Associate Professor of Plant Biology and Director of the UNC Herbarium

Job Description

The Department of Biology (https://bio.unc.edu/) and the North Carolina Botanical Garden (https://ncbg.unc.edu) at UNC Chapel Hill are seeking to fill a joint position that will serve as Director of the UNC Herbarium at the North Carolina Botanical Garden (NCBG) and as Associate Professor within the Department of Biology (BIOL). As such, the position will seamlessly integrate between NCBG and BIOL and further the purpose and mission of both entities.

About Us

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Duties & Responsibilities

As Herbarium Director, this person is responsible for the overall management of the UNC Herbarium including authenticating and approving plant material added to the collection; supervising staff, graduate students, undergraduates, and volunteers; developing and implementing program plans and budgets; and providing strategic vision for the Garden’s Plant Biodiversity Research Program. The Herbarium Director should have administrative experience and skill, success in obtaining and administering outside funds, experience and skill in working with public outreach, and demonstrated knowledge, experience, and potential in a botanical field of research, with preference for experience in the flora of North Carolina and the Southeast US. This position has budget authority for the Herbarium and is expected to serve as a member of the Garden’s executive leadership team and participate in garden-wide events and activities that advance the mission of the North Carolina Botanical Garden.

As Associate Professor in Biology, we seek a dynamic plant scientist with a commitment to the application of research to the conservation of the flora and ecosystems of the Southeastern United States. Research topics may include plant taxonomy, ecology, evolution or organismal biology, systematics, conservation, or biogeography, and can employ diverse methods from field-based to molecular to computational/quantitative to landscape analysis. The successful candidate will contribute to the department’s mission of advancing research, education, and service and will be committed to excellence in undergraduate and graduate teaching, mentoring, and service. The Associate Professor will teach at least one full undergraduate course per year in botany, conservation, systematics, ecology, or a related topic and is responsible for building and maintaining an active research portfolio and securing funding from various external sponsors. They will actively participate in the scientific community (internal and external) at UNC-CH and engage in service activities that advance the institution’s work and role in supporting North Carolina.

Education and Experience

All candidates must have earned a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in Botany, Conservation, Ecology, Plant Systematics or related field, must be committed to teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and must be capable of building an active research group, secure competitive external funding, and participate actively in the scientific community at UNC-CH.

Application Instructions

To apply, visit https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/308835.