John Otto Haas Molecular Ecologist

This is a newly endowed position at Morris Arboretum & Gardens focused on molecular ecology research.

About the role

The John Otto Haas Molecular Ecologist will conduct research integrating fieldwork and herbarium collections with resources from the Plant Science Laboratory. The role involves using molecular tools to investigate:

• Evolutionary patterns (e.g., conservation genetics, functional genomics)
• Spatial dynamics (e.g., landscape genetics, phylogeography)
• Community-scale processes or composition, such as plant-animal interactions, relationships within the plant microbiome, and/or metagenomics/eDNA

The successful candidate will disseminate research through publications and presentations.

Responsibilities

• Provide expertise and departmental support in bioinformatics and analytical computing, with a preference for active enthusiasm for departmental collaborations
• Actively pursue independent funding through grant proposals and strategic partnerships
• Engage with diverse audiences to educate students and the public by teaching courses at the University of Pennsylvania and Morris Arboretum & Gardens
• Mentor students, apprentices, interns, and volunteers
• Collaborate with professional colleagues and the public, working closely with staff in the Plant Science Department and other departments at Morris