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Careers in the Plant SciencesHyperspectral Scanning AssistantMissouri Botanical Garden - Saint Louis, Missouri, United States
Position Title:
Hyperspectral Scanning Assistant
Position Type:
Technician
Application Review Begins:
Friday, April 25, 2025
Application Deadline:
Monday, June 30, 2025
Institution:
Missouri Botanical Garden
Department/Division:
Herbarium
Field (e.g., systematics):
City:
Saint Louis, Missouri, United States
General Information:
This is a multi-year position dependent on restricted funding and project duration that will take and database hyperspectral scans of specimens in the Herbarium at the Missouri Botanical Garden. With nearly 8 million specimens of preserved plants, the MBG Herbarium is one of the largest and most active research collections in the world and serves as a core resource for the Garden’s Science and Conservation Division. The successful candidate for this position will join a dedicated team of scientists and support staff in the Herbarium to produce high-quality specimen data to serve urgent global needs in research, conservation, land management, and policymaking. In addition, staff hired in this position will participate in a curatorial mentorship program, attending workshops held by other Garden staff on botanical taxonomy, nomenclature, specimen curation, and collection management to develop their Herbarium skills and knowledge. This role requires excellent attention to detail, time management, interpersonal skills, a thoughtful and collaborative approach to problem solving, and a deep passion for plants. Initial core duties include pulling specimens, taking hyperspectral scans and associated metadata, data quality assurance (QA), and specimen filing. As part of the curatorial mentorship program, duties will expand to include: becoming familiar with the taxonomic literature of one or more target plant families, updating scientific names on specimens according to recent taxonomic treatments, identifying specimens, and improving the accuracy of the physical collection and its associated digital records.
Qualifications/Requirements:
A Bachelor’s degree, ideally in a field relevant to botany, is required. An equivalent combination of education, skills and experience may be considered.
One to three years related experience in general data entry, preferably in the context of herbaria or other research collections. Basic knowledge of scientific data collection, metadata capture, and archival file storage, desired. Basic knowledge of botanical terminology strongly desired. Excellent typing skills and data entry skills. Ability to read cursive writing. Must be punctual, dependable, a self-starter, and possess the ability to effectively multi-task and work under minimal supervision. Ability to read and comprehend instructions and information to effectively execute and achieve results. The Garden is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our employees, volunteers and guests. All staff are strongly encouraged to receive all vaccinations as recommended by your healthcare provider prior to hire date. The Garden reserves the right to require future proof of current vaccination status, based on local health department guidelines. When international travel is necessary for Garden business, staff must be able to obtain required travel clearances, driving permits, and vaccinations for all countries where travel is required. The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.
Responsibilities:
Pulls, takes hyperspectral scans, ensures data quality, and refiles specimens in coordination with other Herbarium and research staff to ensure timely completion of grant deliverables with minimum interruption to other Herbarium activities.
Saves hyperspectral scans to a Missouri Botanical Garden server. Engages in careful and efficient quality control checks to ensure the highest standards in hyperspectral data quality. Works with Hyperspectral Scanning Supervisor and Curator of Biodiversity Data to develop and test workflows to optimize scanning efficiency and improve data quality. Attends curatorial mentorship workshops, lectures, and other events to grow capacity in taxonomy and Herbarium curation. Files specimens, updates scientific names, reads taxonomic literature, and identifies plant collections in one or more target families (developed over time as part of the curatorial mentorship program). Ensures that all applicable safety standards are followed to reduce hazards. Reports all accidents, injuries and near-miss accidents immediately. Follows and adheres to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies. Behaves and communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork and cooperation, within our division and throughout the Garden, with co-workers, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and employees. Performs other duties as assigned.
Application Instructions (submission methods, etc.):
Submit application through Missouri Botanical Garden job website
Compensation Range:
Contact Name:
Matthew Austin, maustin@mobot.org
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