Archbold Biological Station (Venus, Florida, USA) www.archbold-station.org is seeking an
accomplished scientist for the position of Program Director in Plant Ecology, to be hired at the
level of Assistant or Associate Research Biologist. This is a long-term, ongoing position with a
competitive salary and excellent benefits. Anticipated start date is May-June 2021.
The primary goal of this position is to conduct high-quality research in plant ecology. The
successful candidate may work at the population, community, or ecosystem levels. Research
areas that intersect with plant ecology, such as plant-animal interactions, would also be
appropriate. The research should be original but also take advantage of long-term research
projects and datasets in Archbold’s Plant Ecology Program (www.archbold-
station.org/html/research/plant/plant.html). Archbold research programs benefit from core support in the form of data management, a GIS lab, a range of typical field station laboratory
facilities, field vehicles, and natural history collections.
The successful candidate’s research will relate to at least one of Archbold Biological Station’s
strategic priorities, which include conservation of biological diversity, maintaining and restoring
ecosystem processes, anticipating climate change, enhancing land management, and addressing
invasive species and emerging diseases (www.archbold-
station.org/documents/development/Archbold_Strategic_Priorities.pdf).
Archbold Biological Station is located on the endemic-rich Lake Wales Ridge and scientists have
extensive and meaningful interactions with conservationists and land managers regionally and
statewide. We expect the new Plant Ecologist will have applied interests in conservation and
land management and be able to take advantage of new challenges in plant conservation.
Considering Archbold’s prominence as a center for fire ecology and use of prescribed fire as a
conservation tool, fire ecology is a major focus of many historical and ongoing investigations in
plant ecology. Land management practices, including prescribed fire, invasive species
management, and habitat restoration, provide a rich framework for experimental applied
research. The new Plant Ecologist will join five other research program directors, in
Agroecology, Avian Ecology, Entomology (Emeritus), Predator-Prey, and Restoration
Ecology/Herpetology, allowing many opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration.
The Plant Ecologist will have the opportunity to work with Archbold’s education program,
including mentoring visiting graduate students, building on our world-class post-baccalaureate
research intern program, conducting public outreach, and supporting K-12 education. The
successful candidate will also contribute to Archbold’s goals of fostering human diversity and
opportunities for all.
The Plant Ecologist is responsible for maintaining and expanding our herbarium, plant species
lists, and relevant information on our website. The Plant Ecologist is the point person and host
for research concerning plant ecology at the Station and general visitation concerning native
plants.
Once established in the position, the Program Director is responsible for seeking grant funding,
either individually or via collaborations, to cover up to 2 months of their annual salary and to
enhance support for research assistants and interns working in the program.
Archbold Biological Station
Archbold manages ~20,000 acres of natural laboratories: 1) the main Station is a 5,200-acre
pristine Florida scrub preserve, 2) the Archbold Reserve is a diverse 3,600-acre landscape of
grazing land and restored habitats, 3) Archbold’s Buck Island Ranch is a 10,500-acre working
cattle ranch. Archbold is a medium-sized, independent research station located in a rural area
of south-central Florida, about two hours from either coast and major cities such as Orlando,
Tampa, and Miami. Archbold has a strong tradition of organismal biology, long-term data
collection, fire ecology, conservation, education, and outreach. Archbold is also notable for
strong collaborative connections with outside scientists, conservationists, and land managers.
Our robust visiting investigator culture, seminar series, and participation in networks (e.g.,
GLEON, NutNet, USDA LTAR) are additional ways that we engage with the broader scientific
community to increase our productivity and impact.
Required Qualifications:
PhD in ecology, botany or a related field
Post-doctoral research experience
Demonstrated ability to conduct high-quality research as shown by publications, presentations,
success in obtaining external funding/grants, and collaborations
Interest in conducting organismal, field-based research in plant population, community, or
ecosystem ecology
Enthusiasm about collaborative research
Ability to take advantage of legacy data collected at Archbold
Interest in research that interfaces with conservation, land management (e.g., prescribed fire,
invasive species), and education
Proven effectiveness in supervising research assistants, graduate students, post-baccalaureate
interns, or undergraduate students
Enthusiasm for continuing to strengthen Archbold’s research internship programs
Enthusiasm about interacting with visiting scientists and the interested public
Qualifications allowing candidate to work in the United States
Experience working in a biological station or similar setting is desirable but not required
Interest in fire ecology and fire management is desirable but not required
Required Application Materials:
• Cover letter describing research experience and interests, including the nexus with Archbold
strategic priorities
• CV or resumé
• Names and contact information for three references
Details
Send required materials to shawkins@archbold-station.org by January 18, 2021
Candidates should be prepared for either virtual/remote and/or in-person interviews.
Visit www.archbold-station.org for more information on our organization
Archbold Biological Station is committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications
from persons from underrepresented groups.
