University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

John Otto Haas Molecular Ecologist; Morris Arboretum & Gardens

Job Profile Title

Manager Research Project B

Job Description Summary

The John Otto Haas Molecular Ecologist will conduct research at Morris Arboretum & Gardens with a focus on techniques that integrate fieldwork and herbarium collections with resources from the Plant Science Laboratory. The successful candidate will use molecular tools to investigate evolutionary patterns (e.g., conservation genetics, functional genomics), spatial dynamics (e.g., landscape genetics, phylogeography), and/or community-scale processes or community composition, such as plant-animal interactions, relationships within the plant microbiome, and/or metagenomics/eDNA. Will disseminate research through publications and presentations. Must be able to provide expertise and departmental support in bioinformatics and analytical computing, preferably with an active enthusiasm for departmental collaborations. Will actively pursue independent funding through grant proposals and strategic partnerships. Will engage with diverse audiences to educate students and the public by teaching courses at University of Pennsylvania, at Morris, and through the mentorship of students, apprentices, interns, and volunteers. Will engage with professional colleagues and members of the public and work closely with staff in the Plant Science Department and other departments at Morris.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities:

• Conduct research in Plant Molecular Ecology that incorporates fieldwork, herbarium and living collections, and resources in our new Plant Science Laboratory.

• Lead the development of research projects including, but not limited to: planning, scheduling, fieldwork, and laboratory work. 

• Disseminate research findings in peer-reviewed scientific literature and other professional and popular journals.

• Present and share research findings at conferences, through seminars, and other professional and general audience events.

• Provide assistance and expertise to departmental colleagues in support of bioinformatics and analytical computing research needs.

• Seek independent funding for research projects.

• Teach courses at Penn and Morris Arboretum and Gardens.

• Engage in other opportunities for outreach through professional societies, collaborative networks and partnerships. 

• Mentor and supervise students, interns, volunteers, and apprentices. 

• Engage with professional colleagues and the general public.

• Work with staff at Morris to advance our institutional mission. 

Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in Botany, Ecology, Biology, or equivalent doctoral degree. 

• 1 to 2 years of related experience, including but not limited to postdoctoral research or other professional work experience.

• Experience in planning and conducting research, as demonstrated through a strong record of publishing and successful acquisition of grant funding. 

• Strong analytical skills are required, including experience with bioinformatics and applied statistics.

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills and be able to collaborate effectively with colleagues on analyses, research, outreach, and teaching projects. 

• A demonstrated ability to mentor/supervise interns/students is desired as well as demonstrated teaching experience.  

• Some travel may be required. 

• A PA Driver’s License is required.  

**In addition to uploading your resume, candidates who apply should also upload a cover letter, updated curriculum vitae and research statement.**

About the Division of Business Services:

The Business Services Division (BSD) supports the individual and collective needs of the Penn community by promoting a hospitable, customer-friendly campus environment and providing mission-critical services and essential operations. BSD is dedicated to delivering high-quality service in a fiscally responsible manner. Currently, the Division focuses on three major initiatives:

• Revenue growth and retention through improved marketing efforts, extended services, and the development of new distribution channels.

• Driving productivity for the Division and its customers through the better use of technology.

• Enhancing service offerings through upgrades and expansions of facilities.

For more information about the Division of Business Services, visit: https://www.business-services.upenn.edu/

About Morris Arboretum & Gardens:

Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania inspires an understanding of the relationship between plants and people through education, research, and horticultural displays. Located in the Northwest section of Philadelphia, Morris Arboretum is a destination for plant enthusiasts and is home to a collection of more than 13,000 woody plants. The Arboretum also hosts special and educational events, serving as a vital part of Penn and a hub for botany, horticulture, and urban forestry.

For more information about Morris Arboretum & Gardens, visit: https://www.morrisarboretum.org/

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Morris Arboretum

Pay Range

$67,155.00 - $95,000.00 Annual Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements 
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

• Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.

• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

• Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.

• Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.

• Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.

• Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.

• University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.

• Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.

• Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.

• Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.

• Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

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To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay