Research Botanist

The Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT) at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden (FWBG) seeks a highly motivated Research Botanist with a primary focus on plant systematics and complementary interests in floristics, ecology, and/or conservation. Research incorporating a combination of scientific collections, field work, and genomics is preferred. The successful candidate will maintain an active research program as measured by scientific peer-reviewed journal publications, grant-funded proposals in support of research, collections development, collaborations with colleagues, contributions to the institute’s outreach activities, and participation in the graduate programs associated with Texas Christian University (TCU) and the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), including opportunities for teaching in specialty areas. The starting date for the position is flexible; our target date is January 5, 2026.

BRIT Research programs encompass systematics and evolution, conservation, biodiversity informatics, and floristics, including the Texas Floras Project. Institutional resources include the BRIT herbarium of ca. 1.5 million specimens with strengths in Texas, Louisiana, the Southeastern U.S., Mexico, the Neotropics, and Southeast Asia; a botanical library of ca. 125,000 volumes; and a 1,700 sq. ft. molecular and structural laboratory, including a scanning electron microscope. The BRIT Press group publishes botanical literature that is international in scope, including the Journal of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas. BRIT collaborates closely with faculty at TCU and UTA in mentoring and teaching undergraduate and graduate students. The FWBG, one of the largest public gardens in the U.S., comprises 120 acres, 23 specialty gardens, and over 130 staff.

Principal Responsibilities, Duties, and Functions

• Develops a productive, collections-based research program demonstrated through scholarly, peer-reviewed scientific publications.
• Actively contributes to the growth and curation of the BRIT herbarium through regular fieldwork and specimen collection.
• Disseminates the results of scientific research orally and/or through posters at professional venues.
• Supports research through the production and submission of grant proposals.
• Provides curatorial and research support for the BRIT herbarium.
• Contributes to BRIT’s partnerships with local universities in graduate student mentoring, including some teaching in specialty areas.
• Participates in FWBG’s outreach programs to connect stakeholders and the public with research initiatives.
• Speaks to public audiences about plant science.
• Develops and maintains networks and strategic relationships with other research organizations and leaders.
• Works with FWBG Advancement to seek and obtain extramural financial support from private sources.
• Encourages recruitment, training, and retention of research associates and volunteers.
• Maintains an open and collaborative working environment, promoting a collegial spirit among staff members.
• Engages in programs and events offered by FWBG.
• Performs other duties as requested by the Vice President of Research and Conservation.

Position Type, Expected Hours of Work, Travel

This is a full-time exempt position based in Fort Worth, Texas. Regular work schedule is Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; however, this position can require extended hours and occasional weekend work. Local daytime and overnight travel may be required. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, and feel; and reach with hands and arms. Must also be able to work in highly air-conditioned areas as well as occasionally outside during hot weather and must have the physical stamina and skills for field work.

Required Education and Experience

• Ph.D. in plant systematics, biodiversity science, or closely related field.
• Post-doctoral research experience preferred.
• Demonstrated high quality of scientific peer-reviewed publications.
• Success with grant acquisition and raising funds from foundations, state and federal agencies, and other grantors.
• Experience in working productively with diverse people from various fields, nationalities, and backgrounds.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, and ability to communicate with cultural sensitivity to broad and diverse audiences.
• Ability to work with flexibility, efficiency, and diplomacy, both individually and as part of a team.
• Top applicants will be expected to present a 1-hour seminar on their current research.

Application

Please visit our Career’s page to apply: https://fwbg.org/about-us/careers/. Click on Job Openings to go to our application portal and apply by completing a basic application and uploading your Curriculum Vitale, a cover letter, and your statement of research. Applications are due October 31, 2025. Application review will begin in early September. Preferred start date is January 5, 2026 (flexible). Salary starts at $69,000, commensurate with experience plus the many benefits listed on our application portal.

For detailed information about our facilities and current programs, please visit our website at https://fwbg.org/science-conservation/