who have already committed to a professional career in botany.

Pay

Details on pay are not specified in the job posting.

Schedule

Work time is divided between Morris Arboretum Plant Science Department (3 days per week), and Botany Department at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University (2 days per week).