Careers in the Plant Sciences

Rare Plant RaMP Research Mentee

Atlanta Botanical Garden - Atlanta, Georgia, Fulton

Position Title: Rare Plant RaMP Research Mentee
Position Type: Research Fellow
Application Review Begins: Friday, November 22, 2024
Application Deadline: Friday, March 14, 2025
Institution: Atlanta Botanical Garden
Department/Division: Conservation and Research
Field (e.g., systematics): Plant Biology, Conservation, Botany, Rare plants, Ecology, Evolution, Genetics, Biogeography, Ethnobotany, Economic Botany,
City: Atlanta, Georgia, Fulton
General Information: The Rare Plant RaMP (Research & Mentoring for Post-Baccalaureates in Biological Sciences) program is a one-year research experience intended for individuals who have completed a baccalaureate degree and are interested in gaining research and professional development experience in botany, plant science, or conservation are encouraged to apply.
Participants will be placed at one of four renowned botanical gardens, where they will engage in hands-on research alongside dedicated mentors and esteemed Garden staff. Mentees will have the chance to contribute to impactful research on rare plants, gaining invaluable expertise and networking opportunities. Applicants should indicate their preferred home institution from the following:
Atlanta Botanical Garden: Lauren Eserman-Campbell, Emily Coffey
California Botanic Garden: Naomi Fraga, Carrie Kiel
The Morton Arboretum: Silvia Alvarez-Clare, Sean Hoban
San Diego Botanic Garden: Colin Khoury, Ari Novy, Todd Michael
Program Benefits:
Research Experience: Participate in a year-long, mentor-led research project focused on rare plant species.
Network-wide Meetings: Lead discussions on primary literature, research ethics, science communication, and career development.
Workshops & Exchange Visits: Travel to academic, government, or industry labs to enhance professional growth and attend specialized workshops.
Annual Symposium: Engage in a week-long scientific conference with fieldwork, discussions, and research presentations.
CPC Conference: Present your research at the prestigious Center for Plant Conservation (CPC) Conference in poster format.
Science Communication: Develop and lead a communication project to share your research with a broader audience.
Compensation: Competitive salary with benefits, which will vary at each botanic garden based on the local cost of living.
Learning Outcomes:
Throughout the program mentees will develop many professional skills such as time management by prioritizing tasks and managing time efficiently to meet deadlines and deliver high-quality work. Mentees will work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to achieve project goals, fostering strong communication skills and networking. Additionally, mentees will develop their techniques to effectively communicate research findings to both a scientific audience and the general public.
This program offers unparalleled opportunities for professional growth, hands-on research, and collaboration with experts in the field. Apply to be a part of this exceptional network and advance your career in plant science!
Qualifications/Requirements: Eligibility applies to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals or permanent U.S. residents and those who have completed their bachelor’s degree before participating in the program (Individuals must apply before or within four years of graduation, with extensions allowed for family, medical leave or military service). The Rare Plant RaMP program is committed to serving individuals who are first-generation college graduates, individuals from low-income households and those from groups historically excluded from the STEM workforce. Individuals cannot be currently enrolled or accepted into a graduate program.
Responsibilities: Developing research, Fieldwork, Lab work, presenting posters and presentations at conferences. Responsibilities may vary and depend on each participating institution.
Application Instructions (submission methods, etc.): Please apply through the NSF portal from the link provided.
Compensation Range: Varies by State
Contact Name: Milo Vasquez, mvasquez@atlantabg.org