Research Mycologist, Burke Herbarium

Job Description

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills, and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits, and natural beauty.

Under general direction of the Curator, the Research Mycologist serves as the Museum’s primary resource for Pacific Northwest mycology (macrofungi and lichenized fungi). The Research Mycologist is responsible for the following activities; 1) maintaining a program of laboratory and field research in mycology; 2) establishing specimen- and molecular-based research lab capacity in the collections space; 3) directing the Herbarium’s physical and digital mycological collections; 4) generating external funding to support collections growth through field research, exchanges/gifts from other herbaria, and other specimen donations; 5) representing the Herbarium at regional and national meetings; and 6) conducting public outreach through published articles, public lectures, field trips, classes, and workshops.

Duties and Responsibilities

Research

• Conduct systematics research on the collections, including combining molecular and morphological data from living species with evidence from natural history collections, field observations, genetic analyses, and statistical models of evolution
• P ublish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present research at scientific meetings
• Specimen identification and annotation
• Facilitate and mentor research by undergraduate and graduate students, and Herbarium associates Coordinate and lead collecting trips for building the Herbarium’s mycology collections
• Generate funding for the Herbarium’s mycology research activities
• Provide technical, logistical, and administrative support for collaborations with other organizations involving Herbarium resources
• Participate in regional and national service (e.g., review scientific manuscripts and grant proposals, represent Herbarium on professional society committees, etc., primary liaison with MycoPortal project)
• Generate and maintain checklist of Washington macrofungi and lichenized fungi
• Direct the Herbarium’s Fungi of Washington Image Gallery.

Outreach

• Provide mycological information to nonacademic community through writing popular articles, and responding to email and telephone, inquiries
• Assist in the production of the quarterly Herbarium Newsletter
• Provide guest lectures to University of Washington classes
• Provide instruction to revenue generating adult education programs.

Administration

• Fulfill administrative duties associated with the supervisory and fiscal responsibilities, including managing multiple budgets that support the mycological collections
• Serve on graduate student thesis and dissertation committees.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

• Works under general supervision of the Herbarium Curator

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Supervises professional staff, technical contractors, non-student part-time hourly workers, student part-time hourly assistants, and volunteers.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Master’s degree in Biology or a related field
• Four years of experience in collections-based mycological research .

Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. in macrofungi or lichenized fungi systematics, or related fields
• Demonstrated experience with natural history collections research
• Demonstrated experience with mycology specimen collecting
• Peer-reviewed publication record
• Demonstrated record of raising external funds in support of research
• Demonstrated experience with natural history relational database software; strong written and oral communication skills; familiarity with digital photography
• Experience in staff supervision including strong interpersonal skills to mentor undergraduate or graduate student researchers and staff from diverse cultural, socio-economic, and age backgrounds
• Familiarity with molecular systematics.
• Additionally desirable are a demonstrated ability to build partnerships with federal and state agencies, and with local and national mycological organizations
• Ability to cultivate private donor support for collections research
• Familiarity with specimen digitization (imaging, relational database use, georeferencing)
• Desire to apply emerging technologies in research and outreach contexts.
• Experience with relational database management and website development
• Familiarity with SQL, Darwin Core standards, and scripting languages (e.g., PHP, Python, Perl)
• Interest in fundraising
• Strong interest in building community support around the mycology collections through field- and collections-based activities.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$89,592.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$90,000.00 annual

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

Alternate Work Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

UAW Research

About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81 .

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu .

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law .