Description

The Center for Conservation and Sustainable Development at the Missouri Botanical Garden offers short-term fellowships for professionals in conservation biology, ecology, botany, and related fields. The fellowships include travel and support costs for professional visits at the Missouri Botanical Garden lasting 4-12 weeks, varying with each fellowship program.

Fellows will participate in scientific research projects and activities related to the population dynamics of rare plants, reintroduction of endangered plant species, ex situ conservation of native plant species, seed germination ecology of rare plants, and the restoration ecology of native habitats. Fellows will learn hands-on techniques for conserving rare plants in seed banks and living collections, monitoring rare plant populations, restoring and managing native habitats with prescribed fire, and curating data on rare plant species.

Eligibility

• The Fellowships are open to applicants from Mexico, Central America, South America, Madagascar, Vietnam, and Tanzania;
• Individuals who have recently completed an undergraduate degree;
• Graduate students;
• Undergraduate degree in conservation biology, ecology, botany/plant sciences, or a related field and prior research experience;
• Professionals from universities and governmental or nongovernmental organizations;
• Be willing to occasionally work long hours in hot, dry, and wet weather conditions;
• Fellows must have health insurance, which will be provided by MBG;
• Fluency in English preferred.

Fellowship

• Cover the costs of round-trip air travel to St. Louis and lodging in MBG’s visitor apartments;
• A stipend for food, local transportation, and other incidental expenses in St. Louis for a period of 4-6 weeks;
• Fellows will be expected to travel with CCSD staff to conduct fieldwork in the Southeastern United States; all travel expenses and accommodations for fieldwork will be covered by MBG.

How to apply?

Applications will consist of a maximum of eight pages that will include the following documents:

• Cover page form (one page, double-sided);
• Statement of relevant academic preparation and previous research in conservation, ecology, or botany.
• Up-to-date curriculum vitae following the format  (maximum of two pages, 10-point font);
• A copy of the most advanced university degree awarded;
• A letter of recommendation;
• A letter from the institution with which the applicant is affiliated that supports his/her participation in this program.

Register and send electronic applications to: Bascom.fellowship@mobot.org.

For more information please visit the official website.